Force sensor with dilatant fluid stop
First Claim
1. A force sensor assembly comprising:
- a housing;
a load bearing member for receiving an input force to be sensed, said load bearing member having a first protrusion with round end for engagement with the coupling;
circuitry for converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force;
a coupling for transmitting the input force to the load bearing member, said coupling having a second protrusion extending centrally from a flange such that the distal end of the second protrusion engages the rounded end of the first protrusion from the load bearing member;
a compressible reservoir containing dilatant fluid mounted between the housing and the flange to restrict the input force to the load bearing member caused by shock loading to the coupling,wherein the housing defines a recess for the circuitry, the rounded end of the first protrusion from the load bearing member extends proud of the recess for engaging the coupling.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A force sensor particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor has a housing for a load bearing member for receiving an input force to be sensed and associated circuitry for converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force. A coupling transmits the input force to the load bearing member and, a compressible reservoir containing dilatant fluid mounted between the housing and the coupling restricts the input force to the load bearing member caused by shock loading to the coupling. This protects the force sensor from damage by sharp impact loads such as dropping the stylus on its nib.
27 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A force sensor assembly comprising:
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a housing; a load bearing member for receiving an input force to be sensed, said load bearing member having a first protrusion with round end for engagement with the coupling; circuitry for converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force; a coupling for transmitting the input force to the load bearing member, said coupling having a second protrusion extending centrally from a flange such that the distal end of the second protrusion engages the rounded end of the first protrusion from the load bearing member; a compressible reservoir containing dilatant fluid mounted between the housing and the flange to restrict the input force to the load bearing member caused by shock loading to the coupling, wherein the housing defines a recess for the circuitry, the rounded end of the first protrusion from the load bearing member extends proud of the recess for engaging the coupling. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An electronic stylus comprising:
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an elongate body; a nib extending from one end of the elongate body; and
,a load bearing member mounted to the elongate body for receiving an input force caused by contact on the nib, said load bearing member having a first protrusion with round end for engagement with the coupling; circuitry for converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force; a coupling for transmitting the input force to the load bearing member, said coupling having a second protrusion extending centrally from a flange such that the distal end of the second protrusion engages the rounded end of the first protrusion from the load bearing member; and
,a compressible reservoir containing dilatant fluid mounted between the housing and the flange to restrict the input force to the load bearing member caused by shock loading to the coupling, wherein the housing defines a recess for the circuitry, the rounded end of the first protrusion from the load bearing member extends proud of the recess for engaging the coupling. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification