Conductive Elastomer Clutch for EMI Shielding in Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices face challenges in reducing unwanted electrical noise (EMI) due to poor electrical couplings between enclosure components, which can lead to increased EMI emissions, especially in targeted regions.
Innovation Solution
The use of a conductive elastomer, such as silver-loaded silicone, is applied to the clutch assembly to enhance electrical coupling between the top and bottom cases of the device, creating an improved electrical path and reducing EMI interference by conforming to the clutch assembly and contacting both cases, thereby improving conductivity and shielding performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional mechanical coupling is used between top and bottom cases, then structural assembly is simple, but electrical coupling is poor leading to increased EMI emissions
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive elastomer is introduced as an intermediary material between the clutch assembly and the enclosure cases. The elastomer features a cavity that receives the clutch assembly and lobes that contact both the clutch and the cases, creating an enhanced electrical coupling path that reduces EMI emissions without requiring fundamental changes to the mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly incorporates a composite structure combining mechanical components with conductive elastomer material. The elastomer itself is a composite material that provides both mechanical coupling and electrical conductivity, allowing the assembly to serve dual functions of structural support and EMI reduction.
2Ease of manufacture
If poor electrical coupling exists between enclosure parts, then manufacturing is easier, but EMI noise escapes more readily
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductivity parameter of the enclosure assembly is improved by introducing the conductive elastomer material. The elastomer's lobes create multiple contact points with the cases, increasing the electrical coupling strength and reducing EMI noise escape without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If conductive elastomer is added to enhance electrical coupling, then EMI shielding improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive elastomer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical coupling between the clutch assembly and the cases, maintains electrical conductivity for EMI reduction, and accommodates the clutch assembly through its cavity structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate 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 reduces EMI emissions and enhances the electromagnetic interference shielding performance by improving the electrical coupling between the top and bottom cases, ensuring better protection of internal components from external electromagnetic radiation.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive elastomer that can be disposed on the clutch assembly and configured to enhance an electrical contact between the clutch assembly and at least one portion of the base portion
Implementation Method 2
The conductive elastomer can include silver loaded silicone material
Implementation Method 3
A conductive elastomer is disclosed. The conductive elastomer can include a cavity to conform to at least one portion of the clutch assembly
Implementation Method 4
reducing EMI interference and/or emissions by enhancing an electrical coupling of two or more portions of a base portion of a portable computing device
Data Source
AI summary
A portable computing device can include one or more clutch assemblies that can include a conductive elastomer configured to contact at least a portion of the clutch assembly of the portable computing device. The conductive elastomer can be configured to also contact at least one region of the base portion of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, the conductive elastomer can be disposed on the clutch assembly. The conductive elastomer can enhance an electrical coupling between two or more regions of the base portion, especially in the region near the conductive elastomer and the clutch assembly. The enhanced coupling can increase a performance of an electrical shield provided by the two or more regions of the base portion.