Sector-Geared Feedback Trigger for Variable Resistance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current user-input devices, such as game controllers, cannot dynamically adjust user-perceived states like resistance, tension, or length of trigger travel based on game parameters or user preferences, limiting immersion and interaction fidelity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a user-actuatable trigger with a force-feedback motor that adjusts user-perceived states by applying torque, linear force, or adjustable tension via a spring, allowing dynamic changes in resistance, return speed, and trigger length based on force-feedback signals from a computing device or user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional trigger mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the user-perceived states (resistance, tension, trigger length) cannot be dynamically adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic adjustability of user-perceived statesVSAvoidtrigger mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the trigger mechanism adjustable and adaptable. The trigger assembly includes adjustable components that allow dynamic modification of trigger length, resistance, and tension characteristics. The spring assembly with adjustable pre-load and the variable gear ratio mechanism enable the trigger's mechanical properties to be changed based on different gaming scenarios, transforming a static mechanism into a dynamic one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by providing adjustable trigger travel distance, variable spring pre-load forces, and modifiable gear ratios. These parameters can be customized to create different resistance profiles and trigger characteristics. The ability to change these physical parameters allows the same hardware to simulate different weapon types and gaming conditions, directly addressing the need for dynamic adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed trigger characteristics are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but user experience and immersion are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger assembly productionVSAvoidcustomizability for different games
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the trigger assembly into distinct, independently adjustable modules. The spring assembly, gear mechanism, and trigger arm are separate components that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This modular approach allows each component to be optimized for manufacturing while enabling flexible combination and adjustment in the final assembly, balancing ease of manufacture with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a trigger assembly that can serve multiple functions and adapt to different gaming scenarios. The same basic trigger mechanism can be configured with different spring pre-loads, gear ratios, and trigger travel distances to simulate various weapon types and gaming conditions. This multi-functional design allows a single hardware platform to provide diverse user experiences across different games.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical feedback components are added to adjust resistance and tension, then user-perceived states can be customized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance and tension customizationVSAvoidfeedback mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a gear mechanism as an intermediary between the spring assembly and the trigger arm. The variable gear ratio system acts as a mediator that translates spring force into trigger resistance, allowing for indirect and adjustable control over the user-perceived resistance. This intermediary mechanism provides mechanical advantage and enables fine-tuning of resistance characteristics without requiring direct complex actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring assembly is designed to be self-adjusting through its mechanical configuration. The spring pre-load and gear ratios are set to automatically provide the desired resistance and tension characteristics without requiring active electronic control or power consumption. The mechanical system serves itself by using inherent elastic properties and mechanical advantage to create customizable feedback, reducing the need for additional complex active components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances user experience by providing customizable and immersive feedback that simulates real-world interactions, such as varying resistance profiles for different virtual weapons, improving engagement and realism in gaming and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

a force-feedback motor configured to drive the sector gear based on a force-feedback signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3630317B1Input device with sector geared feedback trigger
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3630317B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3630317B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3630317B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A user-input device includes a user-actuatable trigger configured to pivot about a trigger axis, the user-actuatable trigger including a sector gear, a posture sensor configured to determine a posture of the user-actuatable trigger about the trigger axis, and a force-feedback motor configured to drive the sector gear based on a force-feedback signal.