Deformable Elastic Stylus Fixing Device for Secure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stylus storage mechanisms in handheld computing devices often become worn or damaged over time, leading to difficulties in securely retaining the stylus within the storage hole.
Innovation Solution
A stylus with a deformable elastic fixing device that deforms to pass a fixing protrusion in the storage hole and then expands to provide an interference fit, preventing accidental removal, and optionally, a compressible fixing device that uses friction to maintain the stylus in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed protrusion mechanism is used to retain the stylus in the storage hole, then the stylus can be securely retained initially, but the mechanism becomes worn or damaged over time leading to retention failure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device changes its physical state from rigid to deformable, allowing it to adapt its shape during insertion and then maintain a constant retaining force. The elastic material deforms under compression to pass the fixing protrusion, then rebounds to create continuous contact pressure that prevents stylus removal, resolving the contradiction between initial retention and long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastic structure that can deform and rebound. During insertion, the elastic material compresses and changes shape; during retention, it maintains constant contact pressure through its elastic recovery, providing reliable retention throughout the service life without wear damage.
2Ease of operation
If a rigid fixing protrusion is used on the stylus, then the stylus can be inserted into the storage hole, but the rigid structure is prone to damage and wear over time
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device changes its physical state from rigid to deformable, allowing it to adapt its shape during insertion and then maintain a constant retaining force. The elastic material deforms under compression to pass the fixing protrusion, then rebounds to create continuous contact pressure that prevents stylus removal, resolving the contradiction between initial retention and long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is constructed from elastic material that can deform and flex during insertion, then maintain contact through elastic recovery. This flexible approach replaces rigid structures that are prone to damage, providing both ease of insertion and long-term durability through the material's ability to absorb and recover from deformation.
3Reliability
If the stylus protrusion deforms to pass the fixing protrusion, then secure retention is achieved, but the deformation requires additional insertion force initially
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic material is pre-configured to deform in anticipation of contacting the fixing protrusion. This beforehand cushioning allows the fixing device to smoothly transition through the insertion barrier without requiring excessive force, as the material is already prepared to compress and absorb the impact of the fixing protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device changes its physical state from rigid to deformable, allowing it to adapt its shape during insertion and then maintain a constant retaining force. The elastic material deforms under compression to pass the fixing protrusion, then rebounds to create continuous contact pressure that prevents stylus removal, resolving the contradiction between initial retention and long-term durability.
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 ensures the stylus remains securely stored without wear and tear issues, maintaining effective retention and usability over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable elastic fixing device (66) formed of an elastic material and mounted on an exterior of the elongated shaft (62) adjacent the tip (64)
Implementation Method 2
a compressible fixing device that uses friction to maintain the stylus in place
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~7
AI summary
A stylus used in a computing device includes an elongated shaft, a tip, and a fixing device attached to the elongated shaft. The fixing device is designed to interact with a protrusion on the interior surface of a storage hole of a computing device where the stylus is to be stored. The fixing device can be formed of a deformable elastic material such as a memory foam. As the stylus is inserted into the storage hole of the computing device, the material of the fixing device deforms as it passes the fixing protrusion on the interior surface of the storage hole. Once the fixing device has been inserted past the protrusion, the elastic material of the fixing device resumes its original shape so that it will interfere with the protrusion to prevent the stylus from being accidentally removed from the storage hole.