Single-Handed Gaming Controller with Ball-and-Socket Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gaming controllers require two hands and dexterous fingers, making them inaccessible for individuals with disabilities such as amputees or those with limited upper limb control, as they often necessitate awkward positions or are designed for specific disabilities.
Innovation Solution
A video game controller with a ball and socket mechanism, ergonomic handle, and thumb sticks designed for single-handed use, featuring a contoured semi-cylindrical portion for comfortable grip, elongated rectangular buttons, and wireless communication for seamless interaction within virtual environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gaming controllers are designed with multiple controls and two-hand operation, then control functionality and virtual environment navigation capability are improved, but accessibility for players with disabilities is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into distinct functional zones: a grip portion for hand placement, a thumb stick portion with controls accessible by thumb, and additional buttons accessible by other fingers. This segmentation allows players with limited hand mobility to operate the controller using only one hand, while still providing access to multiple control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of controls, placing different types of controls (thumb sticks, buttons, triggers) at different heights and positions around the grip. This vertical and radial distribution of controls across multiple dimensions allows a single hand to access all controls without requiring awkward hand positions or movements.
2Ease of operation
If controllers are designed for specific disabilities, then accessibility for those specific disabilities is improved, but versatility across different disability types is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The controller design incorporates universal accessibility features that benefit multiple types of disabilities. The one-handed operation capability serves both amputees and individuals with limited mobility in one arm. The ergonomic grip and strategically positioned controls accommodate various hand sizes and abilities, making the controller universally applicable across different disability types rather than specialized for one condition.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for an interactive video game controller designed to be operated by an individual's left or right hand where the video game controller may be placed or positioned on a stable surface such as a table, the player's leg, or other level apparatus. The interactive video game controller may have a handle, shaft, and base whereby the handle may be moved relative to the base operating a directional input control. The interactive video game may also have a plurality of finger buttons on the top surface of the handle and thumb sticks on a semi-cylindrical portion of the handle so that the individual with only one hand may utilize all controls without the video game controller needed to be lifted or replaced during use or the individual needing to let go of any of the controls to interact with the other controls.