Input Device Earth Terminal Segmentation for Static Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for small electronic equipment face challenges with static electricity discharge and increased manufacturing steps due to separate processes for signal and earth terminals, which complicate assembly and connection.
Innovation Solution
An input device with an earth terminal integrally arranged with the body, allowing for easy assembly and solder connection to the circuit board without additional processes, along with a frame ground for enhanced static discharge, facilitating reduced manufacturing steps and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the signal terminal and earth terminal are arranged on one metal plate and integrally molded in the case, then the assembly process is simplified, but a separate process of separating the signal terminal and earth terminal is required after integral arrangement, leading to increased manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The earth terminal is segmented into two functional parts: a receiving part (first portion) exposed from the body and arranged near the operation member, and a connecting part (second portion) exposed from the other end face of the body for solder connection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while being integrally formed with the body, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The earth terminal is integrally arranged with the body, merging the terminal structure with the main body. This integration eliminates separate assembly steps for installing the earth terminal while maintaining both the receiving function near the operation member and the connecting function to the circuit board through the other end face.
2Reliability
If the earth terminal is arranged in the vicinity of the operation member, then static electricity discharge is enabled, but a separate process of folding the earth terminal at a right angle before solder connection is required, leading to increased manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The earth terminal is divided into a receiving part positioned near the operation member for static electricity discharge and a connecting part positioned at the other end face for solder connection to the circuit board. This spatial segmentation eliminates the need for folding operations while maintaining both functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The earth terminal extends in multiple directions from the body: the receiving part extends toward the operation member while the connecting part extends through the other end face in a different direction. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows both functions to be achieved without requiring folding operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate process is provided for separating the signal terminal and earth terminal after integral arrangement, then the terminals can be individually positioned, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex with additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The signal terminal and earth terminal are integrally arranged with the body, with each terminal having its own exposed portions positioned for optimal functionality. The signal terminal has its receiving part near the operation member and connecting part at the other end face, while the earth terminal has similar arrangement. This integral design allows individual positioning of each terminal without requiring separate separation processes.
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 enables simplified assembly and connection of the earth terminal and frame ground to the circuit board, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while effectively discharging static electricity.
Implementation Method 1
an earth terminal for discharging static electricity charged in the operation member, being electrically connectable to the earth pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An input device of the invention includes a body formed with an accommodating part; an operation member having a basal end accommodated in the accommodating part and a distal end projected in a swinging operable manner to either side in a width direction and in a pushing operable manner from an neutral position; and an earth terminal for dissipating static electricity charged in the operation member. The input device is attachable to a circuit board. The earth terminal, being a metal plate insert molded in a wall, includes a contacting portion and first and second projections arranged near the operation member, and connecting parts exposed from the other end face of the body and solder connectable to respective earth patterns of the circuit board.