Active Pen Clip Charging Contacts and Signal Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active pens with signal transmission capabilities continuously drain batteries even when not in use, and existing solutions for recharging are either cumbersome or require removal of batteries, lacking efficient and ergonomic charging methods.
Innovation Solution
An active pen with a switching module that selectively activates or deactivates signal transmission based on contact status and an ergonomic design for rechargeability using an electronic device's charging dock, featuring a clip member with conductive contacts for secure and efficient charging without battery removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the active pen continuously transmits signals to maintain readiness for use, then the signal transmission capability is improved, but the battery drains continuously even when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The active pen implements periodic action by switching between active signal transmission mode and sleep mode. The switching module activates signal transmission only when the pen is detected to be in use (when placed on the electronic device), and deactivates it during non-use periods. This periodic operation maintains signal transmission capability when needed while conserving battery energy during idle periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the active pen uses a tethered cable to receive power from the electronic device, then continuous power supply is improved, but the tether becomes ergonomically inhibitive and prevents use with other touch screens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power reception function from a permanent tethered connection and implements it through a removable clip member. The clip member can be attached to the electronic device for charging and then removed for portable use. This extraction allows the pen to receive power continuously when needed without being permanently constrained by a tether, thereby improving ergonomic usability while maintaining power supply continuity during charging periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The active pen achieves universality by being able to receive power from multiple sources: the electronic device's charging dock via the clip member, and potentially other charging devices. The pen's battery and charging circuitry are designed to accept power from various external sources, not just a tethered connection to one specific electronic device. This multi-functionality allows the pen to be used with different touch screens and charged by different devices.
3Ease of operation
If the active pen uses internal batteries for portability, then ease of use with other devices is improved, but the batteries require periodic replacement or recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by enabling the pen to be recharged from the electronic device's charging dock before the battery is fully depleted. The system allows the pen to remain in use while simultaneously receiving power through the clip member, preparing the battery in advance so that continuous operation is maintained without interruption or downtime for battery replacement or recharging.
4Productivity
If the clip member is designed to receive both control and charging voltages through separate contacts, then charging efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip member is segmented into multiple independent contacts: a first contact for control voltage and a second contact for charging voltage. This segmentation allows each contact to be optimized for its specific function - the control contact for low-voltage signaling and the charging contact for high-current power transfer. While this increases the number of contacts, it improves charging efficiency by preventing interference between control and power circuits.
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 solution allows for battery conservation by only transmitting signals when in use and enables efficient recharging without battery removal, enhancing user convenience and reducing battery drainage.
Implementation Method 1
The first contact and second contact are positioned in the electronic device such that, when the free end of the clip member is inserted into the cavity, the first contact is in electrically conductive contact with the first contact of the active pen and the second contact is in electrically conductive contact with the second contact of the active pen.
Data Source
Figure 1-1~1-2
Figure 2
Figure 3-1
AI summary
Powered by a battery module (110,810), an active pen (100,800) transmits a signal that is intended for detection by a touch screen (930). The active pen may comprise a clip (112,812) connected to a body (102,802), the free end (113,813) of the clip having a ground contact (116,816), and the body having control (118,818) and charging (120,820) contacts opposite the ground contact. The free end may be biased such that the ground contact is normally in contact with the control and charging contacts, thereby maintaining the active pen in a signal-transmitting state (204) until separation of the contacts. An electronic device (300,900) may charge the battery module, optionally responsive to authorization thereof (708). The electronic device may comprise a partition (302,902) separating the free end of the clip from the body, the partition having contacts (316,318,320,916,918,920) corresponding to the active pen contacts (116,118,120,816,818,820) for enabling charging of the battery module.