Game Controller Trigger Locking Stop With Limit Switch Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing game controller designs with adjustable triggers are structurally complex, difficult to maintain, and have less mechanically robust and less efficient 'Hair trigger' modes due to complications with sensor access and replacement.

Innovation Solution

A control input device with a movable control trigger featuring a locking stop that adjusts travel, a limit switch for detecting the locked position, and a combination of contact and non-contact sensors for precise trigger position detection, allowing easy sensor replacement and improved mechanical robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a contact sensor is positioned within the controller's casing to detect the trigger's rotating cam in the first position, then the Hair trigger mode can be activated for greater responsiveness, but the sensor becomes difficult to access and replace in case of malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness in Hair trigger modeVSAvoidaccessibility of contact sensor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is divided into modular components, with the contact sensor integrated into a separate module that can be independently accessed and replaced. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain positioned for optimal detection while enabling easy maintenance through modular disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary access mechanism is introduced that provides a pathway to the contact sensor without requiring full disassembly of the controller casing. This intermediary structure maintains the sensor's positioned within the casing while enabling easy access for replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary cam mechanism is used to adjust trigger travel between reduced and maximized positions, then trigger travel adjustment is achieved, but the structure of the control trigger becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable trigger travelVSAvoidstructure of control trigger

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary cam mechanism is extracted from the trigger assembly and repositioned as a separate adjustment mechanism. This extraction simplifies the trigger structure while maintaining the travel adjustment functionality through the separate cam mechanism that acts on the trigger rather than being integrated within it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to different travel positions without requiring complex mechanical structures. The system uses dynamic positioning where the trigger can operate in multiple modes (reduced travel, maximum travel) through simple positional changes rather than complex mechanical transformations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the contact sensor is soldered onto the printed circuit board housed inside the controller's casing, then the sensor is securely mounted, but replacement with a new contact sensor becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting security of contact sensorVSAvoidreplaceability of contact sensor

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent soldered mechanical connection is replaced with an electrical connection system that maintains secure mounting while enabling easy replacement. This substitution allows the sensor to be firmly connected during operation but quickly disconnected and replaced when needed, eliminating the difficulty of desoldering and resoldering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution provides enhanced responsiveness and precision in trigger activation with simplified structure, easier sensor access for maintenance, and improved mechanical robustness compared to existing designs.

Implementation Method 1

One of the two sensors can be a contactless sensor, such as a Hall effect magnetic sensor, commonly used in game controllers. This contactless sensor detects the rotational position of the trigger and outputs an analog signal that encodes the trigger's rotational position (or angle of rotation).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

the control trigger comprises a limit switch, which is adapted to detect the position of the control trigger against the locking stop positioned in said locking position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact:

Data Source

PatentEP4697126A1Control input device comprising at least one control trigger with limit sensor

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 NACON CAC

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AI summary

The control input device, in particular a game controller or joystick (1), includes at least one control trigger (6), which is preferably rotary, and at least one locking stop (70) adapted to be positioned in at least one locking position in which it blocks the control trigger (6) against the locking stop (70), so as to reduce the travel of the control trigger (6). The control trigger (6) includes a limit switch (65), which is adapted to detect the position of the control trigger (6) against the locking stop (70) positioned in said locking position.