Pivotable Smartphone Cradle for Game Controller Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphone-based videogame input devices lack precision and accuracy, and players accustomed to console controllers face a degraded gaming experience due to the need to carry separate controllers, which compromises the portability and communication benefits of smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A videogame controller with a housing and a pivotable cradle designed to hold a smartphone, featuring input devices like analog sticks and buttons, allowing wireless communication and a locking mechanism for secure device retention, enabling precise gaming while maintaining smartphone portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smartphone is used for videogame input, then portability and communication capability are improved, but precision and accuracy of input devices deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a smartphone with a game controller by providing a cradle that securely holds the smartphone and integrates controller components (analog sticks, buttons, triggers) into the cradle structure. This merging allows the smartphone to function as both a communication device and a precise gaming input device, eliminating the need to choose between portability and input precision.
2Measurement precision
If a separate game controller is carried with the smartphone, then input precision is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the game controller functionality directly into the smartphone cradle structure, combining what would traditionally be separate devices (smartphone and controller) into a single portable unit. The cradle houses all controller components including analog sticks, buttons, and triggers, eliminating the need to carry a separate controller while maintaining full gaming functionality.
3Measurement precision
If the cradle is always extended to hold the smartphone, then gaming precision is improved, but portability and ease of carrying deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed with a pivotable connection to the housing, allowing it to dynamically adjust between an extended position (when gaming is needed) and a retracted position (when portability is prioritized). This dynamic design enables the user to extend the cradle only when needed for gaming, maintaining smartphone accessibility and ease of carrying when gaming is not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle is segmented from the main housing through a pivotable connection, allowing independent movement of the cradle portion. This segmentation enables the cradle to be extended or retracted relative to the housing, providing flexibility in both gaming and carrying modes without compromising the integrity of the overall device.
Data Source
AI summary
A game controller for use with handheld game devices, for example smartphones, includes a cradle for holding the smartphone. The cradle is pivotable between an open position, extending from a base of the game controller, and a closed position in which the cradle is about a bottom wall of the base.