Conductive Isolator for Electronic Device Shock Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic device isolation systems that provide shock and vibration attenuation often require conductive paths that extend outside the device's perimeter, increasing size and vulnerability to electrical shorts or damage, making them unsuitable for confined spaces or heavy applications.

Innovation Solution

An isolation system with a flexible conductor and an electrically conductive isolator, such as a bobbin with an elastomeric bushing, that provides an electrical path between the device and the structure while being integrated within the mount, reducing the overall size and enhancing weight capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductors extend outside the outer perimeter of the electronic device to provide electrical connection, then electrical path is established, but device size increases and vulnerability to electrical shorts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice assembly size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The isolator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical isolation (shock and vibration attenuation), electrical connection (providing ground path and DC bond), and structural support. By merging these functions into a single integrated component, the need for separate external conductors is eliminated, reducing device assembly size while maintaining electrical connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator serves as a multi-functional component that combines vibration isolation, electrical conduction, and mechanical mounting capabilities. This universal component replaces the need for separate isolation elements and external conductors, thereby reducing the overall device footprint and eliminating the vulnerability of exposed external conductors

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

2Reliability

If conductors extend outside the outer perimeter of the mount, then electrical connection is provided, but conductors may electrically short or be damaged from contact with neighboring objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidelectrical short or damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The isolator integrates the electrical conduction function within its structure, eliminating the need for separate external conductors that could expose vulnerable points. The electrical path is contained within the isolator body, protecting it from contact with neighboring objects while maintaining reliable electrical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator acts as an intermediary component that provides electrical connection through its internal structure rather than through exposed external conductors. This intermediate design protects the electrical path from harmful external factors such as contact with neighboring objects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional isolation systems are used, then shock and vibration attenuation is achieved, but device size increases and weight capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock and vibration attenuationVSAvoiddevice assembly size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The isolator combines mechanical isolation functionality with electrical connection capabilities in a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate isolation elements and external conductors, reducing device assembly size while maintaining effective shock and vibration attenuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator utilizes composite material construction that provides both mechanical isolation properties and electrical conductivity. This composite approach allows the single component to achieve vibration attenuation performance while maintaining electrical connection, eliminating the need for additional components that would increase device size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 allows for effective shock and vibration attenuation while minimizing the device's size and preventing electrical issues, enabling its use in confined spaces and supporting heavier loads than traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

The isolator is configured to attenuate at least one of shock or vibration exerted on the electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock attenuation: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The isolator is configured to attenuate at least one of shock or vibration exerted on the electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration attenuation: Damping

Implementation Method 3

an elastomeric bushing configured to attenuate shock and vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastomeric damping: Damping

Implementation Method 4

an elastomeric bushing configured to attenuate shock and vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 5

the isolator is electrically connected to the flexible conductor and is configured to be electrically connected to the structure such that the isolator provides an electrical path between the flexible conductor and the structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2921040B1Isolation system for an electronic device
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 TE CONNECTIVITY CORP
  • EP2921040B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2921040B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2921040B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An isolation system (14) is provided for an electronic device (12) that is configured to be mounted to a structure (20). The isolation system includes a flexible conductor (100) configured to be electrically connected to the electronic device. The isolation system also includes an isolator (16) configured to be coupled between the electronic device and the structure such that the isolator is configured to attenuate at least one of shock or vibration exerted on the electronic device. At least a portion of the isolator is electrically conductive. The isolator is electrically connected to the flexible conductor and is configured to be electrically connected to the structure such that the isolator provides an electrical path between the flexible conductor and the structure.