Electronic Pen Vibration Layout Using SMA Wires and Mediated Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic pens with vibration actuators face challenges in configuring the casing to allow direct abutment of the shape memory alloy with the fingertip, occupying space on the circuit board, and limiting arrangement flexibility due to the need for an insulating unit and conductor patterns.
Innovation Solution
An electronic pen design featuring a tubular casing with a vibration transmitting member and a vibrator using electrode pins and shape memory alloy wires, which transmit vibration through the casing without direct abutment, allowing for flexible arrangement and avoiding space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vibration actuator is disposed within the casing with direct abutment configuration, then tactile feedback is achieved, but the casing configuration becomes complex requiring openings or thin wall sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary vibration transmission structure (vibration transmission member) that couples the vibration actuator to the casing. This mediator allows vibration transmission without requiring the shape memory alloy to directly abut the fingertip or create complex casing openings, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving tactile feedback and maintaining simple casing configuration.
2Reliability
If the vibration actuator with insulating unit is disposed on the circuit board, then vibration transmission is enabled, but the insulating unit occupies large space limiting arrangement flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the insulating unit from the vibration actuator configuration and replaces it with a vibration transmission member that can be integrated into the existing circuit board structure. This removes the space-consuming insulating unit while maintaining vibration transmission capability, thereby increasing arrangement flexibility on the circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration transmission member serves multiple functions: it transmits vibration, provides electrical insulation, and can be integrated with the circuit board structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insulating units and other supporting structures, maximizing space utilization on the circuit board.
3Reliability
If the shape memory alloy is arranged to abut the fingertip, then tactile feedback is optimized, but the arrangement position is limited by conductor patterns and other parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement constraint on the circuit board to a three-dimensional vibration transmission path. The vibration transmission member extends in the vertical dimension, allowing the shape memory alloy to be positioned without being constrained by the planar arrangement of conductor patterns, thus achieving both optimal tactile feedback and arrangement flexibility.
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 enables effective tactile feedback without altering the pen casing and provides a high degree of freedom in arranging the vibrator, ensuring efficient vibration transmission to the user.
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
a vibration transmitting member disposed within a hollow portion of the tubular casing in a state in which the vibration transmitting member is able to transmit vibration occurring in the vibration transmitting member to the tubular casing
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 mor wires is transmitted to the tubular casing via the electrode pins and the vibration transmitting member.