Tubular Actuator Spark Gap for Electrostatic Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular electromechanical actuators for solar protection systems face issues with electrostatic charge discharge, leading to malfunctions and damage to electronic components, particularly due to simple electrical insulation in class 1 actuators and unintended discharge through the printed circuit board in class 2 actuators.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spark gap on the printed circuit board of the electronic control unit, connecting one electrode to the conductive casing and the other to an electric power supply conductor, creating a controlled path for electrostatic charge discharge, thus preventing damage to electronic components and limiting overvoltages and short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrical protection class 1 actuators with simple electrical insulation are used, then costs are reduced, but electrostatic charges cannot be properly evacuated leading to malfunctions and damage to electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the electrostatic charge evacuation path from the electronic components by introducing a dedicated discharge device with separate electrodes. The first electrode connects to the conductive casing while the second electrode connects to a power supply conductor, creating a separate discharge path that does not involve the printed circuit board or electronic components, thus protecting them while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The spark gap discharge device acts as an intermediary element between the conductive casing and the power supply conductor. It provides a controlled path for electrostatic charge evacuation through spark formation, preventing direct discharge through electronic components while maintaining electrical protection without requiring complex grounding systems
2Device complexity
If electrical protection class 2 actuators with reinforced electrical insulation are used, then grounding is eliminated, but electrostatic charges discharge through the printed circuit board causing malfunctions and damage to electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the electrostatic charge evacuation path from the electronic components by introducing a dedicated discharge device with separate electrodes. The first electrode connects to the conductive casing while the second electrode connects to a power supply conductor, creating a separate discharge path that does not involve the printed circuit board or electronic components, thus protecting them while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The spark gap discharge device acts as an intermediary element between the conductive casing and the power supply conductor. It provides a controlled path for electrostatic charge evacuation through spark formation, preventing direct discharge through electronic components while maintaining electrical protection without requiring complex grounding systems
3Reliability
If a spark gap discharge device is added to evacuate electrostatic charges, then electronic components are protected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the electrostatic charge discharge function with existing structural elements of the actuator. The conductive casing serves as one electrode while the power supply conductor serves as the other, eliminating the need for separate discharge components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining protection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive casing serves dual functions: as the structural housing of the actuator and as the first electrode of the discharge device. Similarly, the power supply conductor serves both its electrical power function and as the second electrode for electrostatic charge evacuation, reducing the need for additional components
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 effectively evacuates electrostatic charges without damaging electronic components, ensuring reliable operation and reducing costs by avoiding the need for complex grounding or expensive insulation.
Implementation Method 1
a device for discharging electrostatic charges... the device for discharging electrostatic charges comprises a spark gap
Implementation Method 2
the spark gap comprising a first and a second electrode formed respectively by a first conductive track and by a second conductive track of the printed circuit board
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A tubular electromechanical actuator (11) for a home automation solar protection system comprises a conductive casing (17), an electric motor, an electronic control unit (15), and an electrostatic discharge device (28). The motor is electrically powered by means of electrical conductors (25, 26). These conductors (25, 26) are configured to be electrically connected to an electrical power supply network. The unit (15) comprises a printed circuit board (27). The device (28) includes a spark gap (29) formed in the printed circuit board (27). The spark gap (29) comprises first and second electrodes (30, 31) formed respectively by a conductive track (36, 37) of the printed circuit board (27).The first electrode (30) is electrically connected to the conductive envelope (17) and the second electrode (31) is electrically connected to one of the conductors (25, 26) supplying electrical power to the motor.