Conductive Housing with Ground Path for Static Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Static electricity can enter electronic components through gaps between housings, potentially damaging components on the circuit board due to high voltages applied.

Innovation Solution

An electronic component design featuring a conductor portion that continuously extends in the circumferential direction between the first and second housings, which are made of conductive materials with an insulating film, except for the conductor portion, allowing static electricity to flow to ground, preventing it from reaching the circuit board.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple housings are fitted together to form the case body, then the electronic component can be constructed with modular housing structure, but gaps between housings allow static electricity to enter and damage the circuit board

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular housing structureVSAvoidstatic electricity damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive member is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second housings. This conductive member fills the gap between housings and provides a controlled electrical path to ground, preventing static electricity from reaching the circuit board while maintaining the modular housing structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gap between housings, which originally allows harmful static electricity to enter, is converted into a beneficial feature by placing a conductive member there. This conductive member uses the gap's accessibility to provide a ground path, transforming the harmful entry point into a protective element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conductive material is used for housings to provide shielding effect, then electromagnetic wave shielding is improved, but short circuit risk increases without insulating treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic wave interferenceVSAvoidshort circuit risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure uses different material properties in different locations: conductive material throughout for electromagnetic shielding, but with insulating films applied to specific surfaces that contact other conductive parts. This local differentiation maintains shielding effectiveness while preventing unwanted electrical connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The housing combines conductive material with insulating film coatings to create a composite structure. The conductive base material provides electromagnetic shielding, while the insulating film layer prevents short circuits between contacting conductive surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If insulating film is formed on conductive housing surfaces, then short circuit prevention is improved, but corrosion protection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort circuit preventionVSAvoidcorrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Insulating films are applied selectively to specific surfaces of the conductive housing where short circuit prevention is needed, rather than coating the entire housing. This localized application maintains corrosion protection on exposed surfaces while providing electrical insulation only where conductive contacts occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 design effectively blocks static electricity from entering the electronic circuit board, provides electromagnetic wave shielding, prevents short circuits, and reduces corrosion, making it suitable for outdoor use in devices like unmanned aerial vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

the conductor portion is electrically connected to a ground of the electronic circuit board... the static electricity entering from the fitting portion between the first housing and the second housing flows into the ground through the conductor portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

Since each of the first housing and the second housing is made of the conductive material, a shielding effect against electromagnetic waves is obtained

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 3

by forming the insulating film on each of the first housing and the second housing, it is possible to prevent short circuit from occurring in the case body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS11653482B2Electronic component

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 FUTABA CORPORATION

AI summary

An electronic component includes a case body, an electronic circuit, and a conductor portion. The case body is formed by fitting a first housing and a second housing. The electronic circuit board is accommodated in the case body. The conductor portion is formed to continuously extend in a circumferential direction of the electronic circuit board at a portion of the first housing where the first housing is fitted to the second housing. The conductor portion is electrically connected to a ground of the electronic circuit board.