Stylus Retention Tray With Retractable Low-Profile Case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stylus retention mechanisms for electronic devices occupy space and enlarge the device's size when not in use, and they do not transition to a lower profile configuration, which can be undesirable for aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that includes a tray within a case that transitions between retracted, extended, and securing configurations to securely retain the stylus while not in use, maintaining alignment for attachment and power transfer, and concealing itself when not in use, using magnetic and mechanical detents for sliding between configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stylus retention mechanism is provided in the case, then the stylus can be securely retained and protected, but the case size is enlarged and bulk is increased when the stylus is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed to be movable between retracted and extended configurations, transitioning dynamically based on whether the stylus is in use. This allows the retention mechanism to adapt its form factor, providing secure retention when needed while minimizing bulk when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is nested within the case body, allowing it to be stored within the existing case structure when not in use. This nesting approach enables the retention mechanism to utilize space efficiently without permanently increasing the case's external dimensions.
2Reliability
If a stylus retention mechanism is provided in the case, then the stylus can be securely retained, but the mechanism occupies space and enlarges the device when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The tray transitions between retracted and extended states, changing its effective length dynamically. When retracted, it maintains a low profile that does not increase the overall case length, while when extended, it provides sufficient length to securely retain the stylus.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is designed to extend in one dimension (length) only when needed, while maintaining compact dimensions in other directions. This selective dimensional expansion allows secure retention without permanently increasing the case's length.
3Reliability
If the tray is extended to retain the stylus securely, then the stylus is protected and retained, but the mechanism transitions to a larger configuration that increases bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The tray dynamically transitions between compact and extended configurations, allowing the mechanism volume to change based on operational needs. This dynamic behavior enables secure stylus retention when required while minimizing the mechanism's volume during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is retracted into a compact state within the case when stylus retention is not needed, effectively 'discarding' its extended form and recovering the compact case profile. This allows the mechanism to provide protection only when necessary without permanently occupying additional volume.
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 mechanism allows for secure stylus retention while maintaining a low profile, protecting the stylus and enhancing user experience by minimizing bulk when the stylus is not in use, and enabling easy access when needed.
Implementation Method 1
using magnetic and mechanical detents for sliding between configurations
Implementation Method 2
using magnetic and mechanical detents for sliding between configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A case can provide a mechanism for securely retaining a stylus with a host device while the stylus is not in use. Such a mechanism can maintain the alignment of the stylus with the host device for attachment, power transfer, and/or communication. The mechanism can further protect the stylus from impact or other external influences. The same mechanism can transition to a lower profile while not retaining the stylus (e.g., while the stylus is in use as an input device for the host device). Such a mechanism can selectably be placed into a configuration that substantially conceals the mechanism, such that it can temporarily appear to be a case or portion of the host device that does not necessarily have a dedicated receptacle for retaining the stylus.