Modular Transmit Controller With Adjustable MFED Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Model vehicle transmit controllers face challenges in securely accommodating portable multi-function electronic devices (MFEDs) of varying sizes, as existing designs are not adaptable and require additional costly hardware for communication, making it difficult to upgrade existing controllers to be MFED-enabled.
Innovation Solution
A modular transmit controller design featuring a user interface module with a steering control, throttle control, and an attachment portion for an external device module, including a holder mechanism with adjustable sliding plates and springs to securely hold MFEDs of different sizes, and the ability to be upgraded by swapping base modules for MFED compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed size space is used to accommodate MFED, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate MFEDs of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The holder mechanism employs movable components including sliding plates that can move along guide rails and spring-loaded arms that can flex and extend. These dynamic elements allow the holder to adapt its internal dimensions to accommodate MFEDs of varying sizes while maintaining a compact external form factor, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder mechanism is divided into separate functional segments: sliding plates for horizontal adjustment, spring-loaded arms for vertical compression, and adjustable clamps for securing. This segmentation allows each component to independently adjust to different MFED dimensions, providing versatility without requiring a completely complex monolithic structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware components are added for MFED communication, then MFED functionality is enabled, but the cost of the transmit controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmit controller incorporates universal communication interfaces and modular hardware components that can work with multiple types of MFEDs. The base unit includes standardized connectors and processing capabilities that remain functional even when MFEDs are not attached, allowing the same hardware to serve both standalone and MFED-integrated modes, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs compared to dedicated MFED-only designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFED communication and control components are nested within the existing transmit controller architecture rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware. The controller can operate in a simplified mode without MFED integration, and only the necessary additional components are activated or physically connected when an MFED is attached, reducing the average manufacturing cost across all product configurations.
3Reliability
If MFED is held securely to prevent accidental separation, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the attachment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder mechanism utilizes curved guide rails and arc-shaped spring-loaded arms that naturally guide the MFED into proper alignment and provide progressive securing force. The curved geometry allows the simple spring mechanisms to achieve reliable holding through geometric constraint rather than complex mechanical locking, maintaining reliability while minimizing attachment mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded arms and sliding plate mechanism are designed to automatically adjust and secure the MFED based on its insertion. The springs provide self-regulating force that adapts to different MFED sizes, and the sliding plates self-align through the guide rails, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms or multiple separate securing components.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a modular transmit controller is provided. The modular transmit controller has a user interface module including a steering control, a throttle control, and an attachment portion for attachment of an external device module.