Detent Spring ESD Grounding for Loose-Fit Connector Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices, particularly those used in aviation and military applications, are prone to electrostatic discharge (ESD) events due to electrostatic charge buildup, which can negatively impact performance and cause rattling, especially with loose fitting connectors.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a detent spring within the device housing that contacts external features and functions as an ESD sink, providing ESD protection by directing electrostatic discharge away from components and securing connections with snap-fit and friction-fit mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If connectors are made loose fitting for ease of connection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to rattling and ESD events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detent spring provides a dynamic solution by allowing the connector to move freely during insertion and removal operations, then automatically engages with the external feature to lock in place, providing motion control only when needed for stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism changes the mechanical engagement parameter from a fixed rigid connection to a controlled elastic engagement, allowing the connector to transition between loose (for operation) and secured (for stability) states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If electrostatic discharge protection is added to protect components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveESD protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detent spring combines two previously separate functions into a single component: the mechanical detent function for securing the connector and the ESD protection function for directing electrostatic discharge to ground

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detent spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical retention for the connector, acts as an ESD sink to protect electronic components, and maintains electrical contact through its conductive structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 detent spring effectively mitigates ESD events, enhancing device performance and compliance with safety standards by securing connections and routing electrostatic discharge to a ground plane, thus preventing interruptions and failures.

Implementation Method 1

a detent spring internal to the housing, where the detent spring i) is positioned to contact a feature that is at least partially external to the housing and ii) functions as an electrostatic discharge (ESD) sink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS12520409B2Electronic device with electrostatic discharging detent spring

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 BOSE CORP

AI summary

Various aspects include electronic devices with connection-enhancing, electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection features. In some examples, an electronic device includes: a housing; and a detent spring internal to the housing, where the detent spring (i) is positioned to contact a feature that is at least partially external to the housing and (ii) functions as an electrostatic discharge (ESD) sink.