Retractable Link Mechanism for Portable Controller Size Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smartphone-based controllers are inflexible in terms of size adjustment for storage and portability, and they lack tactile feedback, making them inconvenient for use on touch screens.
Innovation Solution
A control assembly with a link mechanism featuring a retractable mechanism receptacle, a flexible part, and guiding components, allowing the controllers to be adjusted in position and size by deforming the flexible part, enabling them to fit various electronic devices and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional smartphone-based controllers are used, then physical buttons are provided for tactile feedback, but the controllers are inflexible in changing size for storage and portability
Solution Approach 1:
The controller employs a flexible part that can dynamically change its configuration between extended and retracted states. The flexible part includes a flexible circuit board and flexible housing that can bend and deform, allowing the controller to adjust its size while maintaining physical buttons for tactile feedback during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible part can be retracted into a retractable mechanism receptacle when not in use, allowing the controller to adopt a compact form factor for portability. The flexible part extends from the receptacle when needed, enabling the controller to maintain its functional size for operation
2Volume of moving object
If the flexible part is retracted into the retractable mechanism receptacle, then compact storage is achieved, but the distance between controllers becomes adjustable requiring guiding components
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible part comprises a flexible housing and flexible circuit board that can bend and deform. This flexibility allows the controller to retract into a compact form within the receptacle while maintaining the capability to extend to various lengths, reducing the need for complex rigid linkage mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Guiding components are provided within the retractable mechanism receptacle to guide the flexible part during extension and retraction. These guiding components ensure proper alignment and movement of the flexible part without requiring complex mechanical linkages, simplifying the overall mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A control assembly adapted for an electronic device includes two controllers configured to be removably installed on the electronic device and a link mechanism comprising a retractable mechanism receptacle, a flexible part, and two guiding components, the two guiding components are located within the retractable mechanism receptacle, the flexible part is connected between the two controllers, at least part of the flexible part is retractably located in the retractable mechanism receptacle and disposed on the two guiding components, and a distance between the two guiding components is adjustable by the flexible part which is deformable by the two controllers.