Illuminated Control Stick Assembly With Annular Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gaming controllers lack enhancements beyond mere input functionality to provide a more immersive gaming experience, particularly in stimulating visual senses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a control stick with lighting effects, such as RGB lighting, integrated into gaming controllers, which can display breathing lights and spectrum cycling, and is aesthetically distinct, enhancing the gaming experience through visual stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gaming controllers are used with basic input functionality, then the controller structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the sensory experience and user engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensory functions (visual lighting effects, haptic feedback, and input control) into a single integrated control stick assembly. The light guide structure is embedded within the stick housing, and the haptic actuator is integrated into the same assembly, creating a unified component that delivers combined sensory feedback rather than separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The control stick serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an input device for directional control, a visual display element through integrated lighting, and a haptic feedback mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate elements, enhancing sensory experience while managing complexity
2Illumination intensity
If lighting effects are added to enhance visual stimulation, then the sensory experience is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide structure as an intermediary component that receives light from an LED source and distributes it uniformly across the control stick surface. This light guide acts as a mediator between the point-source LED and the broader visual display area, enabling even illumination without requiring complex lighting arrays or diffusing materials
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system uses a localized LED source positioned at a specific location within the stick assembly, rather than distributing multiple light sources throughout. The light guide structure then carries this localized light source's output to illuminate specific regions of the stick, allowing precise visual feedback with minimal components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The control stick with lighting effects provides an enhanced sensory experience, adding visual excitement and immersion to gaming, complementing haptic feedback and other controller features.
Implementation Method 1
an annular light guide structure... configured to transmit light from the light source to a cap of the control stick
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E
AI summary
A control stick including a stick assembly including: an outer tube-like opaque wall; an annular light guide structure disposed inside the outer tube-like opaque wall in a concentric manner wherein an annular end surface of the annular light guide structure is flushed with a first end of the outer tube-like opaque wall; and an elongated central axial member fitted inside the annular light guide structure and held by the annular light guide structure. A first axial end of the elongated central axial member is directed in a same first direction as the first end of the outer tube-like opaque wall. A second axial end of the elongated central axial member includes a control-engagement-element for engaging with a control stick mechanism. The control stick further including at least one light source disposed to transmit light to the annular light guide structure which is directed to the annular end surface thereof.