Adjustable tension thumbstick
AssigneeMicrosoft Technology Licensing, LLC
InventorsDustin Tiffany, Aaron Schmitz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a stem that defines a first cavity. A base is moveable with the tiltable post and comprises a portion extending into the first cavity. The portion defines a second cavity and comprises a protuberance projecting into the second cavity. An adjustment body within the second cavity comprises a recessed slot and a contacting surface at a distal end. The slot is configured to engage the protuberance to adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.
Claims20
A thumbstick for a user input device, comprising:
- an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post, wherein the tiltable post is operable to output a control signal based on a position of the tiltable post relative to a default position;
- a cap comprising a stem that defines a first cavity;
- and
- a base that is moveable with the tiltable post, the base comprising a portion extending into the first cavity, the portion defining a second cavity and comprising a protuberance that extends into a slot of an adjustment body located within the second cavity, wherein the slot engages the protuberance when the adjustment body is rotated and translated from a first orientation to a second orientation to adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.
A user input device, comprising:
- a housing that defines an internal chamber and includes an aperture;
- and
- a thumbstick having a portion that extends from the aperture, the thumbstick comprising:
- an adjustable tensioning mechanism disposed within the chamber and configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post, wherein the tiltable post is operable to output a control signal based on a position of the tiltable post relative to a default position;
- a cap comprising a stem that defines a first cavity;
- and
- a base that is moveable with the tiltable post, the base comprising a portion extending into the first cavity, the portion of the base defining a second cavity and comprising a protuberance that extends into a slot of an adjustment body located within the second cavity, wherein the slot engages the protuberance when the adjustment body is rotated and translated from a first orientation to a second orientation to adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.
A method for adjusting a tilt tension of a thumbstick of a user input device, the thumbstick comprising a cap configured to receive user manipulation, the method comprising:
- positioning an adjustable tensioning mechanism in a first position to provide the thumbstick with a first tilt tension;
- and
- rotating an adjustment body of the thumbstick to cause a slot in the adjustment body to engage a protuberance and thereby translate the adjustment body, the translating adjustment body re-positioning the adjustable tensioning mechanism to a second position that is different from the first position, wherein the second position provides the thumbstick with a second tilt tension different from the first tilt tension.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.