Flexible Electrostatic Grounding Device for Footwear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electronics manufacturing and handling environments, static electricity can build up on personnel, potentially damaging sensitive components and causing shocks, and existing grounding solutions may not be easily adaptable to different shoe sizes or designs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, conductive grounding device that can be easily attached and removed from shoes, using a conductive base with a fastening member and electrical conductor, allowing for adjustable fit and various attachment options, including ECG electrodes and conductive straps, to provide an effective pathway to ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional foot grounders are used, then static electricity can be dissipated, but the devices cannot be easily adapted to different shoe sizes or designs
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding device is designed with a universal strap system that can accommodate various shoe sizes and designs through adjustable fastening mechanisms. The conductive base can be attached to different shoe types (heel, toe, or side attachment) while maintaining electrical contact with the user's body and the grounded surface, making a single device suitable for multiple shoe configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding device incorporates flexible and adjustable components including elastic straps, adjustable fasteners, and flexible conductive materials that can adapt to different shoe geometries. The strap length and tension can be dynamically adjusted to fit various shoe sizes while maintaining secure attachment and electrical continuity.
2Ease of operation
If grounding devices are made flexible and removable, then ease of attachment is improved, but electrical connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding device is divided into separate modular components: a conductive base, a flexible strap system, and an electrical conductor. This segmentation allows the device to be easily attached and removed while maintaining reliable electrical connections through dedicated contact points and connectors at each module interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive base is pre-configured with attachment mechanisms and electrical contacts before use. The strap system is pre-adjusted to appropriate tension, and electrical connectors are pre-positioned to ensure reliable contact with both the shoe/grounded surface and the user's body, reducing the risk of poor connections during attachment.
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 grounding device effectively dissipates static electricity, providing protection for sensitive components and user comfort by accommodating different shoe sizes and designs, reducing the need for multiple devices and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
A grounding device may be for removable attachment to a shoe of a user and for dissipating static electricity from the user's body to a grounded surface
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter generally relate to electrically grounding a user who may be working in an environment where static electricity might otherwise build up on the user and damage sensitive electronic devices being handled by the user. Embodiments include attaching an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode to the user's skin and removably attaching the ECG electrode to an electrical conductor which may be detachably connected to a flexible base disposed on the outside of and under the user's shoe.