Keyboard Electrostatic Discharge Conduction Module

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keyboard devices are vulnerable to electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage, as electrostatic charges accumulated on users' fingers can be transferred to internal components when keys are pressed, potentially damaging the device and connected electronics.

Innovation Solution

A keyboard device with an electrostatic discharge protection function, featuring a casing, circuit board, and electrostatic conduction modules comprising conductive elements that quickly discharge electrostatic charges from the user's finger to a ground terminal, preventing damage to internal components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If no electrostatic conduction module is added, then device structure remains simple, but electrostatic charges from keycap cannot be discharged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidprotection against electrostatic discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrostatic conduction module is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides a discharge path for electrostatic charges from the user's finger, maintains electrical connection between the keycap and circuit board, and preserves the mechanical key pressing function. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic conductive element is designed as a flexible thin film structure that can deform elastically to maintain continuous electrical contact between the keycap and circuit board during key pressing and release operations. This flexible design allows the electrostatic discharge protection function to be integrated without adding significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If electrostatic charges are not discharged quickly, then internal components remain protected, but electronic components may be damaged by ESD effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of internal componentsVSAvoiddamage to electronic components from ESD

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrostatic conduction module is pre-configured with conductive elements and elastic conductive paths before the keyboard device is used. When the user presses the key, the electrostatic charges are immediately conducted to the ground terminal through the pre-established discharge path, enabling quick discharge before the ESD effect can damage electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Effectively protects the keyboard device and connected electronics from electrostatic discharge by immediately transferring and discharging electrostatic charges, ensuring normal operation and preventing component damage.

Implementation Method 1

electrostatic charges on the keycap are transferred to the circuit board through the first conductive element, the second conductive element and the elastic conductive element and discharged from the ground terminal of the circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 2

The first conductive element is installed on the keycap. The elastic conductive element is disposed within the casing and contacted with the circuit board. The second conductive element is connected between the first conductive element and the elastic conductive element.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11490497B1Keyboard device with electrostatic discharge protection function

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD

AI summary

A keyboard device includes a casing, a circuit board, plural keys and an electrostatic conduction module. The circuit board is disposed within the casing. The circuit board includes a ground terminal. The plural keys installed in the corresponding key slots of the casing. The electrostatic conduction module includes a first conductive element, an elastic conductive element and a second conductive element. The first conductive element is installed on a keycap of the key. The elastic conductive element is disposed within the casing and contacted with the circuit board. The second conductive element is connected between the first conductive element and the elastic conductive element. Moreover, electrostatic charges on the keycap are transferred to the circuit board through the first conductive element, the second conductive element and the elastic conductive element and discharged from the ground terminal of the circuit board.