Active Stylus Connector for Wired and Electrostatic Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active styluses typically lack erase or other capacitance-enabled electrode functionality on their tail end due to the placement of an electrical connector, limiting their operational modes and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An active stylus with a dual-purpose electrical connector that alternates between wired connection and electrostatic functionality by grounding the connector in wired mode and floating it in electrostatic mode, enabling both data transfer and capacitive interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical connector is placed on the tail end of the stylus for wired connection, then wired connection functionality is enabled, but electrostatic functionality (erase capability) is lost at the tail end
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between wired connection mode and electrostatic mode. The same physical connector structure serves dual purposes: forming wired electrical connections when a device is connected, and functioning as an electrostatic electrode for erase operations when floating. This eliminates the need for separate connectors or structures for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector dynamically changes its electrical state between grounded (wired connection mode) and floating (electrostatic mode). This dynamic switching allows the same physical component to adapt its functionality based on operational requirements, enabling both wired data/power transfer and capacitive erase operations through the same connector.
2Reliability
If the electrical connector is grounded for wired connection mode, then wired connection functionality works, but electrostatic functionality is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the electrical state of the connector between grounded and floating conditions. When wired connection is needed, the connector is grounded to ensure reliable electrical connection. When electrostatic erase is needed, the connector is allowed to float to enable capacitive coupling. This dynamic state change allows both modes to function reliably through the same physical component.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical parameter (grounding state) of the connector is changed based on operational mode. In wired connection mode, the connector is held at ground potential for stable electrical connection. In electrostatic mode, the connector is left floating to enable voltage buildup for capacitive coupling. This parameter change enables the same structure to serve different functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical connector is floated for electrostatic mode, then electrostatic functionality is enabled, but wired connection functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's electrical state is dynamically adjusted based on the required operation. When electrostatic erase is needed, the connector is floated to enable capacitive coupling with the display. When wired connection is needed, the connector is grounded to ensure reliable electrical connection for data and power transfer. This dynamic adaptation allows both modes to function as intended.
4Device complexity
If a single connector is used for both wired connection and electrostatic functionality, then device complexity is reduced, but functional reliability in both modes must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed as a universal component that performs both wired connection and electrostatic functions. The same physical structure serves dual purposes by switching between grounded and floating states, reducing the need for separate components while maintaining functionality in both modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's electrical parameters (grounding state, voltage level) are changed based on operational mode to ensure reliable performance. In wired mode, parameters are set for stable electrical connection; in electrostatic mode, parameters are adjusted for capacitive coupling. This parameter control ensures both modes work reliably through the same structure.
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
Enhances the overall functionality of the active stylus by allowing it to perform various operations, including digital erasing, through the use of a single connector that adapts its functionality based on the operational mode.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical connector can be used to transmit/receive one or more excitation waveforms. For example, such excitation waveforms may create a capacitive coupling with electrodes of a proximate touch-sensitive device
Implementation Method 2
the placement of the electrical connector on the tail end typically will prevent a separate 'eraser' electrode from being co-located on the tail end
Data Source
AI summary
An active stylus includes a body, an electrical connector operatively coupled to the body, wired connection circuitry contained within the body and electrically coupled to the electrical connector, and electrostatic circuitry contained within the body and electrically coupled to the electrical connector. The electrical connector is configured to electrically couple the active stylus with a device via a wired connection. The wired connection circuitry is configured to hold at least a portion of the electrical connector at ground when the active stylus is operating in a wired connection mode. The electrostatic circuitry is configured to transmit, via the electrical connector, one or more excitation waveforms when the active stylus is operating in an electrostatic mode.