Pivoting Front Actuator for Faster Game Controller Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional game controllers face issues with increased time and inaccuracy when switching between controls due to the different elevations of direction pads and thumb sticks, leading to unintentional interactions and loss of control, particularly in precision games.
Innovation Solution
A pivotally adjustable actuator system with a mounting mechanism that allows the actuator surface to be inclined in multiple directions, enabling seamless transitions between controls and reducing accidental inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direction pads and thumb sticks are mounted at different elevations on the controller, then each control can be distinctly accessed, but the switching time between controls increases and input accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator surface is made pivotally adjustable, allowing it to change its inclination angle relative to the controller front. This introduces a new degree of freedom (angular dimension) to the control surface, enabling it to dynamically align with either the thumb stick or direction pad elevation plane, thus reducing switching time while maintaining distinct accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator surface transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position. The pivotal mechanism allows the surface to be reconfigured between different angular positions, enabling real-time adaptation to match the elevation of adjacent controls, thereby eliminating the time penalty associated with static elevation differences
2Ease of operation
If direction pads and thumb sticks are mounted at different elevations on the controller, then each control can be distinctly accessed, but input accuracy decreases due to unintentional interactions
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing angular adjustability as an additional dimension, the actuator surface can precisely align with the intended control plane. This dimensional freedom allows for exact positioning that eliminates accidental activation of adjacent controls while preserving the distinct accessibility benefits of elevated mounting
3Adaptability or versatility
If controls are made adjustable and customizable, then user preference and precision can be optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is segmented into distinct functional components: the mounting structure, the pivotal connection mechanism, and the adjustable surface. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and optimized, managing overall complexity while enabling customization capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotally adjustable actuator surface serves multiple functions: it acts as a button surface, an alignment element for adjacent controls, and a configurable interface element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an improved controller (10) for a games console. The invention is a games controller (10) that is intended to be held by a user in both hands. Additionally, the controller of the invention (10) may comprise a plurality of controls located on the front and top of the controller. The controller of the present invention (10) is advantageous as it additionally comprises an actuator mounted to one of the plurality of controls located on the front of the controller.