Grounded Case Structure for PCB Static Discharge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with protection structures for electronic components against static electricity often have complex configurations with a large number of parts, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A simple electronic component protection structure comprising a circuit board, a base member, a case member, and a conductive ground member with an exposed portion inside the case member, which effectively protects electronic components from static electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protection structure including fixing bolt, insert nut, and ground terminal forming body is used, then electronic component is protected from static electricity, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case member integrates multiple functions: it serves as the protective housing, includes the ground terminal forming body as an integrated feature, and provides the fixing structure for the circuit board. This merging of functions reduces the total number of separate parts while maintaining the static electricity protection capability through the built-in ground terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The case member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical protection, structural support for mounting, and electrostatic discharge protection through its integrated ground terminal forming body, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If ground terminal forming body is molded and buried in housing, then static electricity protection is achieved, but shape becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a complex three-dimensional buried structure, the invention uses a simple planar ground terminal pattern formed on the case member surface. This local quality approach achieves the same electrical grounding function with a much simpler geometric form, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining protection effectiveness.
3Reliability
If conductive pattern for electrostatic grounding is formed on circuit board, then static electricity is released, but circuit board increases in size and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic grounding function is extracted from the circuit board and relocated to the case member. The ground terminal forming body is now an integral feature of the case member rather than being formed on the circuit board, which reduces the circuit board's size and complexity while maintaining the static electricity discharge capability through the case member's ground terminal.
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 proposed configuration effectively protects electronic components from static electricity while maintaining a simple and compact design, reducing the number of components and size of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The static electricity charged on or within the case member is released to ground through the exposed portion of the ground member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic component protection structure and a switch device capable of protecting an electronic component from static electricity charged on or within a case member are achieved with a simple configuration. An electronic component protection structure includes a circuit board on which an electronic component is mounted, a base member supporting the circuit board, a case member covering the circuit board and fixed to the base member, and a conductive ground member connected to the circuit board. The ground member includes an exposed portion at least a part of which is exposed to the inside of the case member.