Removable Faceted Finger Pad for Game Controller Customization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional game controllers employ a 'one size fits all' approach for finger-manipulatable controls, which may not accommodate individual user preferences in shape, size, or texture, limiting customization and comfort during gameplay.

Innovation Solution

A customizable game controller design that allows for tool-free swapping of removable controller accessories, including finger pads with planar facets, enabling users to customize controls for specific games or personal preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional game controllers use fixed, integrated controls, then manufacturing is simpler and device complexity is reduced, but user customization and comfort are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol customizationVSAvoidcontroller structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is divided into separate modular components: a base controller unit and interchangeable finger pad accessories. Each finger pad is a独立的 removable component that can be attached to or detached from the base controller, allowing users to swap between different configurations without modifying the entire controller structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base controller is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple types of finger pad accessories. This single base unit serves multiple functions by supporting various finger pad configurations, enabling one controller to adapt to different gaming preferences and requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If game controllers provide standardized controls, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but user comfort and performance customization are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidcontroller production
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the customizable finger pad component from the base controller, manufacturing can be optimized for each part independently. The base controller is produced once with a standardized mounting interface, while various finger pad variants can be manufactured separately using cost-effective processes and then assembled through simple attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The finger pad accessories are designed as affordable, easily replaceable components. If a finger pad becomes worn or the user changes preferences, replacing just the inexpensive finger pad is much more economical than replacing or modifying the entire controller, reducing the cost burden on manufacturers and consumers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If controls are fixed and non-removable, then device complexity and manufacturing are simplified, but adaptability to different games and user preferences is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame-specific customizationVSAvoidmodular interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting interface on the base controller is designed as a universal connection system that can securely hold multiple types of finger pad accessories. This single interface structure provides adaptability for different games and user preferences without requiring multiple specialized mounting mechanisms, balancing versatility with interface simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10286307B2Game controller with removable faceted finger pad
Publication Date: 2019.05.14 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US10286307B2 patent drawing
  • US10286307B2 patent drawing
  • US10286307B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A finger pad for a game controller includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side includes a finger interface. The finger interfaces includes a plurality of planar facets. The planar facets are sized and shaped for manual manipulation by a finger. The second side includes a mounting interface.