Pen Gripping Zone Cover for Force Sensor Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pens with pressure sensors in the gripping zone compromise both aesthetics and haptics, and existing configurations, such as a fluid-carrying helix, are unappealing and negatively impact user experience.
Innovation Solution
A cover in the gripping zone conceals the measuring device externally, allowing for independent optimization of both optics and haptics, and a gear unit with a ramp mechanism transfers force to the sensor, enabling adjustable sensitivity and force limitation to protect the sensor from excessive loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is located in the gripping zone, then force measurement is enabled, but optical appearance and haptics are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the gripping zone and relocated to another position on the pen shaft. A cover element is provided that covers the sensor, thereby removing the sensor from the gripping zone area. This allows the gripping zone to maintain its original optical appearance and haptic properties while the sensor remains functional for force measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
A cover element is introduced as an intermediary component that physically separates the sensor from the gripping zone. The cover element has a free end that can be deformed by force applied to the gripping zone, thereby transmitting force information to the sensor without exposing the sensor itself in the gripping zone area.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned to measure force directly, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the gripping zone thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cover element with a deformable free end acts as a mediator between the gripping zone and the sensor. The free end deforms in response to force applied to the gripping zone, and this deformation is transmitted to the sensor. This allows the sensor to be positioned away from the gripping zone, maintaining a slim profile while still achieving accurate force measurement through the intermediary deformation mechanism.
3Force
If the sensor is exposed to direct force from the gripping zone, then force transmission is maximized, but the sensor is vulnerable to damage from peak loads
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is designed with elastic properties that provide beforehand cushioning for the sensor. When force is applied to the gripping zone, the elastic cover element deforms and absorbs peak loads, preventing excessive force from reaching the sensor directly. This protects the sensor from damage while still allowing it to detect force variations for measurement purposes.
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 pen's appearance and feel by isolating the sensor's impact on both, allowing for customizable aesthetics and haptics while ensuring the sensor's protection from peak loads and maintaining a slim design.
Implementation Method 1
the gear unit transmits the first movement to a second movement directed transversely to the first movement and captured by the sensor, by means of a ramp
Implementation Method 2
the limitation device further preferably has a resilient tongue
Implementation Method 3
a pen with a shaft, a gripping zone and a measuring device having a sensor, said measuring device measuring a force acting on the gripping zone
Data Source
AI summary
A pen comprising a shaft, a gripping zone, and a measuring device having a sensor configured to measure a force acting on the gripping zone. The pen further comprises a cover in the area of the gripping zone, the cover configured to cover the measuring device.