ESD Protection Structure with Discharge Plate for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices, such as laptops, are vulnerable to damage from electro-static interference due to improper housing design, which can cause system failure or damage when static electricity is introduced through USB devices or user contact.
Innovation Solution
An electro-static discharge protection structure with a first and second discharge circuit, including a discharge device with multiple charge entry and exit points, and magnetic components to detachably fix the circuits, preventing static electricity from directly reaching the printed circuit board by routing it through a discharge path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct electrical connection is used between connector and printed circuit board, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but vulnerability to static electricity damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a discharge device as an intermediary component between the connector and the printed circuit board. This discharge device includes a discharge plate with multiple charge entry points and charge exit points, which mediates the electrical connection by providing a controlled path for static electricity discharge while maintaining normal signal transmission through the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge device is segmented into multiple functional regions: a first ground region with charge exit points, a second ground region with charge entry points, and discharge lines connecting them. This segmentation allows different parts of the discharge device to handle different aspects of static electricity protection, distributing the protection function across multiple discrete elements rather than a single monolithic structure.
2Reliability
If discharge device with multiple charge entry and exit points is added, then static electricity protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protection functions into a single integrated discharge device. The discharge plate integrates both the first ground region and second ground region with their respective charge entry and exit points, merging what would otherwise be separate protection circuits into one unified component that can be manufactured and assembled as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides static electricity discharge paths through charge entry and exit points, maintains electrical grounding through ground regions, and enables normal signal transmission by being positioned between the connector and printed circuit board. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If discharge paths are routed outside the device, then user safety is improved, but risk of leakage currents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates equipotential regions through the ground regions in the discharge device. By providing multiple charge exit points in the first ground region and charge entry points in the second ground region, the system maintains equal potential across different discharge paths, preventing potential differences that would drive leakage currents while still safely routing static electricity outside the device.
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
Effectively prevents static electricity from damaging the electronic device by routing it safely outside, ensuring the device's operation and user safety by avoiding direct electrical connections that could cause leakage currents or shocks.
Implementation Method 1
the discharge device includes a discharge plate that includes a plurality of charge entry points and a plurality of charge exit points
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-static discharge protection structure adapted to be utilized in an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a printed circuit board, and a connector. The electro-static discharge protection structure includes a first discharge circuit and a discharge device. The first discharge circuit is electrically connected to the housing. The discharge device is connected to the first discharge circuit. The discharge device includes a discharge plate which includes a plurality of charge entry points and a plurality of charge exit points. The connector is disposed between the discharge device and the printed circuit board. An electronic device including the electro-static discharge protection structure is also provided.