Metallic Linkage Keying Device ESD Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keying devices with plastic linkages and metallic plates to prevent ESD are bulky, increasing the size and material costs of electronic devices like cameras, as they require additional space for metallic plates to guide ESD to ground.

Innovation Solution

A metallic linkage-type keying device where plastic keys are assembled to a metallic linkage via a heat fusion method, with heat-fusion protuberances and holes, and a grounding portion to direct ESD to ground, eliminating the need for external metallic plates and reducing device size and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metallic plates are disposed in the perimeter of keys to guide ESD to ground, then ESD protection is improved, but device volume and key size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveESD protectionVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ESD protection function directly into the key structure by integrating metallic linkages within the key body. Instead of adding separate metallic plates around the keys, the conductive metallic linkages are embedded inside the key, combining the mechanical function of the key with the ESD protection function in a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The metallic linkages are nested within the key structure, with the conductive elements positioned inside the key body. This nesting approach allows the ESD protection mechanism to be contained within the existing key volume, preventing any increase in overall device volume while maintaining effective ESD guidance to ground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If metallic plates are disposed in the perimeter of keys to guide ESD to ground, then ESD protection is improved, but material cost and mold cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveESD protectionVSAvoidmold cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the key body and ESD protection structure into a single integrated component. The metallic linkages are formed as integral parts of the key during the molding process, eliminating the need for separate metallic plate components and their associated assembly steps. This integration reduces both material costs and mold costs by simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The key structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical operation (opening/closing) and ESD protection. The metallic linkages within the key perform both structural support and electrical conduction functions, reducing the total component count and manufacturing complexity compared to separate key and ESD protection components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If conventional plastic linkage is used with thicker design, then structural strength is maintained, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelinkage strengthVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional thick plastic linkage with a metallic linkage structure. The metallic material provides superior strength-to-volume ratio, allowing the linkage to maintain required mechanical strength while occupying significantly less space. The metallic linkage can be designed with thinner cross-sections while achieving the same or better structural performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction where metallic linkages are integrated with plastic keys. The metallic components provide the load-bearing structure with high strength-to-weight ratio, while the plastic portions provide insulation and mechanical function. This composite approach optimizes both strength and volume efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 provides a compact, cost-effective ESD-proof keying device that effectively guides ESD to ground without increasing the device's volume, allowing for smaller keys and reduced material and mold costs.

Implementation Method 1

The key is installed to the metallic linkage via heat-fusing the heat-fusion protuberances at the heat fusion holes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat fusion: Melting

Implementation Method 2

the metallic linkage is electrically connected to the casing via the grounding portion so that ESD can be guided to the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS7645955B2Metallic linkage-type keying device

Publication Date: 2010.01.12 ALTEK CORP

AI summary

The present invention discloses a metallic linkage-type keying device, which is installed to a casing, such as the casing of a camera, a mobile phone or a video camera. The metallic linkage-type keying device of the present invention comprises: a metallic linkage, having at least two joining portions; and at least one key, having at least two assembling portions. The key is installed to the metallic linkage via fixing two assembling portions to two joining portions. The metallic linkage-type keying device provided by the present invention can prevent ESD from attacking the interior of the casing via key gaps and has the advantages of compactness and low cost.