Single Terminal Capacitive Pen Charging via AC Rectification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as proximity sensor devices, face challenges in efficiently charging peripheral devices like pens, which require a reliable and convenient method for energy storage and transmission.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive pen with a single charging terminal configured to couple with an active electrode driven by an alternating current (AC) signal, utilizing a diode for rectification and a charging circuitry to charge an energy storage device, with the charging process facilitated through a connection to free space, such as a user's body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single charging terminal is used to couple with an active electrode driven by AC signal, then the charging process is simplified and convenience is improved, but the reliability of charging may be compromised due to the need for rectification and dependency on free space connection
Solution Approach 1:
A diode is introduced as an intermediary component to rectify the AC signal from the active electrode into a DC charging signal. This mediator enables the single terminal to handle both signal transmission and power charging functions reliably, converting the alternating current into usable direct current for the energy storage device while maintaining charging convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the user's body or free space as part of the charging circuit, allowing the charging process to complete itself through capacitive coupling. The single terminal charges the energy storage device by coupling with the active electrode, and the circuit automatically rectifies and stores energy without requiring additional connections or user intervention beyond placing the device near the active electrode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rectification circuitry is added to convert AC signal to charge the energy storage device, then charging functionality is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging terminal is merged with the signal transmission terminal, allowing a single component to serve dual purposes. The same terminal that transmits capacitive signals also serves as the charging terminal, eliminating the need for separate charging ports and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full charging functionality through the integrated rectification circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The single charging terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the signal transmission interface for capacitive sensing and the power charging interface for the energy storage device. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while enabling complete charging capability through the active electrode coupling.
3Ease of operation
If a connection to free space is used for charging, then the charging process becomes more convenient and contactless, but the energy transmission efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The active electrode is driven by an alternating current signal that periodically oscillates, creating time-varying electric fields for capacitive coupling. This periodic action enables efficient energy transfer through free space by continuously replenishing the electric field, allowing contactless charging while maintaining reasonable energy transmission efficiency through the rhythmic charging and discharging cycles of the capacitive coupling.
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 solution enables efficient and convenient charging of peripheral devices, allowing for extended operation times and seamless integration with host devices, as demonstrated by the ability to charge a semi-passive pen using minimal current for prolonged usage.
Implementation Method 1
a diode for rectifying the AC signal from the active electrode to obtain a rectified signal
Implementation Method 2
a single charging terminal configured to couple to an active electrode driven with an alternating current (AC) signal... and a connection between the system to free space
Data Source
AI summary
In general, in one aspect, one or more embodiments relate to a peripheral device that includes a single charging terminal configured to couple to an active electrode driven with an alternating current (AC) signal, a diode for rectifying the AC signal from the active electrode to obtain a rectified signal, and a charging circuitry for charging an energy storage device using the rectified signal and a connection between the peripheral device and free space.