Operation Button Layout With Overlapping Surface for User Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some users are not satisfied with the operational comfortability of conventional input devices.
Innovation Solution
The input device features a main body with a first operation button and multiple second operation buttons, including an extended portion that covers part of the first operation button, allowing for improved user comfort through enhanced surface area and ergonomic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation button has a standard size and shape, then the device structure remains simple, but the operational comfortability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The operation button is divided into multiple surface portions (first upper surface portion, second upper surface portion, extended portion) with different functions. The extended portion protrudes from the main body and covers part of the first upper surface portion, creating distinct operational zones that improve comfortability while maintaining structural clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The button design transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional structure with the extended portion protruding outward. This adds a vertical dimension to the button layout, creating multiple operational surfaces at different heights and positions, thereby enhancing ergonomic comfort
2Ease of operation
If the button surface area is increased for better hand placement, then operational comfortability improves, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding the button area horizontally, the design utilizes the vertical dimension by creating an extended portion that protrudes from the main body. This provides additional surface area for hand placement without increasing the device's footprint on the horizontal plane
Solution Approach 2:
The extended portion is integrated into the overall button structure, with the second upper surface portion positioned on the extended portion and the first upper surface portion on the main body. This nested arrangement maximizes usable surface area within a compact form factor
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a novel input device capable of improving operational comfortability for users not satisfied with operational comfortability of conventional input devices. A controller (2000) includes a main body (2100), a first operation button (2110) attached to the main body, and a second operation button (2120E) attached to the main body at a position different from a position at which the first operation button is attached. The first operation button includes an upper surface portion that constitutes an operation portion operated by a user. The second operation button includes an upper surface portion (2123E) constituting an operation portion operated by the user, and includes an extended portion (2132E) that is provided at a part of the upper surface portion of the second operation button and that covers a part of the upper surface portion of the first operation button.