Game Controller Trigger Travel Stop with On-Demand Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game controllers require players to halt gameplay and use tools to adjust trigger button travel distance, which disrupts the gaming experience and is inconvenient for competitive players who need rapid and precise trigger activation.
Innovation Solution
A user input device with a trigger travel path adjustment mechanism that allows real-time switching between full and partial travel distances using a finger switch, enabling quick changes without disassembly or tools, utilizing a rotating cam to create a hard stop for partial travel mode and maintaining the original feel for full travel mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a physical barrier is permanently added to reduce trigger travel, then rapid fire capability is improved, but the controller cannot be disassembled and reassembled to restore normal trigger travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where a cam can be rotated between multiple positions to change trigger travel distance. The cam rotates to different angular positions (e.g., 0 degrees for normal travel, 90 degrees for reduced travel) allowing the trigger button to contact the cam at different points, thereby dynamically changing the trigger stop position without permanent modification or disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of trigger travel distance by rotating the cam to different angular positions. Each angular position of the cam corresponds to a different trigger travel distance, allowing the user to adjust the trigger stop position from normal to reduced travel by simply rotating the cam mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a screw mechanism is used to adjust trigger travel, then trigger button travel distance can be changed, but gameplay must be stopped and hand tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw mechanism (which requires hand tools and multiple rotations) with a cam rotation mechanism. The cam can be quickly rotated between predetermined angular positions using a switching mechanism, eliminating the need for hand tools and reducing adjustment time from minutes to seconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam is pre-configured with specific angular positions that correspond to desired trigger travel distances. The switching mechanism pre-positions the cam at these predetermined angles, so the user only needs to activate the switch rather than manually adjust the cam position, significantly reducing adjustment time.
3Speed
If trigger travel is reduced for rapid fire, then firing speed is improved, but tactile feedback and trigger feel are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism provides different tactile characteristics at different angular positions. When rotated to the reduced travel position, the cam creates a harder stop that provides distinct tactile feedback suitable for rapid firing. When rotated to the normal travel position, the cam allows full trigger travel with the original tactile characteristics, maintaining the authentic trigger feel.
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 rapid and precise trigger activation during gameplay, reducing excess motion and providing clear tactile feedback, allowing players to switch between modes instantly without tools or disassembly, enhancing gaming performance and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A cam is configured to rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position. The cam includes a hard stop barrier that extends from an outer surface of the cam body. When the cam is in the first position, the hard stop barrier is in the trigger button travel path and limits movement of the trigger button.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for a user input device, such as a game controller. The user input device includes a finger depressible trigger button, a trigger travel path adjustment assembly that resides in an internal cavity of a housing of the user input device, and a finger switch configured to be switched between a plurality of selectable positions in real-time (e.g., during game play). A first selectable position of the finger switch enables the trigger button to be depressed a first distance. A second selectable position of the finger switch enables the trigger button to be depressed a second distance that is greater than the first distance.