Expandable Stylus Cam Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic styluses are prone to misplacement and damage due to their design, which increases replacement costs and disrupts device usage, and they often require dedicated storage space that can limit device functionality and attractiveness.
Innovation Solution
An expandable electronic stylus with a movement mechanism that allows it to change length, enabling secure storage within an electronic device and easy retrieval, while maintaining functionality and reducing the need for additional storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic stylus is provided with a dedicated storage space in the electronic device, then the stylus can be securely stored and protected from damage, but the device size increases and valuable real estate is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus is designed to be nested within a cavity of the electronic device when not in use. The cavity is formed within the device housing, allowing the stylus to be stored inside the device itself rather than requiring external storage. This nesting approach protects the stylus from damage while avoiding additional device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylus is designed with expandable and collapsible features, allowing it to change its longitudinal dimension. When collapsed, the stylus fits within the device cavity; when expanded, it provides full writing functionality. This dimensional transformation allows the stylus to occupy minimal space during storage while maintaining full size during use.
2Volume of moving object
If the stylus is made expandable to reduce storage space, then device real estate is optimized, but the stylus structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus incorporates a movement mechanism that allows it to dynamically change between expanded and collapsed states. This mechanism includes cams and lock surfaces that enable the stylus to transition between configurations, providing both compact storage and full writing capability while managing structural complexity through mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylus is divided into multiple segments or components that can move relative to each other. The first cam, second cam, and cover are separate elements that work together to enable expansion and collapse. This segmentation allows the stylus to achieve compact form factor while using simple, modular mechanical components.
3Ease of operation
If the stylus is easily removable for replacement, then misplacement issues are addressed, but the stylus may be more susceptible to damage during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus is designed with a lock mechanism that secures it in the collapsed state within the device cavity before removal. This preliminary action of locking and collapsing protects the stylus during handling and transport, reducing damage risk while maintaining ease of replacement when needed.
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 expandable stylus minimizes the risk of damage, reduces replacement costs, and optimizes device space, enhancing user convenience and device portability by allowing the stylus to be stored compactly when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
a first cam having a first cam surface, a second cam configured to rotate relative to the first cam when the stylus is pushed in a distal direction
Implementation Method 2
The pushing of the stylus can cause a second cam surface of the second cam to contact the first cam surface and cause the rotation of the second cam relative to the first cam
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable electronic stylus is described. The extendable electronic stylus has a distal end that provides an electronic input to an electronic device and a first cam with an elongated member that extends between a proximal end of the stylus and its distal end. The stylus also includes a second cam that rotates relative to the first cam when the proximal end of the stylus is pushed in a distal direction. The pushing of the proximal end of the stylus causes a surface of the second cam to contact the first cam surface. The stylus also includes a cover with a first look surface. The rotation of the second cam relative to the first cam cause a second lock surface of the second cam to abut the first lock surface, thereby locking the second cam in a fixed position relative to the first cam.