Acoustic Remote Control via Writing Instrument Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control technologies for electronic devices are expensive, fragile, and require power sources, while voice-activated devices are complex and require pronunciation adaptation, necessitating a simpler and cost-effective method for remote communication.

Innovation Solution

A writing instrument with retractable tips and a retraction mechanism that produces distinct sounds to actuate commands to electronic devices, functioning as a mechanical or acoustical remote control, allowing users to perform actions like starting/stopping media or changing slides without needing to learn voice commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electronic remote controls are used, then remote communication capability is achieved, but cost increases and reliability decreases due to batteries and fragile components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control reliabilityVSAvoidremote control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic remote control systems with a mechanical writing instrument that uses acoustic signals generated by its retraction mechanism. The writing instrument's retraction mechanism produces distinct acoustic signatures that substitute for electronic buttons and interfaces, eliminating batteries, circuits, and fragile electronic components while maintaining remote control functionality through acoustic signal recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If voice activated devices are used, then remote communication is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control ease of useVSAvoidvoice activated device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple, inexpensive writing instrument with a mechanical retraction mechanism instead of complex voice recognition systems. The writing tip and its retraction mechanism serve as a disposable or replaceable component that generates acoustic signals without requiring sophisticated electronics, processing power, or expensive microphones, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple commands are implemented in a single device, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control versatilityVSAvoidwriting instrument complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the writing instrument into multiple independent retraction mechanisms, each capable of producing distinct acoustic signatures. Instead of one complex mechanism, the system uses multiple simpler retraction mechanisms (e.g., for different writing tips) that can be independently actuated. Each mechanism's acoustic output serves as a separate command signal, allowing multiple commands to be implemented in a single device while keeping individual mechanism complexity low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 writing instrument provides a cost-efficient, reliable, and user-friendly means to remotely control electronic devices, eliminating the need for batteries and complex voice command systems, enabling multiple commands with a single device through varying sound production.

Implementation Method 1

the retraction mechanism being configured to produce a predetermined sound that communicates a command to an electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave generation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS11513614B2Writing instrument serving as a mechanical remote control for an electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.11.29 SOCIETE BIC SA
  • US11513614B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A writing instrument having a plurality of retraction mechanisms, wherein each of the plurality of retraction mechanisms is configured to actuate a respective retractable writing tip, each retraction mechanism being configured to produce a different predetermined sound that is suitable for being detected by an electronic device, and each of the different predetermined sounds is configured to communicate a different command to the electronic device.