Stylus Pen Snap-Fit Structure for Stable Retention and Easy Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing stylus pen fixing devices in electronic devices suffer from plastic deformation due to repeated insertion and removal, leading to a reduction in fixing force and stability.

Innovation Solution

The proposed fixing device includes a body, engagement protrusion, and deformation part with a first opening, allowing the engagement protrusion to move relative to the body, and is made of elastic materials like rubber or synthetic resin to minimize plastic deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stylus pen is placed in a side pocket of a smartwatch, then the smartwatch can be worn on the wrist, but the stylus pen may fall out during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestylus pen retentionVSAvoidstylus pen accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The snap-fit mechanism provides dynamic retention - the stylus can be easily inserted and removed by applying slight force, while normal wrist movements automatically maintain secure holding through the elastic deformation of the snap-fit components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the smartwatch case structure is modified to hold the stylus pen, then stylus retention is improved, but the case structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestylus pen retentionVSAvoidcase structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stylus holding function is segmented from the main case structure into a separate snap-fit component assembly, allowing the case to remain relatively simple while the specialized retention mechanism handles the stylus securing function independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The snap-fit mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the case and stylus pen, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the integration of stylus retention without requiring complex modifications to the case structure itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the snap-fit mechanism is made stronger to prevent stylus drop, then stylus retention is improved, but the stylus may be difficult to remove

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestylus pen retentionVSAvoidstylus pen removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The snap-fit mechanism utilizes elastic deformation dynamics - during normal use, the elastic components maintain strong retention force, but when removal force is applied, the elastic elements deform to allow easy release, providing adaptive retention strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention force parameter of the snap-fit mechanism is made variable through elastic material properties - the force required to hold the stylus during normal movement is significantly higher than the force needed to remove it, creating a large difference between retention and release conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4270146B1Electronic device comprising stylus pen fixing device
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4270146B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4270146B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4270146B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may include a housing, a guide part formed in the housing to have a shape corresponding to a pen input device so as to accommodate the pen input device, a body part disposed in the housing to be adj acent to the guide part, an engagement protrusion including a protrusion part formed to protrude from one surface of the body part such that at least a portion thereof is disposed inside the guide part and an engagement part formed at an end of the protrusion participant, and an opening formed in a center of the body part such that the engagement protrusion moves relative to the body part.