Portable Game Console Projecting Grip for Clearer Button Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing portable game console design with buttons on the upper surface lacks an efficient arrangement, leading to potential mix-ups and difficulty in simultaneous operation, and there is a risk of device drop when held vertically.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device features a projecting portion on the upper surface with inclined button arrangements and distinct button placements to minimize mix-ups and facilitate easy operation, while also reducing the likelihood of drops by providing a stable grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation buttons are arranged on the upper surface, then the functionality of the electronic device is improved, but the shape of the upper surface becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The upper surface is divided into a flat main area and a separate projecting portion. This segmentation allows the majority of the upper surface to remain simple and easy to manufacture, while the projecting portion accommodates the multiple operation buttons (first operation button, second operation button, third operation button, and fourth operation button) in a structured layout that would be difficult to implement on a completely flat surface.
2Device complexity
If operation buttons are arranged on one side of the upper surface, then the device layout is compact, but users may mix up the buttons and find it difficult to operate them simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the upper surface are assigned different functions and characteristics. The flat main area provides a stable base, while the projecting portion creates a distinct operational zone with buttons arranged in specific patterns (first and second operation buttons on one side, third and fourth operation buttons on the other side). This local differentiation helps users distinguish between buttons and operate them simultaneously without confusion, while maintaining compact overall device dimensions.
3Shape
If the upper surface is completely flat, then the device has a simple shape, but the device may be dropped when held vertically as there is no gripping feature
Solution Approach 1:
The upper surface is segmented into a flat main area and a projecting portion. The projecting portion serves dual purposes: it provides a gripping feature that prevents the device from being dropped when held vertically, and it accommodates the operation buttons in a structured arrangement. This segmentation maintains the simplicity of the overall device shape while adding the necessary functional and safety features.
4Ease of manufacture
If operation buttons are arranged on a flat surface, then the manufacturing is simple, but the buttons are difficult to push simultaneously as fingers must be greatly bent
Solution Approach 1:
The button arrangement transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional projecting portion. This dimensional change allows buttons to be positioned at different heights and spatial locations, creating a more ergonomic layout that accommodates multiple fingers simultaneously. The projecting portion's vertical dimension provides the necessary space for users to press multiple buttons (first, second, third, and fourth operation buttons) without greatly bending their fingers, while the overall manufacturing process remains relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes a front surface, a rear surface, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a first operation button, and a second operation button. A display is arranged at the front surface. The rear surface is located opposite to the front surface. The upper surface is contiguous to the front surface and the rear surface. The lower surface is located opposite to the upper surface. The first side surface is contiguous to each of the front surface, the rear surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface. The second side surface is located opposite to the first side surface. The upper surface is provided with a projecting portion. The first operation button is arranged at the projecting portion and provided closer to the first side surface relative to a center of the upper surface. The second operation button is arranged at the upper surface other than the projecting portion and provided closer to the first side surface relative to the first operation button.