Magnetic Operation Button Attachment for Easy Input Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices with detachable operation buttons face challenges in easy attachment and detachment, necessitating improved mechanisms for user-friendly button attachment.

Innovation Solution

The input device employs magnetic structures and engaging portions on operation buttons and button receiving portions, allowing for easy attachment and detachment through magnetic forces and engaging mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If operation buttons are made detachable to allow user preference, then adaptability is improved, but attachment work becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebutton customizationVSAvoidattachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment mechanisms (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The magnetic structure generates magnetic force that automatically attracts and secures the operation button to the main body, eliminating complex mechanical assembly steps while maintaining secure attachment and enabling easy detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic structure as an intermediary between the main body and the operation button. This magnetic structure includes magnetic poles that create a magnetic field, serving as a mediating force that facilitates both attachment and detachment without direct mechanical contact or complex interlocking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If magnetic structures are added to facilitate attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebutton attachmentVSAvoidmagnetic structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the magnetic structure with existing components of the main body or operation button, integrating the magnetic poles into the design without adding separate, standalone magnetic assemblies. This integration approach simplifies the overall structure by combining multiple functions into unified components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides attachment force, enables easy detachment, and can be integrated into existing component designs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates user-friendly and efficient attachment and detachment of operation buttons, enhancing operational comfort and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

an operation button attached to the button receiving portion by magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4607561A1Input device and operating button
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP4607561A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4607561A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4607561A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an input device and an operation button capable of facilitating operation button attachment work. A controller (2000) includes a first magnetic structure that is provided on one of a button receiving portion (2301) and an operation button (2301) and that includes at least two magnetic poles disposed away from each other in a first direction, and a second magnetic structure that is provided on the other of the button receiving portion and the operation button and that includes a magnetic body (2152) or a magnet facing the at least two magnetic poles. The operation button includes an engaging portion (2151) that is located in a second direction crossing the first direction with respect to the at least two magnetic poles and that engages with the button receiving portion.