Electronic Pen Vibration Transfer With Shape Memory Alloy Wires
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic pens with vibration actuators using shape memory alloy vibrators face challenges in casing complexity and limited arrangement freedom due to the need for direct abutment with the fingertip and the occupation of circuit board space by insulating units, which interferes with conductor patterns and other components.
Innovation Solution
An electronic pen design featuring a tubular casing with a vibration transmitting member and a vibrator comprising electrode pins and shape memory alloy wires between them, allowing vibration transmission through the casing without direct fingertip contact and minimizing space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vibration actuator is disposed within the casing with direct fingertip contact configuration, then the tactile sensation transmission is effective, but the casing configuration becomes complex requiring openings or thin wall sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration transmitting member as an intermediary component between the vibration actuator and the casing. This member transmits vibrations from the actuator to the casing without requiring direct contact or special casing configurations, thereby simplifying the casing structure while maintaining effective tactile transmission.
2Reliability
If the insulating unit is included in the vibration actuator, then the shape memory alloy is electrically isolated, but the insulating unit occupies large space on the circuit board interfering with conductor patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the insulating unit from the vibration actuator assembly, eliminating the need for it. Instead, the shape memory alloy wire is directly mounted on the circuit board with its ends bent to form electrodes, removing the space-consuming insulating component while maintaining electrical isolation through the natural geometry of the wire configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the thin wire structure of the shape memory alloy itself as the insulating barrier. By bending the ends of the wire to form electrodes and utilizing the wire's own geometry, the design achieves electrical isolation without requiring additional insulating materials or structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vibration actuator is mounted on the circuit board, then the vibration function is integrated, but the arrangement positions are limited due to space constraints from insulating units and conductor patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration actuator into separate functional elements: the shape memory alloy wire is divided into a vibration-generating portion and electrode portions. This segmentation allows the actuator to be mounted in flexible positions on the circuit board without requiring large insulating units, as each component is compact and can be arranged independently to avoid conductor patterns.
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 design achieves flexible arrangement of the vibrator components, simplifies the pen casing, and effectively transmits tactile sensations to the user without occupying additional space on the circuit board, enhancing usability and design freedom.
Implementation Method 1
one or more wires formed of a shape memory alloy extended between two electrode pins among the plurality of electrode pins. The one or more wires expand and contract to thereby vibrate when supplied with the pulse signal from the pulse generator through the electrode pins
Implementation Method 2
when a pulse voltage is applied to the shape memory alloy 103 through the lead wire portions 102, a pulse current flows through the shape memory alloy 103 and the temperature of the shape memory alloy 103 increases due to heat generated by a resistance of the shape memory alloy 103 itself
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic pen includes a tubular casing; a vibration transmitting member disposed within a hollow portion of the tubular casing and capable of transmitting vibration occurring in the vibration transmitting member to the tubular casing; a vibrator disposed on the vibration transmitting member; a pulse generator configured to generate a pulse signal which drives the vibrator; and a power supply circuit to power the pulse generator. The vibrator includes a plurality of electrode pins planted on the vibration transmitting member, and one or more wires formed of a shape memory alloy and extending between two electrode pins among the plurality of electrode pins. The one or more wires when supplied with the pulse signal from the pulse generator through the electrode pins expand and contract to thereby vibrate. Vibration of the one or more wires is transmitted to the tubular casing via the electrode pins and the vibration transmitting member.