Communication Interface PCB Layout for Air Conditioner ESD Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing air conditioner designs that incorporate a resin housing for the connector body require additional components like a spring-like metal plate, screw, and ground path to manage static electricity, leading to increased complexity and part count.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioner with a communication interface featuring a resin housing that includes a pattern wiring on the control board for electrostatic discharge, connected to the ground via wiring, which discharges static electricity before the communication module is electrically connected, simplifying the configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a resin housing is used for the connector body, then the housing can be made lighter and more cost-effective, but additional components (spring-like metal plate, screw, ground path) are required to manage static electricity, increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidstatic electricity discharge capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the control board: it serves as both the electrical connection interface (via the first connector) and the static electricity discharge path (via the pattern wiring to ground). This integration eliminates the need for separate ground path components while maintaining static electricity discharge capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control board acts as an intermediary element that provides both electrical connection and static electricity discharge functions. The pattern wiring on the control board serves as a mediator to discharge static electricity from the communication module to ground before the module is fully connected to the first connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a resin housing is used for the connector body, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the number of parts increases due to required static electricity management components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing manufacturingVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control board integrates multiple functions: electrical connection through the first connector and static electricity discharge through the pattern wiring. This merging of functions reduces the total number of parts while maintaining both electrical connectivity and electrostatic discharge capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control board is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection for data communication and serves as a ground path for static electricity discharge. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If additional components are added for static electricity discharge, then static electricity can be effectively removed, but the configuration becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic electricity discharge capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control board combines electrical connection and static electricity discharge functions into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate ground path components and simplifying the overall configuration while maintaining reliable static electricity discharge capability.

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 configuration effectively removes static electricity with a simpler structure, preventing damage to semiconductor elements and circuit malfunctions even when the housing is made of resin.

Implementation Method 1

a pattern wiring 42 for discharging static electricity from the communication module 200 before the communication module 200 is electrically connected to the first connector 41

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3663668B1Air conditioner
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3663668B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3663668B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3663668B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air conditioner includes an indoor equipment, a wiring (13) connected to the indoor equipment at one end, and a communication interface (100) connected to another end of the wiring (13) and electrically connected to the indoor equipment via the wiring (13). The communication interface (100) includes a housing (101) made of resin, an insertion hole formed in the housing (101) and into which a communication module (200) of a cartridge type is inserted, and a control board (40) provided inside the housing (101). The communication interface (100) includes a first connector (41) provided on a board surface (401) of the control board (40) and electrically connected to the communication module (200). The communication interface (100) includes a pattern wiring (42) provided on the board surface (401) and discharging static electricity from the communication module (200) before the communication module (200) is electrically connected to the first connector (41).