Multi-Function Input Device Using Cam Mechanism for Stylus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for electronic devices, such as stylus pens, lack functional expandability and usability, limiting their interactive capabilities with electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
An input device comprising a guide tube with a shaft for linear movement, cam members, and a sensor module that detects the movement of cam members to generate input signals, enhancing the device's functionality and usability by allowing various input operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stylus pen structure is used for handwriting entry, then handwriting capability is provided, but functional expandability and usability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect linear pressing operations, rotational operations, and tapping operations through a single integrated structure. The cam member mechanism enables the shaft to execute different motion patterns (linear movement, rotation, tapping) based on user input, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized input tools and significantly expanding functional versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The input device incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable cam member that can switch between different operational modes. The cam member's ability to rotate and the shaft's ability to perform both linear and rotational movements create a dynamic system that adapts to different input types. This dynamic capability allows the device to transform from a simple pressing mechanism into a multi-functional input tool, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cam members are added to enable various input operations, then functional expandability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple input detection capabilities into a single integrated mechanism. The cam member structure merges linear pressing detection, rotational input detection, and tapping detection into one unified system. Rather than adding separate mechanisms for each input type, the invention merges these functions into the cam member-shaft interaction, thereby expanding input operation variety while controlling mechanism complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member is divided into distinct functional zones or surfaces that correspond to different input operations. One surface detects linear pressing, another enables rotation detection, and specific positions detect tapping actions. This segmentation of the cam member into functionally distinct regions allows multiple input operations to be detected by a single component rather than requiring multiple separate components, thus improving input variety while limiting complexity increases
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment, an input device of an electronic device, comprising a guide tube extending in a direction, a shaft mounted to be able to linearly move back and forth in the direction inside the guide tube, a first cam member rotatably mounted on the shaft inside the guide tube, being guided by the guide tube to linearly move along with the shaft in a first interval, and configured to rotate or linearly move about the shaft in a first position off the first interval to at least partially reenter into the first interval, a second cam member rotatably mounted on the shaft inside the guide tube, configured to linearly move in each of the first interval and a second interval adjacent to the first interval and differing from the first interval, and configured rotate and move about the shaft in the first position, a third cam member mounted on the shaft while facing the first cam member with the second cam member disposed the first cam member and the second cam member, the third cam member inside the guide tube and configured to linearly move back and forth along with the shaft, and a sensor module proximate to the first cam member, wherein as the third cam member linearly moves back and forth, the first cam member linearly moves and the second cam member linearly moves, and wherein the sensor module is configured to detect, at least, the first cam member reaching the first position to produce a first input signal.