Inner-Face Conductive Layer for Air Conditioner Static Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antistatic structures for electronic devices, such as air conditioners, risk damaging electronic components by sending static electricity to ground potential and have poor design aesthetics due to exposed conductive layers.

Innovation Solution

An antistatic structure with a conductive member disposed on the inner face of the casing, surrounding areas opposite electronic components, dissipates static electricity to ground without exposing the conductive material externally, ensuring effective static protection while maintaining design integrity and allowing for easy assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the conductive thin layer is disposed on the front surface of the main body portion to dissipate static electricity, then static electricity protection is achieved, but the design aesthetics are impaired due to exposed conductive material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic electricity protectionVSAvoiddesign aesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layer is inverted from being on the external front surface to being on the internal front surface of the casing, opposite the electronic component. This inversion maintains the electrostatic protection function while hiding the conductive material from external view, thus preserving design aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive layer is positioned in a different spatial dimension - from the external surface dimension to the internal surface dimension of the casing. This dimensional shift allows the conductive material to perform its function while being concealed within the device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the grounding portion is disposed near the extension portion with minute spacing to dissipate static electricity, then static electricity protection is achieved, but electronic components may be damaged due to potential differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic electricity protectionVSAvoidelectronic component damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layer on the internal surface acts as an intermediary between the external casing and the electronic component. It provides a controlled path for static electricity dissipation while maintaining safe potential differences, preventing direct harmful interactions between the grounding system and electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrostatic protection system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the conductive layer on the internal surface for charge collection, the insulation layer for potential isolation, and the grounding portion for controlled dissipation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function safely without causing damage to electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the first conductive member is disposed on the inner face of the casing around the opening, then static electricity protection is maintained longer, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of static electricity protectionVSAvoidantistatic structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first conductive member on the inner face serves multiple functions: it dissipates static electricity from the casing, protects electronic components near the opening, and maintains protection effectiveness even when dust accumulates in the opening. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural element by providing enhanced and prolonged protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively dissipates static electricity to ground, preventing damage to electronic components and maintaining design aesthetics, while ensuring long-term protection against static electricity accumulation and facilitating easy assembly and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

the first conductive member disposed on the inner face of the casing dissipates static electricity applied to the casing to ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4064798B1Antistatic structure and air-conditioner
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP4064798B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4064798B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4064798B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An antistatic structure includes a casing (20), an element (50) disposed in the casing (20), and a first conductive member (60) disposed on an inner face of the casing (20) and configured to send static electricity to a ground (E). The first conductive member (60) is at least partially disposed around a region opposite the element (50) in the casing (20).