Modular Video Game Controller Accessory with Interference Fit Adapters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Video game controller accessories are often designed specifically for particular models and manufacturers, making them incompatible with different geometries and types of controller ports, limiting their versatility across various controller models.
Innovation Solution
A modular accessory design featuring separate body adapters that allow for releasable attachment to different video game controllers through an interference fit, accommodating varying geometries and ports, enabling non-permanent configuration and secure attachment without additional fasteners or adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessories are designed with proprietary and unique designs for specific controller models, then they achieve secure and precise attachment to the intended controller, but they become incompatible with other controller models and manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is divided into two functional segments: a universal attachment mechanism that interfaces with the controller body, and a model-specific adapter component that accommodates different controller geometries. This segmentation allows the accessory to maintain secure attachment through the universal mechanism while adapting to various controller models via interchangeable adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter component serves as an intermediary element between the accessory and the controller. This adapter is geometrically configured to match specific controller geometries while providing a standardized interface for the accessory attachment, thereby enabling compatibility across different controller models without compromising attachment security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are designed to fit multiple different controller geometries, then they achieve broader compatibility across models, but they cannot provide secure and precise attachment to each specific controller type
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory system is segmented into a universal attachment body and model-specific adapter components. The adapter segment is geometrically configured to precisely match specific controller geometries, ensuring secure attachment, while the universal body provides consistent attachment mechanics across all controller types.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory system employs dynamic adaptability through interchangeable adapter components. Users can switch between different adapter geometries depending on the controller model being used, allowing the accessory to maintain optimal attachment security for each specific controller type while preserving broad compatibility across the system.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single accessory design is used across different controller models, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but the accessory cannot accommodate varying controller geometries and ports
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is manufactured as a universal base unit with standardized components, simplifying production. Model-specific adapter components are produced separately with precise geometries for different controllers. This segmentation allows the majority of the accessory to be mass-produced efficiently while only the smaller adapter segments require model-specific manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory employs a universal attachment mechanism that functions across all controller models, eliminating the need to manufacture entirely different accessory designs for each controller. Only the small adapter components vary by model, allowing the bulk of the accessory to be produced through a single manufacturing process while still accommodating different controller geometries.
4Reliability
If accessories use permanent attachment methods, then they provide secure and stable connection, but they cannot be easily removed or reconfigured for different controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic reversible connection. The adapter components are designed with interference fit geometries that provide stable, secure attachment during use, while allowing for deliberate removal and reconfiguration. This dynamic design enables the connection to be both stable during operation and easily reconfigurable when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment parameters are optimized to provide sufficient friction and mechanical interlocking for stable connection during normal use, while remaining below the threshold of permanent bonding. The interference fit geometry creates a connection that is stable under operational forces but can be disassembled with moderate force, enabling reversibility without compromising connection stability during use.
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
The modular accessory can be easily attached and detached from various controllers, ensuring compatibility across different models and manufacturers, enhancing versatility and user convenience while maintaining a secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
Each of first and second body adapters is geometrically configured for releasable attachment, by interference fit, to the body. Each of first and second body adapters also comprises a mating part that is geometrically configured for releasable attachment, by interference fit, to the mating part of the first controller and the second controller, respectively.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory for video game controller has a body that can be alternately attached to either first video game controller (e.g., Xbox One™ controller) or a second video game controller (e.g., Xbox Series X|S™ controller) having differing geometry, and an accessory port that can be connected to controller ports of differing types (e.g., USB micro-B type and standard C type). The attachment of the body is achieved by first and second body adapters that are releasably attachable, by interference fit, to the body, and to the first and second controllers, respectively. The connection of the accessory port is achieved by first and second accessory port adapters that are releasably connectable to the accessory port, and to the first and second controller ports, respectively.