Input Device Reinforcing Frame Rigidity Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices face challenges in maintaining rigidity, especially when the number of operation buttons increases, which affects performance during complex game operations.

Innovation Solution

The input device incorporates a reinforcing frame with higher rigidity than the main frame, attached to the main frame, and covered by upper and lower cases, ensuring the overall rigidity of the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of operation buttons is increased to support complex game operations, then the functionality and versatility of the input device is improved, but the rigidity of the input device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidrigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The internal structure is segmented into a main frame and a reinforcing frame, where each frame serves a specific structural function. The reinforcing frame is specifically dedicated to providing additional rigidity support without interfering with the functionality provided by the main frame and its operation buttons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The input device employs a composite structural approach by combining the main frame and reinforcing frame into a unified internal structure. This composite structure integrates the functional aspects of the main frame with the rigid support of the reinforcing frame, achieving both versatility and rigidity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a reinforcing frame with higher rigidity is added to the main frame, then the overall rigidity of the input device is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverigidityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing frame is merged with the main frame to form an integrated internal structure. This merging approach allows the two frames to work together as a unified structural system, providing enhanced rigidity while maintaining a relatively simple overall design that does not significantly increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If the main frame is made with higher rigidity material, then the rigidity of the input device is improved, but the weight of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverigidityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the entire main frame structure uniformly rigid, the reinforcing frame is strategically added only in specific locations where additional rigidity is needed. This local quality approach provides the necessary structural support while minimizing the overall weight increase that would result from making the entire device heavier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250073576A1Input device

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC

AI summary

The rigidity of an input device is ensured. The input device includes an internal structure including a main frame and a reinforcing frame formed by a material having a higher rigidity than the main frame and attached to the main frame. A lower case covers the lower side of the internal structure, and is attached to the internal structure. An upper case covers the upper side of the internal structure, and is attached to at least one of the internal structure and the lower case.