Expandable Modular Control Layout for Custom Editing Consoles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices, such as editing consoles, have fixed layouts that do not allow for physical customization of button and control placements, making them inconvenient for users who require different arrangements for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular control device with a module base and an expandable control body that can move between retracted and extended positions, featuring detachable electronic modules with snap-fit connections, allowing for customizable layouts and easy addition or removal of modules such as keyboards, touchpads, and touchscreen modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed layout is used for control devices, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability for different applications is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is divided into a module base and multiple detachable electronic modules (keyboard module, touchpad module, button module, audio module, touchscreen module, rotary knob module, scroll module). Each module can be independently connected or disconnected from the module base, allowing users to configure different module combinations based on specific application needs, thereby achieving high adaptability without requiring a completely different device for each use case.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device transitions from a static fixed layout to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The expandable control body can move between retracted and extended positions, and electronic modules can be detached and reattached at different positions on the module base. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the device to adapt its physical layout according to different application requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Ease of operation
If customizable layouts are implemented, then user convenience is improved, but the ease of manufacture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The module base is designed with universal mounting structures and standardized electrical connectors that can accommodate multiple types of electronic modules. The same base structure supports keyboard modules, touchpad modules, button modules, audio modules, touchscreen modules, rotary knob modules, and scroll modules. This universal design simplifies manufacturing by using a single standardized platform rather than requiring separate manufacturing processes for different layout configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the control device into standardized modules with defined interfaces, the manufacturing process is simplified. Each electronic module can be manufactured independently using standardized procedures, and then assembled to the module base using consistent mounting mechanisms. This segmentation approach reduces manufacturing complexity compared to custom-building each configuration from scratch.
3Reliability
If multiple control devices are used for different applications, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the quantity of devices required increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single control device with the modular architecture can serve multiple applications by configuring different combinations of electronic modules. The module base with its standardized interfaces can accommodate various module types, enabling one device to replace multiple specialized control devices while maintaining functional optimization for each application through selective module installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design merges the functionality of multiple separate control devices into a single reconfigurable platform. Users can combine different electronic modules (e.g., keyboard module, touchpad module, audio module) on one device to achieve the functionality previously requiring separate devices, thereby reducing the total number of devices needed while preserving functional capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If physical customization of button and control placements is allowed, then user convenience is improved, but the stability of the device composition is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented into a stable module base and detachable electronic modules. The module base maintains a stable, fixed composition that provides structural integrity and consistent mounting positions. The electronic modules can be detached and reattached to different positions on the module base using standardized mechanical connections, allowing physical customization while maintaining overall compositional stability through the rigid base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device composition transitions from complete stability to controlled dynamicity. The module base remains stable and unchanged, while the electronic modules can be dynamically repositioned or replaced. This selective dynamics allows users to customize button and control placements according to their needs while the stable module base ensures the overall device composition remains reliable and consistent.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a modular control device. The modular control device includes a module base having a main control body having a plurality of first electrical connectors and a plurality of first positioning structures, and an expandable control body having a plurality of first electrical connectors and a plurality of first positioning structures, wherein the expandable control body is movably positioned with respect to the main control body and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position, and a plurality of electronic modules, each electronic module having a second electrical connector and a plurality of second positioning structures, wherein each electronic module is detachably connectable to the module base via connection of the second electrical connector to one of the first electrical connectors and positioning of the second positioning structures with the first positioning structures for electrical connection and mechanical positioning.