Steering Wheel Controller for Portable Game Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable game machines lack a steering wheel controller, making it inconvenient for users to operate games that require steering wheel input, such as automobile or car racing games, as they are forced to use handlebars instead.
Innovation Solution
A portable game machine controller featuring a steering wheel with a rotary unit, base, supporting frame, and piezoelectric switch that enables mechanical power transfer without electric power, allowing users to control function keys through the steering wheel's actions via levers and power transfer units like gear, cam, or lever systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a steering wheel controller is added to a portable game machine, then the ease of operation for racing games is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the steering wheel controller within the portable game machine housing, nesting the controller components inside the existing device structure. The steering wheel (10) is positioned within the housing (3) and connected to internal components, effectively nesting the controller within the game machine to improve ergonomics without significantly increasing external dimensions or overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel controller incorporates multiple function keys (12) and a rotary unit (14) that can perform various control functions. The same steering wheel structure serves both as a directional control and as a platform for additional control functions, making the device multi-functional and reducing the need for separate control mechanisms
2Use of energy by moving object
If mechanical power transfer is used instead of electric power, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical connection system with a mechanical power transfer system. Instead of using electrical contacts and wiring to transmit power and signals, the invention uses a mechanical linkage system involving a rotary unit (14) with gear teeth that engage with corresponding gear teeth on a transmission shaft (46), transferring mechanical energy directly from the steering wheel to the game machine's internal mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of the rotary unit (14), transmission shaft (46), and gear mechanisms as mediators between the user's steering input and the game machine's control functions. This mechanical intermediary replaces direct electrical connections, reducing energy consumption while maintaining control functionality through purely mechanical means
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 convenient operation of steering-based games without electric power consumption, extending gameplay duration by reducing power usage and providing a more intuitive control experience.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric switch is placed on the base, by mechanic linear power transfer, functions of the portable game machine is controlled by operating the steering wheel
Implementation Method 2
By levers to transfer power, the function keys of the steering wheel are corresponding to function keys of the portable game machine
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of a portable game machine comprises a steering wheel having a body and a rotary unit; a base for locating a portable game machine; a supporting frame for supporting the seat to the steering wheel; and a steering wheel seat for supporting the rotary unit of the steering wheel to a body. The piezoelectric switch is placed on the base, by mechanic linear power transfer, functions of the portable game machine is controlled by operation the steering wheel. By levers to transfer power, the function keys of the steering wheel are corresponding to function keys of the portable game machine.