Removable Console Faceplate for Customization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gaming consoles lack customization options, leading to a lack of personalization and uniqueness, with existing DIY methods being unprofessional and potentially affecting the console's functionality.

Innovation Solution

A modular face plate design for gaming consoles that allows for easy replacement with different graphic designs, featuring spring actuated doors for dust protection and retaining clips for secure attachment, along with ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing button and port arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users decorate the console with paint and/or accessories to personalize it, then the console gains a more personalized appearance, but the artistic ability of the individual is required and the results can be less than professional

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalization capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The console is divided into modular components, specifically the faceplate that can be easily replaced. This segmentation allows users to change the appearance by swapping faceplates rather than permanently decorating the console, achieving professional-looking personalization without requiring artistic skills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of appearance customization from permanent modification (painting) to reversible replacement (swapping faceplates). This allows users to easily change the aesthetic parameters of the console by selecting different pre-designed faceplates with various graphics and styles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire console is painted to personalize it, then the console gains a personalized appearance, but the console is not available while it is being painted or drying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalization capabilityVSAvoidconsole availability time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the console into a removable faceplate component, the personalization process is separated from the main console body. Users can quickly swap faceplates without prolonged downtime, making the console available much faster compared to painting the entire console which requires extended drying time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple faceplates with different designs are prepared in advance. Users can instantly switch between pre-designed appearances without waiting for any drying or curing process, eliminating the time loss associated with painting and drying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the console is painted to personalize it, then the console gains a personalized appearance, but high levels of artistic ability are required and care and skill are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalization capabilityVSAvoidpersonalization process ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The personalization function is segmented into replaceable faceplate components that come pre-designed with various graphics. Users simply select and attach the desired faceplate rather than creating artwork, eliminating the need for artistic ability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to create original artwork, the invention provides pre-designed faceplate copies with various graphics and styles. Users can choose from multiple pre-created designs without needing artistic skills, making the personalization process accessible to everyone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If DIY methods are used to personalize the console, then the console gains a personalized appearance, but the personalization can adversely impact the functionality of the console

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalization capabilityVSAvoidconsole functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The faceplate is segmented as a separate, non-intrusive component that covers only the aesthetic portions of the console. This segmentation ensures that functional components remain accessible and unaffected, preventing any adverse impact on console functionality while still achieving personalization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The faceplate acts as an intermediary element between the user's personalization desires and the console's functional components. It provides the aesthetic customization without interfering with the underlying functionality, as it can be easily removed if functional access is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7670227B2Changeable console face plate

Publication Date: 2010.03.02 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A console includes a face plate that is removably mounted to a console body by at least one clip. The face plate includes a power button for turning on the console. The face plate further includes a DVD slot that provides access to a DVD tray and a DVD ejection button mounted on the console body. The face plate may include additional features as desired. The ability to readily remove the face plate allows users to switch between a first face plate with a first set of graphics to a second face plate having a second set of graphics. Thus, a console is provided with increased user customizability.