Touch Stylus Force Sensor Protection via Intermediary Stopper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch styluses lack effective protection mechanisms for force sensors against external impacts, which can lead to damage from excessive forces applied during use.

Innovation Solution

A touch stylus design incorporating a force sensor, a pressing element with a ring-shaped structure, and an elastic element, where the pressing element moves relative to the force sensor, allowing the force sensor to sense applied forces while being protected from excessive impacts by increasing the distance between the pressing element and the force sensor during high-force events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the force sensor is directly connected to the pressing element, then the force measurement is accurate and responsive, but the force sensor is vulnerable to damage from excessive external impacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce measurement accuracyVSAvoidforce sensor protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stopper as an intermediary component between the pressing element and the force sensor. The stopper includes a first pressing portion that receives forces from the pressing element and a second pressing portion that contacts the force sensor. This intermediary structure allows the force sensor to measure forces while being physically separated from direct external impacts, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and sensor protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the force transmission path into separate segments: the pressing element, the stopper (with first and second pressing portions), and the force sensor. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the pressing element interacts with the user, the stopper transmits and isolates forces, and the force sensor measures forces - while protecting the sensitive force sensor from direct exposure to external impacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the pressing element is made rigid for precise force transmission, then the force measurement is accurate, but the structure cannot absorb excessive impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmission accuracyVSAvoidimpact force resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an elastic element that connects the pressing element to the stopper, providing beforehand cushioning for excessive impact forces. The elastic element can deform to absorb shock and protect the rigid pressing element and force sensor from damage during high-force events, while still allowing accurate force transmission during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Speed

If the force sensor is positioned close to the pressing element for direct measurement, then the measurement response is fast, but the sensor is exposed to harmful external forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement response speedVSAvoidexternal impact exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper serves as a mediator that enables fast force measurement while protecting the force sensor. The stopper is positioned between the pressing element and the force sensor, allowing forces to be transmitted quickly through the stopper to the sensor for rapid measurement, while the stopper simultaneously shields the force sensor from direct exposure to harmful external impacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design effectively prevents damage to the force sensor by decoupling it from excessive forces, ensuring accurate force measurement and extending the stylus's operational lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element, where the pressing element moves relative to the force sensor, allowing the force sensor to sense applied forces while being protected from excessive impacts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a force sensor, and an elastic element, where the pressing element moves relative to the force sensor, allowing the force sensor to sense applied forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10838521B2Touch stylus

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A touch stylus includes a stopper, a rod, a pressing element, a force sensor, and an elastic element. The rod and the pressing element are moveable relative to the stopper. The pressing element includes a first pressing portion, a second pressing portion, and at least one support arm. The first pressing portion is located between the rod and the stopper. The stopper is located between the first and the second pressing portions. The support arm extends from the first pressing portion to the second pressing portion. The force sensor is disposed between the stopper and the second pressing portion. The elastic element is connected to the pressing element. When the pressing element is located at a first position, the pressing element abuts against the force sensor. When the pressing element is located at a second position, the pressing element and the force sensor are separated from each other.