Electrostatic Discharge Device for Workpiece Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ladders and other workpieces with non-slip pads made of non-conductive materials face challenges in discharging electrostatic charges into the ground, leading to potential risks due to the blocking of electrical conductivity, while traditional grounding wires limit mobility.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing structure, elongate rod, compressible spring, and ground component is coupled to the workpiece, allowing the ground component to press against the ground surface upon downward force application, establishing electrical conductivity for safe discharge of electrostatic charges without restricting mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If non-slip pads made of non-conductive materials are used to prevent unwanted movement, then stability is improved, but electrical conductivity to ground is blocked resulting in electrostatic charge accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the grounding function from the stability function by using a separate grounding component that can be independently activated. The non-slip pad remains in place for stability, while the grounding component with spring mechanism provides electrical connectivity when needed, dividing the conflicting functions into separate可独立工作的 components
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding component introduces dynamic capability to the system through the compressible spring. The spring allows the grounding component to move between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when grounding is needed), enabling the system to switch between stability mode and grounding mode dynamically
Solution Approach 3:
The compressible spring acts as an intermediary element between the housing structure and the grounding component. It transmits the downward force from the housing to the grounding component, enabling the grounding component to press against the ground surface and establish electrical conductivity without requiring permanent contact
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a grounding wire is used to discharge electrostatic charge, then electrical conductivity is improved, but mobility of the workpiece is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the grounding function from the traditional wire-based system and integrates it into a self-contained device attached to the workpiece. The grounding component with spring mechanism replaces the external wire connection, allowing the workpiece to move freely while maintaining the ability to discharge electrostatic charge when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides self-service grounding capability through the compressible spring mechanism. When the workpiece is positioned on the ground surface, the spring automatically compresses and pushes the grounding component to contact the ground, establishing electrical conductivity without requiring external wiring or manual intervention
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
Enables safe use of workpieces during electrical tasks by allowing electrostatic charge discharge into the ground, reducing the risk of shocks and damage to sensitive items while maintaining mobility and ease of movement.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible spring positioned within the housing structure. The spring is partially compressed between the top of the housing structure and the bottom of the housing structure such that a first end of the spring presses against an inner surface of the outer portion of the housing structure and a second end of the spring presses against an inner surface of the inner portion of the housing structure
Implementation Method 2
create electrical conductivity between a workpiece (e.g., ladder) and a conductive ground that the workpiece is positioned on such that any electrostatic charge built up within the workpiece may discharge into the ground
Implementation Method 3
allow electrostatic charge to discharge from the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to methods and devices for electric discharge of a workpiece. An example device includes a housing structure configured with an inner portion that extends partially into an outer portion and an elongate rod positioned inside the housing structure. The device also includes a cover component coupled to a first end of the rod proximate a slot of the outer portion of the housing structure, and a lock coupled around the rod proximate a slot of the inner portion of the housing structure. The device also includes a compressible spring positioned within the housing structure, a ground component coupled to a second end of the rod, and an attachment component that is configurable for coupling the device to a workpiece such that the ground component presses against a ground when the workpiece is positioned on the ground and is in use.