Underwater Controller Grip with Wireless Cursor Control for Sealed Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smartphone devices are limited in their ability to function underwater for extended periods due to the limitations of flexible membranes and oil-filled dielectric layers in current waterproofing solutions, which restrict user interface capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A wireless mouse interface integrated into an underwater controller grip that allows for cursor control and selection on a sealed smartphone/tablet, using a non-volatile memory and processor with a radio module for short-range wireless connection, enabling remote operation of native applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible membranes and oil-filled dielectric layers are used for waterproofing, then water resistance is improved, but user interface capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two separate functional zones: a waterproof sealed compartment containing the electronic device, and an external controller grip containing the input interface. This segmentation allows the waterproofing membrane to seal the device compartment while the controller grip operates externally in the water, eliminating the need for the membrane to transmit user inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary (Bluetooth or other wireless protocol) mediates between the controller grip and the sealed device. The controller grip transmits control signals wirelessly to the device, allowing user interface functionality without requiring physical penetration of the waterproof seal.
2Reliability
If flexible membranes are used for waterproofing, then water resistance is improved, but depth limitation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the device experiencing water pressure (sealed in the waterproof compartment) from the user interface (controller grip). The waterproof membrane only needs to protect the device compartment from external pressure, while the controller grip operates externally where it is not constrained by membrane pressure limits.
3Reliability
If the device is sealed inside a waterproof case, then water resistance is improved, but cursor control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller grip acts as an intermediary device that provides cursor control functionality externally. It uses wireless communication to transmit cursor movement and selection commands to the sealed device, eliminating the need for direct touch interaction with the sealed device's touchscreen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical touch interaction with the touchscreen with a wireless control system. The controller grip uses buttons, dials, or other mechanical inputs that are transmitted wirelessly to control the device, substituting the need for direct mechanical contact through the waterproof seal.
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 extended underwater use of smartphones/tablets by allowing cursor movement and selection on the device's interface, overcoming depth and user-interface limitations of existing waterproofing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a radio module configured to provide a short-range wireless connection between the controller and the user computing device
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater controller grip for a device includes a controller comprising a radio module configured to provide a short-range wireless connection between the controller and the device and a mounting tray to contain the radio module, the mounting tray configured to maintain the short-range wireless connection while underwater. The underwater controller grip also includes an integrated pressure sensor configured to continuously measure water depth and transmit, via the radio module, measured water depth to the device. The device issues a signal based on the measured water depth and a time variable. The signal includes an alert of a user's no decompression stop time, a bottom time, an ascent rate, a surface interval time, a no-fly time, a dive log, or a combination thereof.