Rear-Mounted Paddle Levers for Simultaneous Thumb Stick Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional game controllers require users to remove their thumbs from thumb sticks to operate additional actions, leading to loss of control, especially in games that require aiming or using direction pads, as these actions are typically controlled by buttons or pads on the front of the controller.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of paddle levers on the rear of the controller, operable by the middle, ring, or little fingers, allowing users to activate control functions without removing their thumbs from the thumb sticks, with the paddles being inherently resilient and flexible, and disposed in channels for stability and easy engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional controls are mounted on the front of the controller, then more control functions are available, but the user must remove their thumbs from the thumb sticks to operate them, causing loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves additional controls from the front surface to the rear surface of the controller, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) to resolve the conflict. Paddle levers are mounted on the rear of the controller body, allowing them to be operated by fingers other than thumbs while maintaining thumb contact with thumb sticks. This spatial reconfiguration enables simultaneous operation of multiple control types without compromising control stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If buttons or pads are placed on the front of the controller for additional actions, then more game functions can be controlled, but the user's grip and control of thumb sticks is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates additional controls to the rear dimension of the controller, allowing operation by middle, ring, or little fingers while thumbs remain engaged with thumb sticks. This enables simultaneous operation of paddle levers and thumb stick controls without compromising grip control.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle levers act as intermediary controls that bridge the gap between traditional button layouts and the need for continuous thumb stick control. These levers can be operated by fingers other than thumbs, serving as a mediator that adds functionality while preserving the primary control method.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional buttons are used for additional actions, then control functions are expanded, but the user must displace their thumbs from the thumb sticks
Solution Approach 1:
By placing paddle levers on the rear surface of the controller, the patent enables operation by fingers other than thumbs. This eliminates the time loss associated with moving thumbs between thumb stick and button controls, as both can be operated simultaneously by different fingers.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear-mounted paddle levers allow continuous operation of additional controls while maintaining continuous control of thumb sticks. This eliminates the interruptive nature of conventional button operation where thumbs must be displaced, thereby maintaining continuity of useful action without time loss.
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
Enables users to operate additional actions without compromising their grip or control of thumb sticks, enhancing gaming experience by allowing simultaneous use of thumb sticks and paddle levers without thumb displacement, thus improving control and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one additional control comprising a first elongate member which is inherently resilient and flexible such that it can be sufficiently displaced by a user to activate a control function
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 in the same manner as a conventional controller (1). Additionally, the controller (10) of the invention may comprise the same controls (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) as a conventional controller (1). The controller of the present invention (10) is advantageous as it additionally comprises additional controls (11A, 11B, 11C, 11D) located on the rear of the controller (10) in a position to be operated by the middle fingers of a user (12). The additional controllers (11A, 11B, 11C, 11D) may be paddle levers and may replicate the functions of one or more of the controls (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) located on the front or top of the controller (10).