Shield Structure Using Conductive Protrusions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical shield structures for machine tool control panels are costly due to the use of conductive packings and often compromise physical sealability when using insulating materials instead.

Innovation Solution

An electrical shield structure that uses a metal frame with conductivity protrusions surrounding electronic components, which are inserted through holes in a general packing, allowing both physical sealability and electrical shielding without the need for expensive conductive packings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conductive packing is used for electrical shielding, then electrical shielding effect is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical shielding effectVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive conductive packing with a combination of general insulating packing and simple conductive protrusions (embossed portions) that can be easily formed on the metal frame. This substitution uses cheaper, easier-to-manufacture components while achieving the same electrical shielding function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the electrical shielding function into two separate components: the insulating packing material and the conductive protrusions on the metal frame. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the packing provides sealing and insulation, while the protrusions provide the electrical conductivity path to ground, reducing overall cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If insulating packing is used instead of conductive packing, then cost is reduced, but electrical shielding effect deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidelectrical shielding effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive protrusions act as an intermediary element that bridges the insulating packing and the ground potential. The protrusions penetrate through the insulating packing to establish an electrical connection, thereby enabling electrical shielding while allowing the use of cheaper insulating packing material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local conductivity only where needed - the conductive protrusions are positioned specifically at the periphery of the electronic component to provide electrical shielding, while the rest of the packing can remain insulating and cheaper. This localized approach to conductivity reduces overall cost while maintaining shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If seal member is used for physical sealing, then physical sealability is improved, but electrical shielding effect deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical sealabilityVSAvoidelectrical shielding effect

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sealing function and the electrical shielding function into a single integrated structure. The general packing provides physical sealing, while the conductive protrusions on the metal frame provide electrical shielding. Both functions are achieved simultaneously through the combination of these two simple components, eliminating the need for expensive multi-functional conductive packing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration provides effective physical sealing and electrical shielding at a reduced cost by using a general packing, ensuring the protection of electronic components from cutting fluids and electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

a structure in which a seal member such as a packing is used between the control panel housing and the electronic device unit so as not to allow outside air or the cutting fluid to infiltrate into the control panel housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

the metal frame 4 and the control panel housing 2 come into contact with each other via the conductive packing 10, and thus an electrical shield which electrically shields an electronic component from an outside factory environment is formed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9668387B2Shield structure of electronic device unit and control panel housing

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 FANUC LTD

AI summary

In an electrical shield structure of an electronic device unit and a control panel housing, a metal frame includes a plurality of protrusions having conductivity and having heights to come into contact with the control panel housing. The plurality of protrusions are provided at positions which surround an electronic component. A packing includes a plurality of holes through which the protrusions are inserted at positions corresponding to the positions of the protrusions.