Smartphone Clamp Controller With Capacitive Tips for Precise RC Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote controllers for radio-controlled instruments have limitations such as limited control range, interference, signal loss, limited channels and controls, and battery life issues, while smartphone apps lack physical controls and tactile feedback, making precise control challenging.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a fixing support assembly, a steering assembly, and a throttle assembly that rigidly clamps a smartphone and uses capacitive tips to transmit user input for steering and throttle control, providing haptic return and precision without the need for a radio link or electric energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If smartphone apps are used for remote control, then portability and versatility are improved, but tactile feedback and control precision are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidcontrol precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of both smartphone apps and physical remote controllers by integrating capacitive tips with mechanical assemblies. The capacitive tips maintain contact with the smartphone screen to provide tactile feedback, while the mechanical assemblies enable precise physical control inputs, thus combining the portability of apps with the precision of physical controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitive tips act as intermediaries between the user's fingers and the smartphone screen. These tips transmit the capacitive effect of fingers to the screen surface, enabling the smartphone to detect precise control inputs while maintaining tactile feedback through the tip's physical contact with the screen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If conventional remote controllers are used, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex electronic systems of conventional remote controllers with a simpler mechanical system. The steering and throttle assemblies use mechanical linkages and capacitive coupling instead of electronic circuits, eliminating the need for batteries, radio transmitters, and complex electronics while maintaining control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitive tips and mechanical assemblies are passive devices that do not require external power sources. They utilize the capacitive effect of the user's fingers and mechanical energy from hand movements to operate, making the device self-sufficient without batteries or power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If electronic remote controllers are used, then control functionality is improved, but reliability is reduced due to signal interference and battery limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidsignal reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the radio communication function from the control device itself, leaving only the mechanical control input mechanism. The capacitive tip system communicates control inputs through direct screen contact without radio signals, eliminating susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and signal loss while maintaining control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables precise and responsive control of radio-controlled instruments with haptic feedback, is compatible with any smartphone size, and does not require power, offering improved control accuracy and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The steering assembly and the throttle assembly are configured to transmit capacitive effect of fingers of the user to the screen of the smartphone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive effect: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20250165083A1Apparatus for enabling a smartphone into a remote controller for a radio-controlled instrument

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 VAN RUYMBEKE EDWIN

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for enabling a smartphone into a remote controller for a radio-controlled instrument. The apparatus comprises a fixing support assembly, a steering assembly, and a throttle assembly. The fixing support assembly is configured for rigidly clamping a smartphone. The steering assembly is set over the fixing support assembly and configured for maneuvering a first capacitive tip over screen surface of the smartphone for providing steering control over the radio-controlled instrument. The throttle assembly is set over the fixing support assembly and configured for maneuvering a second capacitive tip over the screen surface for providing throttle control over the instrument. The steering assembly and the throttle assembly are configured to transmit capacitive effect of fingers of the user to the screen of the smartphone in order to remotely control the radio-controller instrument.