Fingerprint Sensor Flexure ESD Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fingerprint sensors in electronic devices require separate authentication steps, which can be inconvenient and do not efficiently perform multiple functions simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design incorporating a movable mounting frame with a finger biometric sensor, an electrically conductive flexure member for upward biasing, and an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device, allowing for integrated authentication and additional functions like navigation and spoof detection within a single input device, such as a keyboard key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fingerprint sensor is integrated into an electronic device housing, then authentication function is added, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fingerprint sensor, flexure member, and ESD device into a single integrated assembly that is mounted within the device housing. The mounting frame integrates multiple components including the sensor, biasing mechanism, and electrostatic discharge protection, thereby adding authentication functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions: the fingerprint sensor performs authentication, the flexure member provides mechanical biasing and reset functionality, and the ESD device protects against electrostatic damage. This multi-functional design allows a single component assembly to fulfill several roles, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If separate authentication step is required, then authentication reliability is ensured, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fingerprint sensor is positioned and biased in readiness within the housing, so that authentication can be performed immediately when a finger is placed on the sensor surface. The flexure member pre-positions the sensor at the correct height and the ESD device is already in place to protect against static discharge, eliminating setup time and enabling instant authentication while maintaining reliability through proper mechanical and electrical preparation.
3Manufacturing precision
If fingerprint sensor is mounted rigidly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a rigid mounting structure, the patent employs a flexure member that provides controlled flexibility. The flexure member maintains precise positioning of the fingerprint sensor through elastic deformation, allowing the sensor to be mounted with high precision while the mounting structure itself remains simple and compliant rather than rigid and complex.
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 quick and integrated authentication while performing other tasks, enhancing user convenience by combining authentication with other functions like power-on operations and reducing the need for separate authentication steps.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device electrically coupled between the mounting frame and the electrically conductive flexure member
Implementation Method 2
an electrically conductive flexure member carried by the underside of the device housing and configured to upwardly bias the mounting frame relative to the device housing
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a device housing having a topside and an underside, a mounting frame movable above the topside of the device housing, and a finger biometric sensor carried by the mounting frame. The electronic device may also include an electrically conductive flexure member carried by the underside of the device housing and configured to upwardly bias the mounting frame relative to the device housing and an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device electrically coupled between the mounting frame and the electrically conductive flexure member.