Active Pen ESD Protection via Signal Discrimination Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Touch screen products equipped with active pens are vulnerable to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) during production and use, leading to performance degradation or damage.

Innovation Solution

An active pen with a judgment circuit to differentiate between synchronization control signals and electrostatic signals, and an electrostatic discharge switch circuit to connect the pen tip to the pen body when an electrostatic signal is detected, along with a synchronization circuit to transmit driving and pressure signals, and a touch screen system with ground lines between signal transmission and reception leads to dissipate static electricity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the active pen is used to interact with the touch screen, then the user experience and functionality are improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to electrostatic discharge damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionalityVSAvoidESD resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electrostatic discharge switch circuit as an intermediary component between the signal reception circuit and the pen body. This switch circuit acts as a protective mediator that can isolate the internal circuits from electrostatic discharge while allowing normal signal transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining touch functionality and preventing ESD damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful electrostatic discharge into a useful protective mechanism. By detecting the presence of electrostatic signals, the system activates the discharge switch circuit to safely redirect and dissipate the electrostatic energy, transforming a potentially damaging phenomenon into a controlled protective action that enhances device reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If the electrostatic discharge switch circuit is added to protect against ESD, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveESD protectionVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrostatic discharge protection function with the existing signal reception circuitry by integrating the discharge switch circuit in parallel with the signal path. This combining approach allows the protection mechanism to share physical and functional space with the existing circuits, adding ESD protection capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the judgment circuit continuously monitors signals to distinguish electrostatic discharge, then the ESD detection accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal discrimination accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic monitoring of incoming signals by the judgment circuit rather than continuous monitoring. The circuit periodically samples the signal characteristics to detect electrostatic discharge patterns, maintaining sufficient detection accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Effectively prevents accumulation of static electricity on touch screens, protecting electronic components from ESD damage and enhancing the longevity and performance of touch screen products.

Implementation Method 1

an electrostatic discharge switch circuit electrically connected between the judgment circuit and the pen body, and configured to be turned on on condition that the signal is an electrostatic signal, so as to electrically connect the judgment circuit to the pen body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10503283B2Active pen, active pen touch system and method for performing touch using active pen

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an active pen, an active pen touch system and a method for performing touch using an active pen. The active pen comprises an active pen main body comprising a pen tip and a pen body, wherein the pen tip is configured to receive a signal from a touch screen; a judgment circuit electrically connected to the pen tip, and configured to judge whether the signal is a synchronization control signal or an electrostatic signal; and an electrostatic discharge switch circuit electrically connected between the judgment circuit and the pen body, and configured to be turned on on condition that the signal is an electrostatic signal, so as to electrically connect the judgment circuit to the pen body.