Biometric Sensor Hood with Electrostatic Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biometric modules, such as fingerprint scanners, are prone to inadvertent activation and damage from electrostatic energy when a user inadvertently brushes against them, leading to negative scanning results and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A biometric module design featuring a movable hood with biasing elements and a conductive path to ground, which prevents inadvertent activation by requiring a deliberate downward movement to engage the sensor and dissipates electrostatic energy before activation, thereby ensuring accurate scanning and protecting the module from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the biometric module is made accessible for easy use, then ease of operation is improved, but inadvertent activation occurs leading to scanning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The biometric sensor is covered by a movable hood that can be in different positions. The hood is movable between a first position where it covers the sensor and a second position where it exposes the sensor. This dynamic structure allows the system to transition from a protected state to an active scanning state, preventing inadvertent activation while enabling intentional use.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood is biased by a spring element to remain in the first position (covering the sensor) by default, creating a preliminary protective action against inadvertent activation. The hood remains in place until a deliberate force overcomes the biasing force, at which point the hood moves to expose the sensor for intentional scanning.
2Ease of operation
If the biometric module is made accessible for easy use, then ease of operation is improved, but the module becomes susceptible to electrostatic damage
Solution Approach 1:
The movable hood creates a dynamic barrier that physically separates the sensor from the environment when not in use. This dynamic protection mechanism prevents electrostatic discharge from reaching the sensor during normal operation, while still allowing easy access when the hood is intentionally moved to the second position.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood structure provides beforehand protection by covering the sensor before any potential harmful contact or electrostatic discharge can occur. The biasing element ensures the hood returns to the protective first position after each scanning operation, restoring the protective barrier.
3Reliability
If a movable hood with biasing elements is added to prevent inadvertent activation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biometric module is segmented into distinct functional components: the sensor, the movable hood, and the biasing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system, making the complexity manageable and the design modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood acts as an intermediary element between the user and the sensor. It mediates the interaction by providing a physical barrier that can be intentionally moved to enable scanning while preventing inadvertent activation. The biasing element serves as a mediator to maintain the hood in the protective position and facilitate its movement when force is applied.
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
The solution effectively prevents inadvertent biometric scanning operations and protects the module from electrostatic damage, ensuring reliable user authentication and extending the module's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
biometric modules are susceptible to receiving an electrostatic energy discharged therethrough by a user of the biometric module
Implementation Method 2
the hood is conductively coupled to a frame of the electronic device
Implementation Method 3
a movable hood with biasing elements
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprises a biometric module having a contact-based sensor configured to capture a biometric image, the biometric module configured to discharge electrostatic energy from a user of the biometric module before activating the sensor.