Insulating Member for Electronic Device Leakage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices face the risk of leakage currents between adjacent lead terminals when a high voltage is applied, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with an insulating member that includes a base portion mounted to the circuit board and insulating walls protruding between lead terminals, formed integrally using resin, to enhance electrical insulation and prevent leakage currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If lead terminals are positioned adjacently on the circuit board to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but leakage current risk increases due to insufficient electrical insulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidelectrical insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating member is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent lead terminals. This member includes insulating walls that extend between the terminals, creating physical and electrical separation. The insulating member acts as a mediator that allows compact terminal arrangement while maintaining reliable electrical insulation, thus resolving the contradiction between device compactness and insulation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation function is extracted from the circuit board structure itself and implemented as a separate, dedicated insulating member. By taking out the insulation requirement and providing it through a specialized component with insulating walls positioned between lead terminals, the design achieves both compact terminal spacing and reliable electrical insulation without compromising either aspect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If insulating structures are added between lead terminals to prevent leakage currents, then electrical insulation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides electrical insulation through its insulating walls, serves as a mounting structure for lead terminals, and acts as a support element for the circuit board. By merging insulation, mounting, and support functions into one integrated component, the design improves electrical insulation without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating member is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides electrical insulation between terminals, mechanical support for the circuit board, and positioning features for lead terminals. This universal component approach allows a single element to address multiple requirements, thereby improving insulation reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

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 insulating member effectively suppresses leakage currents between lead terminals, allowing for efficient electrical insulation and potential dimensional increases while guiding lead terminals during assembly.

Implementation Method 1

an insulating member that is mounted to the circuit board... an insulating wall that protrudes from the base portion, the insulating wall being disposed between the first lead terminal and a conductive member that is positioned so as to be adjacent to the first lead terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11369022B2Electronic device and electrically insulating member therefor
Publication Date: 2022.06.21 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • US11369022B2 patent drawing
  • US11369022B2 patent drawing
  • US11369022B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device includes a circuit board, an electronic component, and an insulating member. The electronic component includes: a component main body that faces the circuit board; and a first lead terminal that is connected to the circuit board. The insulating member includes a base portion, a mounting portion, and an insulating wall. The mounting portion is disposed on the base portion, and is mounted to the circuit board. The insulating wall protrudes from the base portion, and is disposed between the first lead terminal and a conductive member that is positioned so as to be adjacent to the first lead terminal.