Electronic Pen Tubular Coupling Laser Welding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic pens face challenges in accurately detecting pen pressure due to wobbliness in the coupling of the engaging member and holder of the pen pressure detecting module, which is difficult to achieve with precise fitting and adhesive application, and can result in adhesive leakage affecting the pen's movement.

Innovation Solution

The electronic pen employs a tubular casing with a first and second coupling member that are partially overlapping and welded together using laser light radiation, eliminating the need for adhesives and simplifying the assembly process while ensuring a secure and precise attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If fitting protrusion and fitting recessed groove are formed to enable accurate fitting, then coupling precision is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fitting system (protrusion and recessed groove) with a welding system. The coupling members are joined through welding instead of mechanical interlocking, which simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring firm coupling. The welding method eliminates the need for precise fitting geometries and reduces manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If adhesive is used to firmly couple components, then coupling strength is improved, but process complexity and adhesive leakage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the adhesive bonding system with a welding system. Welding provides strong coupling without the complexity of adhesive application processes. There is no need for adhesive application, curing time waiting, or concerns about adhesive leakage, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining or improving coupling strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If slow-acting adhesive is used, then bonding strength is improved, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces adhesive bonding with welding, which eliminates the curing time requirement. Welding provides immediate bonding strength without requiring waiting periods for adhesive to cure, thereby significantly reducing production time while maintaining strong coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of time

If fast-acting adhesive is used, then production time is reduced, but fitting difficulty increases due to premature adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction timeVSAvoidfitting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces adhesive bonding with welding, which allows components to be positioned and adjusted freely before final joining. There is no premature adhesion issue since welding only occurs when the components are properly positioned and the welding process is initiated. This maintains fitting ease while achieving quick production cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Strength

If adhesive is used to couple components, then coupling strength is improved, but adhesive leakage occurs affecting component movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidadhesive leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces adhesive bonding with welding, which eliminates adhesive leakage entirely. Welding creates a clean, precise joint without any material that could leak or interfere with component movement. The harmful effect of adhesive leakage is completely removed while maintaining strong coupling.

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

This configuration ensures a stable and accurate pen pressure detection by preventing wobble and simplifying the manufacturing process, as the components are firmly attached without adhesive-related issues, facilitating mass production.

Implementation Method 1

a welded portion that attaches the first coupling member and the second coupling member to each other is formed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Data Source

PatentUS11269464B2Electronic pen and cartridge for electronic pen

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 WACOM CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic pen includes a tubular casing, and a first coupling member and a second coupling member that are coupled to each other in a hollow portion of the casing in an axial direction of the casing. In the axial direction, the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled to each other, and in a coupling portion between the first coupling member and the second coupling member, a welded portion that attaches the first coupling member and the second coupling member to each other is formed. The first coupling member is coupled to a core. The second coupling member holds a printed circuit board. The core of the core-side component is made of a conductive material. The second coupling member includes a conductor that supplies, to the core, a signal from a signal transmitting circuit on the printed circuit board with a battery.