Electronic Pen Assembly Using Radial Insertion and Pre-Connected Circuit Board
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of electronic pens with writing pressure detection units is complicated due to difficulties in aligning components, leading to increased man-hours and unsuitability for mass production, and requires additional electrical connections between the writing pressure detecting unit and the circuit board.
Innovation Solution
The electronic pen design incorporates a cartridge-type configuration with a holder unit that houses the writing pressure detecting unit and circuit board, allowing for easier assembly and eliminating the need for soldering connections by integrating electrical connections before the holder unit is assembled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If all components are inserted from openings on one side and the other side in the axial center direction of the holder, then the writing pressure detecting unit can be assembled, but position alignment becomes difficult and work complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the assembly direction from axial (one-dimensional) to radial (introducing a second dimension). Components are inserted through radial openings in the holder rather than from axial ends, allowing simultaneous insertion and alignment of multiple components in a planar arrangement that simplifies the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary positioning structures such as positioning protrusions and positioning grooves that are pre-formed on components. These features guide components into correct positions during assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment operations and reducing assembly difficulty.
2Ease of manufacture
If components are inserted from axial openings, then assembly is possible, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial insertion to radial insertion, allowing components to be positioned in a plane where precise alignment can be achieved through the positioning protrusion-groove mechanism. This dimensional change enables better control over component positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces positioning protrusions and positioning grooves as intermediary elements that mediate the alignment between components. These features act as mechanical guides that ensure precise positioning during assembly, solving the alignment precision problem.
3Reliability
If additional electrical connections are made between writing pressure detecting unit and circuit board, then functionality is complete, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function with the mechanical assembly process. The writing pressure detecting unit is integrated with the circuit board such that electrical connections are established simultaneously with mechanical assembly, eliminating separate soldering or wiring steps and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary electrical connections through conductive structures that are pre-positioned on the circuit board or holder. These conductive paths are prepared in advance, allowing electrical connectivity to be established automatically during the assembly process without additional manufacturing steps.
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
This design simplifies the assembly process, reduces manufacturing time, and enhances the pen's suitability for mass production by eliminating the need for additional electrical connections and improving the alignment of components.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensitive member, in an annular plate shape, arranged coaxially in parallel to the pressure transmittable member... the capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode changes according to the contact area between the first electrode part and the dielectric, which changes according to the pressure applied to the core body
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A work step of electrical connection between a writing pressure detecting unit and a circuit element of a circuit is reduced. An electronic pen includes a writing pressure detecting unit that detects a pressure applied to a core body disposed on one end side of a tubular chassis in the axial center direction, a circuit board for which a flexible substrate formed into a shape allowed to extend in the axial center direction is used in the chassis, and a holder unit housed in the chassis in such a manner as to hold the writing pressure detecting unit and the circuit board and extend in the axial center direction. In the circuit board, a writing pressure detecting unit placement part, a circuit placement part at which a predetermined circuit is formed, and a line part at which a line pattern that electrically connects a component of the writing pressure detecting unit placed on the writing pressure detecting unit placement part and a circuit element of the circuit placement part is formed are formed to line up in the axial center direction. The writing pressure detecting unit placement part of the circuit board is held by the holder unit in the state of being along a direction perpendicular to the axial center direction in such a manner that the writing pressure detecting unit can receive a pressure in the axial center direction applied to the core body through bending of the flexible substrate at a part of the line part.