Magnetic Attachment for Electronic Device Touch Pen

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with touch screens face limitations in providing a comfortable handwriting experience due to thickness constraints and inconvenient attachment/detachment mechanisms for touch pens, leading to usability issues and high risk of loss.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a first electromagnet for generating a magnetic force, a data channel terminal for signal transmission, and a processor to control the magnetic force based on polarity and strength for easy attachment and detachment of peripheral devices, enabling intuitive interface operations and charging capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a touch pen is inserted into the electronic device, then the touch pen is secured, but the thickness of the pen is limited by the size of the electronic device, degrading the handwriting feeling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring of touch penVSAvoidthickness of touch pen

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical insertion system with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The electromagnet generates a magnetic force that attracts the touch pen containing a magnet, eliminating the need for physical insertion into the electronic device. This substitution allows the touch pen to have any thickness while maintaining secure attachment through magnetic attraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a touch pen is inserted into the electronic device, then the touch pen can be used, but a user should detach the touch pen by applying force to a pen holder, deteriorating the usability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability of touch penVSAvoidattachment/detachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical attachment/detachment mechanism requiring force application with a magnetic field-based system. The electromagnet can be controlled to generate or cancel magnetic force, allowing the touch pen to be attached or detached simply by controlling the magnetic field rather than applying mechanical force to a pen holder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic field parameter (strength or polarity) to control attachment and detachment. By adjusting the magnetic force strength or reversing its polarity, the system can easily attach or detach the touch pen without complex mechanical operations, improving usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If an independent touch pen is used, then the handwriting feeling is improved, but the risk of loss increases and portability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandwriting feelingVSAvoidrisk of loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnetic field-based attachment to securely hold the independent touch pen to the electronic device. The electromagnet generates sufficient magnetic force to prevent the touch pen from falling or being lost, while allowing easy detachment when needed, thus maintaining both handwriting quality and reducing loss risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enhances the handwriting experience by eliminating thickness limitations and improves usability through seamless attachment/detachment and charging functionality, while reducing the risk of peripheral device loss.

Implementation Method 1

a first electromagnet mounted to a side surface of the electronic device and configured to generate a magnetic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10104217B2Method and apparatus for operating electronic device detachable from another electronic device

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first electromagnet mounted to a side surface of the electronic device and configured to generate a magnetic force, a data channel terminal configured to transmit and receive a signal for detecting whether another electronic device is attached, and a processor configured to determine at least one of a polarity and a strength of the magnetic force of the first electromagnet for an attachment or detachment between the electronic device and the other electronic device, control the first electromagnet according to at least one of the determined polarity and strength, and detect an attachment or detachment state between the electronic device and the other electronic device.