Optical Sensor Housing Structure for Longer ESD Discharge Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical detection devices face challenges in effectively managing electrostatic discharge due to short and uncontrollable discharge paths, which complicates electrostatic protection design and outward appearance considerations.
Innovation Solution
The optical detection device incorporates a case with a rugged structure and an opening structure that extends the electrostatic discharge path through an air gap to the nearest electrode, using a non-conductive material like plastic, and adjusts the lens component's supporting portions to lengthen the discharge path without altering the device's appearance, by employing symmetrical or asymmetrical designs with protruding or sunken features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conventional electrostatic discharge path is used (from hole through gap between lens component and supporting surface and blocking wall to electrode), then the device structure is simple, but the discharge path is short and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rugged structure as an intermediary element between the opening structure and the electrode. This rugged structure extends the electrostatic discharge path by creating additional air gaps and conducting surfaces that force the discharge to travel a longer, controlled route through designated pathways rather than direct shortcuts, thereby improving electrostatic discharge immunity while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a three-dimensional rugged structure with multiple levels, protrusions, and recesses that add vertical and lateral dimensions to the discharge path. By stacking conductive elements and creating multi-layer air gaps, the discharge path is extended in multiple spatial dimensions rather than simply lengthening a single linear path, achieving both longer discharge distance and compact device footprint
2Reliability
If the electrostatic discharge path is extended through additional structures, then the discharge immunity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrostatic protection function with existing structural components of the device. The rugged structure is integrated into the housing or mounting framework, and the same structural elements that provide mechanical support and component mounting also serve as electrostatic discharge pathways. This consolidation allows the device to achieve enhanced ESD immunity without adding separate, dedicated protection components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rugged structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the lens component, defines the optical path geometry, and creates the extended electrostatic discharge pathway. By designing this single structure to fulfill multiple roles, the patent avoids the need for separate components for each function, thus improving electrostatic discharge immunity while maintaining simplicity in the overall device architecture
3Length of stationary object
If the lens component supporting portions are adjusted to lengthen discharge path, then the discharge path is extended, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the electrostatic discharge path extension into the preliminary design of the supporting portions. Rather than requiring post-manufacturing adjustments or high-precision machining to achieve the correct discharge path length, the supporting portions are pre-designed with integrated features (such as built-in air gaps, protrusions, or recesses) that automatically establish the extended discharge pathway. This preliminary incorporation of ESD protection geometry into the base design reduces the need for tight manufacturing tolerances on individual features while still achieving the required discharge path length
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
This design significantly lengthens the electrostatic discharge path, enhancing electrostatic discharge immunity and ensuring effective electrostatic protection while maintaining the device's outward appearance, allowing for smooth discharge of static electricity to the nearest electrode.
Implementation Method 1
The rugged structure is adapted to extend an electrostatic discharge path from the opening structure to a nearest electrode of the plurality of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detection device with enhanced electrostatic discharge immunity includes a circuit board, a lens component and a case. The circuit board has a plurality of electrodes. The lens component is disposed on the circuit board. The case includes an accommodating chamber and an opening structure. The accommodating chamber is adapted to accommodate the circuit board and the lens component. The opening structure is communicated with the accommodating chamber. The case further includes a rugged structure disposed around the opening structure and adapted to engage with the lens component for extending an electrostatic discharge path from the opening structure to a nearest electrode of the plurality of electrodes.