Pivotable Trigger Buttons with Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Game controllers with removable trigger buttons face issues of accidental activation and damage during storage, and the removal process can be inconvenient, especially when tools are required and there is a risk of misplacement.

Innovation Solution

A game controller design featuring trigger buttons that can be adjusted between an operable and retracted position using a locking mechanism, allowing the buttons to be stowed away within the housing, preventing accidental activation and damage without the need for removal, utilizing a pivotable mechanism and spring elements for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If trigger buttons are made removable to prevent accidental activation and damage, then protection against accidental activation and damage is improved, but the risk of misplacement and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against accidental activation and damageVSAvoidremovable mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger buttons are designed to be dynamically adjustable between two positions: an extended operable position for normal use and a retracted storage position for protection. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to adapt to different usage scenarios, providing protection when needed while maintaining full functionality during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger buttons are nested within the controller housing when in the retracted position. The buttons slide into recesses or cavities formed in the housing, effectively hiding and protecting them. This nesting approach eliminates the need for completely removable buttons while providing the same protection benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If trigger buttons are extended out of the housing for operability, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of damage and accidental activation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger button accessibilityVSAvoidrisk of damage and accidental activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger buttons are designed to be dynamically adjustable between two positions: an extended operable position for normal use and a retracted storage position for protection. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to adapt to different usage scenarios, providing protection when needed while maintaining full functionality during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If trigger buttons are made fixed to prevent misplacement, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental activation and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger button stabilityVSAvoidprotection during storage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger buttons are designed to be dynamically adjustable between two positions: an extended operable position for normal use and a retracted storage position for protection. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to adapt to different usage scenarios, providing protection when needed while maintaining full functionality during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively prevents accidental trigger button activation and damage during storage by allowing them to be securely retracted within the controller, enhancing user convenience and reducing the risk of misplacement.

Implementation Method 1

A spring element may be provided to bias the trigger button towards the bracket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3554660B1Game controllers
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 RAZER ASIA PACIFIC
  • EP3554660B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3554660B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3554660B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

According to various embodiments, there is provided a game controller including: a trigger button rotatable between a first position and a second position by rotating about a rotation axis, the trigger button being depressible in a direction to activate a switch when the trigger button is in the first position, wherein the direction is at least substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis; and a locking mechanism configured to constrain rotation of the trigger button when the trigger button is in the first position, and further configured to constrain rotation of the trigger button when the trigger button is in the second position.