Magnetic Game Controller Attachment With Integrated Button Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game controllers lack efficient and reliable mechanisms for attachment to main body apparatuses, particularly in terms of magnetic interaction and button functionality, which can lead to instability and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A game controller design featuring magnets and soft magnetic materials for button attraction, elastic deformation, and magnetic force-based movement, allowing secure attachment and operation within a recessed area of the main body apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets are used for attachment, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment mechanisms (screws, clips, latches) with magnetic attraction forces. Magnets are embedded in the main body apparatus and corresponding magnetic components are integrated into the game controller, enabling secure attachment through magnetic force without complex mechanical fastening systems. This substitution improves attachment reliability while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the main body apparatus and game controller. The magnets and magnetic components interact through this magnetic field intermediary to achieve secure attachment, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact and complex fastening mechanisms. This intermediary approach enhances reliability while simplifying the attachment system.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic force is used for button operation, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where magnetic force automatically pushes the button in the correct direction when the controller is attached to the main body apparatus. The magnetic attraction between the magnets and magnetic components inherently provides the forcing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate spring mechanisms or complex actuation systems. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while the integrated design helps manage manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the button actuation mechanism with the attachment mechanism by using the same magnetic force for both purposes. The magnetic components that provide attachment also simultaneously push the button, combining two functions into one mechanism. This merging improves ease of operation as the button automatically activates during attachment, while the integrated design approach helps mitigate manufacturing precision challenges.
3Reliability
If buttons are made with magnetic materials, then reliability of magnetic interaction is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the buttons, combining magnetic materials (such as ferrite or rare earth magnets) with appropriate housing materials. This composite approach ensures reliable magnetic interaction while allowing each material to be optimized for its specific function. The magnetic component provides reliable magnetic interaction, while the housing material can be selected for ease of manufacturing, thus balancing reliability and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the button assembly into separate magnetic components and housing components. The magnetic elements are integrated into the button structure, while the housing provides mechanical support and positioning. This segmentation allows the magnetic components to be manufactured with high precision for reliable interaction, while the housing can be manufactured more easily using standard techniques, thereby balancing reliability requirements with manufacturing ease.
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
Ensures stable and removable attachment, enhances user interaction with buttons, and facilitates efficient electrical connectivity, improving overall gaming experience.
Implementation Method 1
The first button is to be attracted by magnetic force to the first magnet. The second button is to be attracted by magnetic force to the second magnet.
Data Source
AI summary
A game controller is removably attachable to a main body apparatus including a recess and first and second magnets. The game controller includes a first input portion, a projection, a first button, and a second button. The first input portion is provided on a front surface. The projection projects from a first side surface and extends along a longitudinal direction of the first side surface. The projection is configured to be matched with the recess. The first button and the second button are provided along the longitudinal direction on a top surface of the projection. The first button and the second button are to be pressed down by a user. The first button is to 10 be attracted to the first magnet by magnetic force. The second button is to be attracted to the second magnet by magnetic force.