Inductive Controller Charging via Magnetic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frequent replacement of batteries in accessory devices like hand-held controllers for video game consoles is costly and requires careful handling of small, fragile charging connectors, which can be damaged easily.
Innovation Solution
A video game controller charging system using inductive coupling between induction coils and magnetic attraction to charge the battery unit, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections and providing a secure, easy-to-use charging mechanism with physical support and status indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional direct electrical connection charging is used, then charging function is achieved, but fragile connectors are easily damaged and require careful handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical direct electrical connection system with an inductive charging system using electromagnetic fields. The charging base and controller contain induction coils that transfer energy wirelessly through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for physical plug-and-socket connections and thereby preventing connector damage while maintaining charging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium between the charging base and the controller. The induction coils generate electromagnetic fields that couple with the receiver coils in the controller, enabling energy transfer without direct electrical contact, thus protecting the original electrical connectors from wear and damage
2Duration of action of moving object
If frequent battery replacement is used, then continuous operation is maintained, but high costs and inconvenience are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic charging by placing the controller on the charging base, which initiates charging without user intervention. The system automatically detects when the controller is placed on the base and begins transferring energy, eliminating the need for users to manually monitor battery levels or connect charging cables
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically receives power when placed on the charging base through inductive coupling. The system self-regulates the charging process, with the controller drawing power as needed without requiring user intervention to connect or disconnect charging components, making battery maintenance as simple as placing the device on the base
3Volume of moving object
If small compact accessory device design is used, then portability is improved, but charging connectors become small and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical connector system entirely by using inductive charging with electromagnetic fields. The charging base and controller contain induction coils that transfer energy wirelessly, removing the need for small, fragile electrical connectors while maintaining the compact form factor of the controller
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary to transfer charging energy without requiring physical contact between small connectors. The induction coils in the base and controller create a magnetic coupling that transfers power through air, eliminating the need for durable small-scale electrical connectors
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
Enables convenient, efficient, and safe charging of hand-held controllers without damaging fragile connectors, reducing battery replacement costs and improving user experience with visual charge status feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the base is configured to inductively charge the battery unit through inductive coupling between the at least one first induction coil and the at least one second induction coil
Implementation Method 2
the at least one video game controller is held in place on the at least one structure by magnetic attraction between the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A video game controller charging system for charging at least one video game controller is provided. The system includes a controller adapter including a battery unit, at least one first induction coil, and at least one first magnet, and is adapted to be received by the at least one video game controller; and a base including a power input, at least one second induction coil, and at least one structure on the base for providing physical support to the controller while the controller is being charged, the at least one structure including at least one second magnet. The base is configured to inductively charge the battery unit through inductive coupling between the at least one first induction coil and the at least one second induction coil when the controller is held in place on the structure by magnetic attraction between the magnets.