Retractable Touchscreen Input Device for Compact Transport

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices for touch-sensitive screens are often too long for comfortable grip during operation and inconvenient to transport, with the input element being unprotected and prone to damage during transport.

Innovation Solution

The input device features a movably mounted input part that can transition between an elongated use position and a shortened transport position, with a spring mechanism and control unit allowing seamless conversion, and non-metallic components to minimize electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the input device is made long to provide comfortable grip during operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ease of transport deteriorates and the input element becomes vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfortable gripVSAvoidease of transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The input device employs a movable input part that can dynamically change position between an extended state during operation and a retracted state during transport. The input part is coupled to the housing via a movable connection, allowing it to be pushed into the housing when not in use, thereby transforming the device from a static structure to a dynamic one that adapts to different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The input part is designed to be nestable within the housing structure. When the input part is not in use, it can be pushed into the housing and retained there by a retaining mechanism, creating a compact configuration where the input element is protected inside the housing body, similar to how nested dolls are placed one inside another.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the input element is exposed for easy access during use, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to damage during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to input elementVSAvoidprotection against damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The input part's position is made dynamic through the movable connection to the housing, allowing it to be extended during operation for easy access and retracted during transport for protection. This dynamic repositioning capability enables the system to optimize both accessibility and protection based on the operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining mechanism serves as a protective measure that is activated before damage can occur during transport. By securing the input part within the housing in advance, the system prevents potential damage to the input element during handling and transportation, providing beforehand protection against adverse events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If the input device is shortened for transport, then the ease of transport is improved, but the input element becomes vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of transportVSAvoidprotection against damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The input part is designed to be nestable within the housing structure. When the input part is not in use, it can be pushed into the housing and retained there by a retaining mechanism, creating a compact configuration where the input element is protected inside the housing body, similar to how nested dolls are placed one inside another.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining mechanism serves as a protective measure that is activated before damage can occur during transport. By securing the input part within the housing in advance, the system prevents potential damage to the input element during handling and transportation, providing beforehand protection against adverse events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 device provides enhanced convenience during non-use by shortening for transport and protects the input element, while reducing electromagnetic interference through strategic material selection.

Implementation Method 1

arrange in the housing a spring element, in particular a spring element constructed as a tension or compression spring, with or against the spring force of which the input part is movable from the housing position into the input position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20250315113A1Input device

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 LAMY C JOSEF GMBH

AI summary

An input device, in particular active or passive, which is intended for touch-sensitive screen and to the front end of which an input element, which can be placed on the screen, of a preferably elongate input part of the input device is assigned in order to make inputs. Input part is movably mounted so latter is movable from a housing position, wherein input element, preferably the entire input part, is located in housing of input device, into an input position, wherein input element is located outside the housing, in order to make inputs, and in that, in order to elongate input device, a further rearwardly arranged housing part of housing is movably mounted on a further forwardly arranged housing part of housing, so that further rearwardly arranged housing part is movable from a shortened position, wherein input device is shortened, into elongated position, wherein input device is elongated.