Active Stylus Battery Disconnection via Dock Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active stylus devices face challenges in extending battery life due to continuous power consumption, even when not in use, as they require a battery to support an active waveform and wireless interface, leading to reduced operational time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where the stylus battery disconnects during non-use, such as when garaged in a stylus dock, and reconnects upon use, using a sensor like a reed switch to manage power consumption by cutting off power to the processor and active tip when docked, thereby reducing current draw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the stylus battery remains connected during non-use to support active waveform and wireless interface, then the stylus is ready for immediate use, but the battery life is reduced due to continuous power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power consumption issue by physically disconnecting the battery from the processor and active tip during non-use periods. The battery is separated from the power-consuming components when the stylus is docked, eliminating parasitic power drain while maintaining readiness through the docking infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic connection and disconnection of the battery based on usage patterns. The battery is connected during active use periods and disconnected during non-use periods, creating a rhythmic power management cycle that extends battery life while maintaining functionality when needed.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery is disconnected during non-use to extend battery life, then power consumption is reduced, but the stylus may not be ready for immediate use upon removal from dock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-charging the battery when docked and pre-positioning the stylus for immediate use. The docking infrastructure maintains the battery in a charged state and ready configuration during non-use, so that when the stylus is removed, it is immediately ready without requiring wake-up or initialization delays.
3Ease of operation
If the active waveform and wireless interface remain active to ensure immediate stylus functionality, then the stylus is always ready for use, but the current draw increases continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active waveform generation and wireless interface functions from continuous operation, disconnecting them from power when not in use. These components are physically separated from the battery circuit during docking, eliminating their parasitic current draw while maintaining the capability to reactivate them immediately when needed.
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 approach significantly extends the battery life of the stylus from 182 days to 299 days by eliminating power consumption during standby mode and ensures seamless usage without power-saving impacts when the stylus is renewed for use.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor of the stylus detects placement in a stylus dock of the information handling system and, in response, cuts off power from the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system accepts inputs at a touchscreen display with a stylus having an active tip powered by a battery. The stylus garages in a stylus dock having a magnet that generates a magnetic field detected by a sensor in the stylus that cuts off the battery from powering the active tip. The portable information handling system detects that battery power is cut off at the stylus and adjusts processing to disable stylus detection and/or tracing functions to save power and memory resources.