Modular Controller With Removable Actuator Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional controllers lack flexibility in customization options for user input mechanisms, limiting ergonomic and usability adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A modular controller design featuring a removable module member with protruding levers and a processor, allowing for customizable actuator placement and functionality, which can be interchanged or retrofitted into existing controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional controllers use fixed input mechanisms, then manufacturing and structural simplicity is maintained, but user customization flexibility and ergonomic adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into a main body and separate module members that can be independently designed, manufactured, and interchangeably attached. Each module member contains specific actuators (joysticks, buttons, triggers) that can be customized without redesigning the entire controller, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The main controller body is designed with a universal interface (cavity with electrical and mechanical connectors) that can accommodate multiple different module members. This allows a single controller body to support various configurations of actuators, enabling users to customize their controller setup while maintaining a consistent base structure.
2Ease of operation
If controllers provide multiple customization options, then user experience and ergonomic fit improve, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller configuration is made dynamic through the ability to swap module members based on different gaming scenarios or user preferences. Users can attach different module members for different game types or ergonomic needs, allowing the controller to adapt its functionality rather than being static and over-engineered for all possible uses simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different module members are designed with specific actuator configurations optimized for particular use cases or hand positions. Each module can have actuators positioned and styled differently to match specific ergonomic requirements, allowing localized optimization without complicating the entire controller design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If actuators are fixed in position on the controller, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ability to optimize for different user preferences and game types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Actuators are segmented into separate module members that can be independently manufactured using standardized processes. Each module member is designed to fit into a universal cavity on the controller body, allowing manufacturers to produce modules separately and assemble them, simplifying production while enabling flexible actuator configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators are extracted from the main controller body and placed into separate, removable module members. This extraction allows the actuators to be customized and interchanged without affecting the main controller manufacturing process, enabling actuator configuration flexibility while maintaining ease of manufacture for the base unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller can include a controller body having a cavity disposed in a back side of the controller body, a module member that is physically distinct and separate from the controller body removably coupleable to the controller body, the module member having a body sized and shaped to be received in the cavity, and at least one actuator that protrudes from a side of the member body.