Gaming Joystick Button Mechanism With Active Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gaming joysticks lack active force feedback and adjustable tactile feedback, which negatively impacts the gaming experience.
Innovation Solution
A button mechanism with a motor-driven rotary member and protrusion system that provides active force feedback, including a movable member and a rotary member connected by a motor, where the rotary member rotates to simulate tactile feedback upon user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional button mechanisms are used in gaming joysticks, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing is simple, but the tactile feedback is not adjustable and active force feedback function is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The button mechanism incorporates a motor-driven rotary member that can dynamically adjust the tactile feedback characteristics. The rotary member rotates to different positions (including a feedback position) to provide adjustable resistance and active force feedback, transforming a static button into a dynamic, adaptive component that can modify its mechanical properties based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional purely mechanical button mechanisms with a hybrid system that integrates an electric motor. The motor drives the rotary member to rotate and provide active force feedback, substituting simple mechanical springs or dampers with an electromechanical system that offers programmable and adjustable tactile characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If a motor-driven rotary member is added to provide active force feedback, then the tactile feedback becomes adjustable and realistic, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the button actuation function with the force feedback function into a single integrated mechanism. The movable member and rotary member work together as a unified system where the rotation of the rotary member directly influences the tactile feedback experienced by the user, combining multiple functions into one compact assembly rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary member serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical element for button actuation, a feedback element for providing tactile resistance, and a controllable element for delivering active force feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing complexity through versatile design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rotary member rotates to provide force feedback, then realistic tactile feedback such as recoil simulation is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal ball roller on the protrusion serves as a self-lubricating and self-aligning element. It automatically compensates for minor positioning variations and friction irregularities through its rolling action, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining smooth operation and consistent tactile feedback characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal ball roller that changes the friction parameter between the protrusion and the movable member. By introducing rolling contact instead of sliding contact, the system reduces friction and wear, allowing for more tolerant manufacturing tolerances while maintaining reliable force feedback delivery and tactile realism.
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
Enhances the gaming experience with realistic tactile feedback, such as recoil simulation, by adjusting the resistance and providing active force feedback, while being modular and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a motor disposed on the frame, a rotary member connected to the motor
Implementation Method 2
the protrusion includes a universal ball roller
Implementation Method 3
a resilient member connecting the movable member to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A button mechanism is provided, including a frame, a motor disposed on the frame, a rotary member connected to the motor, a protrusion disposed on the rotary member, and a movable member hinged to the frame. When the movable member moves relative to the frame in the first direction, the protrusion contacts the movable member, and the rotary member is driven by the motor to rotate, whereby the movable member is pushed back by the protrusion so that it moves in the second direction, which is the opposite of the first direction.