Carbon Fiber Structural Member With Integrated ESD Discharge Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Carbon fiber composite materials used in electronic devices are prone to electrostatic discharge (ESD), leading to potential damage of electronic components due to poor electrical conductivity.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical part with a conductive part connected to exposed carbon fiber filaments, forming a discharge path for electrostatic current, and incorporating a conductive layer and base layer to enhance electrical connection and bonding strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If carbon fiber composite material is used for lightweight design, then weight is reduced and strength is improved, but electrical conductivity deteriorates leading to ESD problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of electronic deviceVSAvoidelectrical conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining carbon fiber filaments (providing conductivity) with insulation parts (maintaining structural integrity). This composite material approach allows the mechanical part to maintain lightweight properties while introducing conductive elements to prevent ESD, directly resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and electrical conductivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive part serves as an intermediary element that bridges the insulating carbon fiber composite material and the ground/reference potential. By introducing this intermediate conductive component, the patent enables electrostatic discharge without requiring the entire structural material to be conductive, thus maintaining lightweight design while improving electrical conductivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If carbon fiber composite material is used, then lightweight and high strength are achieved, but ESD protection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength of mechanical partVSAvoidESD damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the mechanical part into distinct functional zones: insulation parts (maintaining strength and lightweight properties) and conductive parts (providing ESD protection). This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, enabling the structure to maintain high strength while gaining ESD protection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making specific regions of the mechanical part conductive rather than the entire structure. The conductive parts are strategically positioned to provide ESD protection at critical points while the majority of the structure retains the lightweight and strong carbon fiber composite material properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If conductive part is added to carbon fiber composite, then ESD protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveESD protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the structural and ESD protection functions into a unified design where conductive parts are integrated within or on the carbon fiber composite structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate ESD protection components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining improved ESD protection

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

The solution effectively reduces ESD issues by providing a conductive path for electrostatic discharge, ensuring reliable electrical connections and preventing component damage.

Implementation Method 1

the carbon fiber filament has good conductivity, the conductive part disposed on the mechanical part body and the exposed carbon fiber filament can be conducted, to form a conductive path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4694607A1Structural member and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4694607A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4694607A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4694607A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

Embodiments of this application disclose a mechanical part and an electronic device, and relate to the field of electronic device technologies, to resolve a technical problem that a carbon fiber composite material is prone to ESD. The mechanical part includes a mechanical part body and a conductive part. The mechanical part body includes an insulation part and a carbon fiber filament. The carbon fiber filament is embedded in the insulation part, and a part of the carbon fiber filament is exposed outside the insulation part. The conductive part is at least partially in contact with and electrically connected to the exposed carbon fiber filament. Because the carbon fiber filament has good conductivity, the conductive part disposed on the mechanical part body and the exposed carbon fiber filament can be conducted, to form a conductive path, so that the carbon fiber filament in the mechanical part may be used as a discharge path of an electrostatic current. In addition, the conductive part in the mechanical part may also be used as a point for electrical connection. When a large current passes through the mechanical part, the electrostatic current may be discharged through the carbon fiber filament and the conductive part, to reduce an ESD problem.