Folded Detection Portion for Electromagnetic Input Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic induction type information input units fail to detect the position of a writing instrument when it is used to write on a paper medium placed between the left and right cases, as there are no sensors provided in the flexing portion between these cases.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic induction type information input unit with a detection portion and a protective member, where the detection portion is folded along a first axis and includes a sensor circuit board with loop coils to detect the writing instrument's position, and a resin cover that protects the circuitry and prevents static electricity interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the detection portion is extended to cover the flexing portion between left and right cases, then the writing instrument position detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewriting instrument position detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection portion structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection portion is divided into multiple independent sensor modules that can be separately manufactured and then assembled. Each sensor module covers a specific region, including the flexing portion between left and right cases. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components while achieving complete coverage when combined.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor circuit board is nested within a protective housing that follows the folded configuration of the detection portion. The sensor board flexes with the detection portion while being protected by the housing, allowing the detection portion to extend into the flexing region without exposing sensitive electronics to damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If sensors are added to the flexing portion to enable detection, then the detection coverage is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential static electricity interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverage areaVSAvoidsensor malfunction resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the sensor circuit board and the external environment. This conductive layer acts as a shielding barrier that redirects static electricity away from sensitive sensor components, preventing malfunctions while allowing the sensors to operate in the flexing portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor circuit board is enclosed in a protective housing that creates a controlled environment. This housing isolates the sensors from external static electricity sources and other interfering factors, effectively creating an 'inert' electromagnetic environment that protects against malfunctions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Measurement precision

If the detection portion is made flexible to cover the folded area, then the detection capability near the flexing portion is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracy near flexing portionVSAvoidsensor arrangement precision on flexible substrate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor circuit board is pre-assembled with all sensors in their correct positions on a rigid substrate before the flexible housing is attached. This preliminary assembly on a rigid surface ensures high manufacturing precision, and the subsequent flexible housing attachment preserves these precise arrangements while enabling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible protective shell is used to enclose the sensor circuit board. This shell provides mechanical protection and maintains the precise sensor arrangements while allowing the detection portion to flex. The thin film structure follows the folded configuration without distorting the sensor positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 accurate detection of the writing instrument's position over the flexing portion, ensuring proper data capture and preventing malfunctions due to static electricity, while maintaining a compact and user-friendly design.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor circuit board has loop coils that extend in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The loop coils are arranged in a matrix pattern on the sensor circuit board. The detection portion uses one of the first sensor and the second sensor to detect the positions of the writing instrument

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9898154B2Information input unit
Publication Date: 2018.02.20 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • US9898154B2 patent drawing
  • US9898154B2 patent drawing
  • US9898154B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information input unit includes a detection portion and a first protective member, and acquires information input with a writing instrument by detecting a position of the writing instrument. The detection portion can be folded along a first axis. The first protective member includes an insertion portion. An opening is formed in an opposing face of the insertion portion that faces toward the first axis. At least a portion of the detection portion is inserted into the first protective member such that a first length becomes shorter than a second length. The first length is a length between the opening and an edge of the detection portion that is on the opposite side from the opposing face. The edge of the detection portion is contained in the first protective member. The second length is the length between the edge of the detection portion and the first axis.