Finger-Mounted Stylus Pivot Arm Magnetic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touchscreen devices are impractical for use with gloves due to imprecision and the inconvenience of needing separate stylus-compatible gloves for various activities, and using a pen-type stylus can be hazardous or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A finger-mounted stylus with a pivotable connection using magnetizable materials that can be easily switched between an operative and inoperative position with a wrist snap, allowing compatibility with all types of gloves without requiring separate stylus-providing gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pen-type stylus is carried separately, then touchscreen operation precision is improved, but convenience and safety are worsened due to impracticality and potential hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stylus function with the glove itself by integrating conductive elements into the glove fingers, allowing the glove to serve dual purposes: hand protection and precise touchscreen operation. This eliminates the need to carry a separate stylus while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The glove is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - providing thermal protection, mechanical protection, and touchscreen interface capability. The conductive elements are integrated into the glove structure, enabling a single device to replace both protective handwear and input tool.
2Adaptability or versatility
If touchscreen-compatible gloves are used, then glove protection function is maintained, but touchscreen precision is worsened due to imprecision and lack of activity-specific design
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive elements are strategically positioned at specific locations on the glove fingers (particularly at the fingertips and along the finger segments) to optimize touchscreen interaction precision. This localized conductivity enhancement provides precise input capability while maintaining the overall glove structure and protection functions.
3Measurement precision
If the stylus is always extended, then touchscreen operation is improved, but normal hand function is worsened due to interference with gripping and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus element is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it can extend from the glove finger when needed for touchscreen operation and retract or fold back when not in use. This dynamic configuration allows the stylus to be available for input tasks while minimizing interference with normal gripping and hand manipulation activities.
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
Enables precise touchscreen operation without removing gloves, maintaining normal hand function and safety by providing a stylus that is always available yet out of the way when not in use, suitable for various activities like skiing, motorcycling, and gardening.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot arm extending between a connection point and a stylus point; and the connection point pivotably connected to the pivot point in such a way that the pivot arm is movable between a magnetically connected operative position and a magnetically connected inoperative connection by way of the magnetizable materials being adapted to magnetically disconnect
Data Source
AI summary
A finger-mounted computer stylus is provided. The stylus is pivotable between an operative position extending forward past the middle knuckle along a backhand area and an inoperative position wherein the stylus does not extend forward past the middle knuckle. Magnets along the upper surface of a base and associated pivot arm removably secure the stylus in the operative and inoperative positions by way of a magnetic connection adapted to be disconnected with a snap of the wrist.