Digital Pen Resilient Holder for Acoustic Transmitter Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current acoustic technology in digital pens faces issues such as lack of accuracy, limited multi-device support, high power consumption, and manufacturing challenges related to assembling acoustic transmitters with flexible printed circuit boards, along with marketing difficulties in differentiating products through appearance changes.

Innovation Solution

A digital pen design featuring a resilient holder to mechanically connect an acoustic transmitter to an electric circuit, a switch assembly with multiple switching modes, and a smooth contact switch for precise actuation, along with a retractable and changeable cover element to enhance functionality and user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional assembly methods are used to connect acoustic transmitters with flexible printed circuit boards, then manufacturing complexity increases, but assembly simplicity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modular components: the acoustic transmitter, the flexible printed circuit board, and the resilient holder are distinct elements that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together using simple snap-fit or press-fit connections, reducing overall manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient holder acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between the acoustic transmitter and the flexible printed circuit board. This intermediate element simplifies the assembly process by providing a pre-formed interface that requires no complex bonding or soldering operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If product design is standardized, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but product differentiation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidproduct differentiation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient holder and basic pen structure are designed as universal components that can accommodate different acoustic transmitter models and configurations. This allows the core manufacturing process to remain standardized while enabling product differentiation through various transmitter options and cover element designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The product design incorporates dynamic elements such as interchangeable cover elements and selectable switching modes that allow customization after the base manufacturing is complete. This enables efficient standardized production of core components while maintaining flexibility for product differentiation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If acoustic transmitter is permanently attached to circuit board, then connection reliability improves, but assembly ease deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient holder incorporates elastic or spring-loaded elements that provide pre-compression force to maintain reliable electrical and mechanical connections between the acoustic transmitter and the circuit board. This beforehand cushioning ensures connection reliability without requiring permanent attachment methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If switch assembly has multiple switching modes, then functionality increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple switching modes are combined into a single integrated switch assembly with multiple contacts or positions. This merging of functions into one component achieves enhanced functionality while minimizing the increase in device complexity compared to using separate switches for each mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 improves accuracy, supports multiple devices, reduces power consumption, simplifies assembly, and allows for product differentiation through customizable designs, enhancing overall digital pen performance and user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient holder, configured to mechanically press said electric circuit into contact with said transmitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8248389B2Method and system for digital pen assembly
Publication Date: 2012.08.21 QUALCOMM INC
  • US8248389B2 patent drawing
  • US8248389B2 patent drawing
  • US8248389B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A digital pen comprising: an electric circuit, an acoustic transmitter, detached from the electric circuit, and configured to transmit acoustic signals, and a resilient holder, configured to mechanically press the electric circuit into electrical contact with the transmitter, so as to electrically connect the electric circuit and the transmitter.