Stylus Transmitter Connector Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stylus designs face challenges in cost and ease of manufacture due to the complexity of integrating transmitters and connectors, which also leads to potential electrical contact issues and increased volume within the limited space of the stylus.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece construction of the transmitter and connector within the stylus, directly connecting the transmitter to the electronic circuitry, eliminates the need for additional components and space for biasing or soldering, allowing for space savings and reduced manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If separate transmitter and connector components are used in the stylus, then electrical connection can be established, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestylus internal structureVSAvoidstylus assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transmitter and connector into a single integrated component. The connector is formed as an integral part of the transmitter assembly, eliminating the need for separate connector components and reducing the number of assembly steps. This merging of functions directly reduces device complexity while improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate transmitter and connector components are used in the stylus, then electrical connection can be established, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestylus assemblyVSAvoidstylus internal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter and connector are merged into a single integrated component, reducing the total part count and simplifying the manufacturing process. This integration eliminates the need for separate connector procurement, inventory management, and assembly operations, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining electrical connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If additional components and space for biasing or soldering are included in the stylus, then electrical connection can be established, but volume of the stylus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestylus internal spaceVSAvoidelectrical connection assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated transmitter-connector design eliminates the need for separate biasing mechanisms and soldering operations. The connector is directly formed as part of the transmitter assembly, removing the volume requirements for additional biasing components and soldering access spaces, thereby reducing overall stylus internal volume while maintaining manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If multiple separate components are used in the stylus, then electrical connection can be established, but risk of electrical contact failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the connector as an integral part of the transmitter assembly, the patent eliminates potential failure points associated with separate components and their interconnections. The unified structure ensures consistent electrical contact without the variability introduced by multiple assembly steps, thereby improving reliability while reducing component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution reduces manufacturing costs, enhances the robustness of the stylus by minimizing the risk of electrical contact failure and allows for more components to be housed within the stylus, while maintaining effective signal transmission for digitizer detection.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically conducting connector directly connecting the transmitter to the electronic circuitry, the connector configured to convey the generated signal from the electronic circuitry to the transmitter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10761625B2Stylus for operation with a digitizer

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A stylus for operation with a digitizer device is described. The stylus comprises a housing, at least one transmitter within the housing, electronic circuitry within the housing, the electronic circuitry configured to generate a signal for transmission by the transmitter such that in use, the digitizer device is able to detect the transmitted signal and infer a position of the transmitter with respect to the digitizer device; and an electrically conducting connector. The connector connects the transmitter to the electronic circuitry, and conveys the generated signal from the electronic circuitry to the transmitter. The connector and the transmitter are formed as a single element.