Programmable Button Actuation Force Using Magnetic Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gaming accessories, such as keyboards and controllers, often employ fixed resistance mechanisms for button presses, which can be inefficient and lack customization options, impacting gamer performance and accessory management across multiple devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a variable actuation force input system using a combination of a variable force magnet and ferromagnetic materials, which adjusts resistance through magnetic fields and spring mechanisms, allowing for programmable pressing and rebounding forces, enabling customizable input experiences across various gaming accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed resistance mechanisms are used in gaming accessories, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and customization options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization optionsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements variable resistance mechanisms that allow the actuation force of buttons and inputs to be dynamically adjusted. Magnetic components and spring mechanisms are configured to provide programmable pressing and rebounding forces, enabling the accessory to adapt to different gaming scenarios and user preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the actuation mechanism by using variable force magnets and adjustable spring tensions. This allows the resistance level to be modified without fundamentally changing the device structure, achieving customization through parameter adjustment rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If variable actuation force mechanisms are implemented, then adaptability and customization are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogrammable actuation forcesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional purely mechanical resistance mechanisms with a hybrid system incorporating magnetic fields. Variable force magnets interact with ferromagnetic materials to provide adjustable resistance, reducing the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms while achieving variable actuation forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the variable resistance mechanism to serve multiple functions: providing baseline resistance, enabling programmable pressing forces, and providing programmable rebounding forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If magnetic fields and spring mechanisms are used to adjust resistance, then ease of operation is improved through customization, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interactionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies magnetic components and spring mechanisms locally at specific button or input locations rather than throughout the entire device. This allows customization of individual inputs while keeping the rest of the device simple to manufacture, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution enhances gaming performance by providing customizable resistance levels, improving user interaction and accessory management through programmable actuation forces, allowing for tailored input experiences across multiple gaming devices.

Implementation Method 1

a variable force magnet and ferromagnetic materials, which adjusts resistance through magnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The magnetic field can interact with a ferromagnetic material at a second portion of the button to create a magnetic resistance to pressing of the button

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic resistance: Magnetic Reluctance

Implementation Method 3

spring mechanisms, allowing for programmable pressing and rebounding forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240416224A1Programmable actuation force input for an accessory and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 STEELSERIES APS

AI summary

A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a button including a fixed force magnet coupled to a first housing assembly component serving as a top portion of the button, a variable force magnet coupled to a second housing assembly serving as a bottom portion of the button, and a spring coupled to the fixed force magnetic and the variable force magnet for repelling the fixed force magnet from the variable force magnet according to a spring constant of the spring. The variable force magnet emitting a magnetic field to counter the spring constant and thereby adjust a force required to depress the button. Additional embodiments are disclosed.