Stylus Pick-and-Place Mechanism with Electric Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mechanisms for retrieving and storing styluses in portable electronic devices are inconvenient and prone to mistouch, as users must manually grasp and pull out the stylus, which can be cumbersome and increase the risk of accidental removal.
Innovation Solution
A pick-and-place mechanism that includes a moving member, a latch assembly, and a switch element, allowing for electrical control to switch between lock and unlock states, enabling smooth and controlled insertion and removal of the stylus from the device housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stylus is manually grasped and pulled out by force, then the stylus can be removed from the slot, but the operation becomes inconvenient and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pulling action with an electrically-controlled latch mechanism. The latch assembly, actuated by a switch element (such as a button or sensor), automatically moves the stylus from the stored position in the slot to a protruding position, eliminating the need for users to manually grasp and pull the stylus by force.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is designed to automatically perform the stylus retrieval action when activated. Once the user triggers the switch element, the system self-executes the movement of the stylus from the slot without requiring continuous manual intervention or force application by the user.
2Ease of operation
If repeated pressing actions are performed to remove the stylus, then the stylus can be smoothly removed from the housing, but the risk of mistouch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the repeated mechanical pressing actions with a single activation of the switch element that controls the latch assembly. This electrical control mechanism provides precise, controlled movement of the stylus without requiring multiple pressing actions that could accidentally trigger the stylus to move or be removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's input (switch element activation) and the stylus movement. This intermediate mechanical linkage provides controlled, deliberate motion that separates the user's intentional action from any potential mistouch, as the latch mechanism ensures the stylus only moves when properly activated.
3Reliability
If the stylus is stored in the housing, then the stylus is protected and immovable, but the user cannot easily access or use the stylus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static storage configuration into a dynamic system where the latch assembly can automatically move the stylus between a retracted position (for protection) and a protruding position (for accessibility). The switch element enables users to dynamically change the stylus position based on their needs, combining both protection and ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly automatically performs the stylus extraction and positioning actions when activated, eliminating the need for users to manually reach into the slot and grasp the stylus. The system self-services the transition from protected to accessible state through automated mechanical movement controlled by the switch element.
Data Source
AI summary
A pick-and-place mechanism for a stylus, applicable for a portable electronic device, is provided. The portable electronic device has a housing. The pick-and-place mechanism for the stylus includes a moving member, a latch assembly, and a switch element. The moving member is movably disposed in the housing. The stylus is adapted to be inserted into the housing and locked with the moving member to move synchronously. The latch assembly is disposed in the housing and switches between a lock state and an unlock state. In the lock state, the latch assembly locks the stylus in the housing. In the unlock state, the latch assembly moves at least part of the stylus out of the housing. The switch element is electrically connected to the latch assembly to drive the latch assembly to switch between the lock state and the unlock state.