Wireless Charging Adapter With Rear Control Keys for Game Controllers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless charging solutions for game controllers lack the ability to enhance gameplay by integrating additional control buttons, limiting their functionality during charging.

Innovation Solution

A wireless charging adapter with strategically positioned duplicate game controller buttons on the backside, allowing for enhanced gameplay and command input while charging, and optionally omitting the charging feature for standalone control functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wireless charging adapter is added to the game controller, then charging convenience is improved, but the controller structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidcontroller structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charging adapter is designed as a separate, detachable module that attaches to the rear portion of the controller. This segmentation allows the charging function to be added without permanently complicating the controller structure, as the adapter can be removed or replaced independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves multiple functions: wireless charging through inductive coupling with a base, and additional game control through duplicate buttons. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity by providing dual benefits in one component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If duplicate control buttons are added to the adapter, then gameplay functionality is enhanced, but the adapter design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegameplay functionalityVSAvoidadapter design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter merges two distinct functions into a single device: wireless charging capability and additional game control buttons. By combining these functions in one integrated component attached to the controller rear, the design avoids the complexity of separate devices while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The additional control buttons are positioned on the rear portion of the adapter, utilizing the three-dimensional space of the adapter structure. This spatial arrangement allows extra functionality without interfering with the front-facing controller interface, effectively adding controls in a different dimensional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the adapter is made mechanically engageable without connectors, then ease of attachment is improved, but structural strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter employs a dynamic mechanical engagement system with snap-fit features that allow easy hand attachment and detachment. The engagement structure includes flexible elements that provide sufficient holding strength during use while enabling tool-free installation and removal, balancing strength requirements with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simultaneous wireless charging and enhanced gameplay interaction, providing a one-product solution that addresses both charging and control needs, with customizable button mappings and intuitive feedback through LED indicators.

Implementation Method 1

circuitry to convert AC power received from inductive coupling with the base to DC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

conversion circuitry to convert AC power received from inductive coupling with the base to DC power to provide to the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Implementation Method 3

The adapter can include one or more lamps to indicate a state of a battery in the game controller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLED emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3840849B1Wireless charging adapter with game control keys for computer game controller
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP3840849B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3840849B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3840849B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A wireless charging adapter (212) that can snap onto a computer game controller (200) can be inductively coupled to a charging base (230) to wirelessly recharge a battery (204) in the controller (200). The adapter (212) also can include keys (220) that mirror keys (206) on the controller (200) so that a gamer can remove the adapter (212) with controller (200) from the charging base (230), keep the adapter (212) on the controller (200), and use both the controller keys (206) and adapter keys (220) to control a computer game.