Timepiece Grounding Structure for Stable Back Cover Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices, such as electronic timepieces, face challenges in maintaining a stable electrical connection between metal components and the ground (GND) due to repeated opening and closing of the back cover, leading to abrasion and increased contact resistance.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a metal plate functioning as GND, an internal terminal plate sandwiched between the case and the metal plate, and a piezoelectric sound-generating unit with a diaphragm acting as GND, ensuring stable electrical connections through the use of spring-shaped sections and an elastic body to maintain consistent contact pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electrical connection structure is used between metal components and GND, then the initial electrical connection is established, but repeated opening and closing of the back cover causes abrasion and increases contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal plate is designed with a spring section that provides elastic deformation capability. This dynamic structure allows the terminal plate to automatically adjust and maintain constant contact pressure with the GND plate despite repeated mechanical operations, preventing contact resistance increase and ensuring reliable electrical connection throughout the device's service life.
2Ease of operation
If the back cover is repeatedly opened and closed for maintenance or battery replacement, then accessibility is improved, but the electrical connection between metal components and GND deteriorates due to abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-shaped terminal plate section provides dynamic compensation for wear caused by repeated back cover operations. The elastic deformation capability ensures that even after numerous opening and closing cycles, the terminal plate maintains sufficient contact pressure with the GND plate, preserving electrical connection reliability while allowing easy access for maintenance.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid connection structure is used between the metal plate and case, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the connection cannot accommodate repeated mechanical stress from back cover operations
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal plate incorporates a spring section that combines the benefits of precise initial positioning with dynamic stress absorption. The rigid portions ensure accurate assembly and manufacturing precision, while the elastic spring section accommodates repeated mechanical stress from back cover operations, preventing connection failure and maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal plate utilizes elastic deformation parameters to transition from a purely rigid structure to a semi-flexible structure. By controlling the spring section's material properties and geometric parameters, the design achieves optimal balance between initial assembly precision and ongoing durability under repeated mechanical stress.
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 ensures a stable and reliable electrical connection between metal components and GND, even with repeated opening and closing of the back cover, thereby maintaining consistent performance and preventing adverse effects on precision components like antennas.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body, wherein the internal terminal plate is sandwiched between the case and the metal plate
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed an electronic device, including: a metal component that is externally mounted to a case; a metal plate that is provided inside of a case back-surface side and functions as GND; and an internal terminal plate that is provided inside the case and causes the metal component to be connected to the metal plate. The internal terminal plate is sandwiched between the case and the metal plate.