Electrostatic Discharge Guide Layout for Antenna Noise Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices, such as notebook computers, face issues with static electricity discharge affecting antenna module throughput due to inadequate shielding of radio frequency interference noise sources like USB 3.1, leading to interference and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a housing with an electrostatic discharge guide featuring a first and second conductive region separated by a non-conductive region, and a discharging unit with a tip that extends between them to effectively discharge static electricity without causing signal interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a conductive material or absorbing material is used to shield the USB 3.1 noise source, then the antenna module is protected from RFI noise interference, but the static electricity cannot be discharged effectively, causing the device to malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRFI noise interferenceVSAvoiddevice malfunction due to static electricity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive shielding layer is segmented into a first conductive region and a second conductive region separated by a non-conductive region. This segmentation allows each region to serve different functions: the first region shields the antenna from RFI noise while the second region provides a discharge path for static electricity, resolving the contradiction between noise shielding and static electricity discharge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A non-conductive region is introduced as an intermediary between the first conductive region (for RFI shielding) and the second conductive region (for static electricity discharge). This intermediary structure enables both functions to coexist by electrically isolating the two conductive regions while allowing spatial proximity, thus protecting the antenna from both RFI noise and static electricity damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a groove line is cut on the housing to isolate noise sources, then the antenna module is protected from noise interference, but the static electricity discharge path is blocked, leading to device failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise interferenceVSAvoiddevice failure due to static electricity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical groove line isolation is replaced with an electrostatic discharge guide structure consisting of conductive regions and a non-conductive region. This substitution maintains the noise isolation function while providing a controlled electrostatic discharge path, eliminating the device failure issue caused by blocked static electricity discharge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the tip of the discharging unit is placed close to the second conductive region to discharge static electricity effectively, then static electricity is discharged, but the spacing must be controlled to avoid contact that could cause short circuit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatic electricity discharge effectivenessVSAvoidshort circuit risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing parameter between the tip of the discharging unit and the second conductive region is precisely controlled to be less than or equal to the width of the non-conductive region. This parameter optimization enables effective static electricity discharge through electrostatic induction while maintaining electrical isolation to prevent short circuits, resolving the contradiction between discharge effectiveness and short circuit prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration allows for effective static electricity discharge without interfering with signal transmission, improving the antenna module's throughput and preventing damage from static electricity discharge.

Implementation Method 1

the tip extends toward the second conductive region to cause a spacing between the tip and the second conductive region to be less than or equal to a width of the non-conductive region, and the tip is not in contact with the second conductive region, thereby discharging static electricity of the first conductive region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS12082330B2Electronic device capable of discharging static electricity

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 PEGATRON

AI summary

An electronic device capable of discharging static electricity is disclosed. The electronic device includes a housing, an antenna arrangement region, and an electrostatic discharge guide. The antenna arrangement region is disposed inside the housing. The electrostatic discharge guide includes a first conductive region, a second conductive region, a non-conductive region, and a discharging unit. The first conductive region is disposed on an inner surface of the housing, and the antenna arrangement region is disposed in the first conductive region. The second conductive region is disposed on the inner surface of the housing. The discharging unit is located in the first conductive region and has a tip, the tip extends toward the second conductive region to cause a spacing between the tip and the second conductive region to be less than or equal to a width of the non-conductive region.