Position Indicator Radial Assembly Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pen pressure detecting modules face challenges in alignment and assembly during manufacturing, leading to increased man-hours and costs, making them unsuitable for mass production.

Innovation Solution

A position indicator design with a cylindrical casing and a pen pressure detecting module where parts are housed through an opening on the side circumferential surface, utilizing a locking mechanism to prevent parts from falling out, simplifying the assembly process and improving alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If parts are inserted into the holder from the axial direction, then alignment of parts can be controlled, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the insertion direction from the axial direction to the radial direction by providing an opening in the radial direction of the holder. This dimensional change allows parts to be inserted more easily without complex alignment procedures, thereby improving assembly efficiency while maintaining sufficient alignment precision through the holder's structural features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple parts are assembled in the axial direction, then proper positioning can be achieved, but the number of assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides an opening in the radial direction of the holder, allowing parts to be inserted from the radial direction rather than the axial direction. This reduces the number of assembly steps while maintaining positioning accuracy through features like engagement protrusions and recesses that ensure proper part positioning during radial insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is designed with pre-formed engagement protrusions and recesses that guide parts into their correct positions during radial insertion. This preliminary structural preparation ensures accurate positioning without requiring complex multi-step assembly procedures, thereby reducing assembly process complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2790085B1Position indicator
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 WACOM CO LTD
  • EP2790085B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2790085B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2790085B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A position indicator includes: a core body disposed within a casing such that a tip thereof projects from one opening of the casing; a printed board on which a circuit element for detecting pressing force applied to the tip is disposed; and a pen pressure detecting module formed by arranging, in an axial direction, plural parts for detecting a displacement corresponding to the pressing force. The plural parts are arranged within a hollow portion of a cylindrical holder portion housed within the casing. The holder portion has an opening portion in a side circumferential surface thereof. The opening portion is opened in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. At least one of the parts is/are housed into the hollow portion through the opening portion. The holder portion includes a locking portion configured to prevent the at least one of the parts from falling out through the opening portion.