Scribing shaft sensors

An electronic input device, comprising:

• a scribing shaft disposed within a housing to translate along a longitudinal axis as a result of contact with a substrate;
• an annular housing to retain a sensor, the sensor comprising:
• a plate to elastically deform responsive to the translation of the scribing shaft;
• and
• a full-bridge strain gauge to detect a deformation of the plate and output a corresponding signal;
• a shaft holder to:
• hold, and translate with, the scribing shaft;
• and
• contact the annular housing when a predetermined contact force is reached to limit deformation of the plate to within a predetermined amount;
• a plunger separated from the shaft holder, the plunger to press against, and deform, the plate responsive to the translation of the scribing shaft;
• and
• a spring disposed between the plunger and the shaft holder, the spring to:
• transmit and dampen the axial force from the scribing shaft to the plate;
• and
• return the scribing shaft to an initial position in the absence of contact with the substrate.

An electronic input system comprising:

• a housing which includes an opening through which a scribing shaft protrudes;
• an electronic input device at least partially disposed within the housing, the electronic input device comprising the scribing shaft;
• and
• a sensor device comprising:
• an annular housing to hold an axial sensor;
• the axial sensor disposed within the annular housing, the axial sensor comprising:
• a plate to elastically deform responsive to the translation of the scribing shaft;
• a full-bridge strain gauge to detect a deformation of the plate and output a corresponding signal, wherein the plate and full-bridge strain gauge are supported on bottom by the annular housing and supported on top by a cap;
• and
• a shaft holder to:
• hold, and translate with, the scribing shaft;
• and
• contact the annular housing when a predetermined contact force is reached to limit deformation of the plate to within a predetermined amount;
• a plunger to press against, and deform, the plate responsive to the translation of the scribing shaft;
• at least one spring to:
• transmit and dampen the axial force from the scribing shaft to the plate;
• and
• return the scribing shaft to an initial position in the absence of contact with the substrate;
• and
• circuitry to pass an output of the full-bridge strain gauge to a controller for executing an operation based on the axial force.