Touchpad Module Electrostatic Discharge Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of conventional touchpad modules is complex and costly due to the need for an electrostatic discharge path established through conductive cloths, which complicates assembly and limits mass production.
Innovation Solution
A simplified touchpad module design featuring a conductive supporting structure between the touch member and base plate, and a conducting element between the base plate and the fixing frame, creating a direct electrostatic discharge path that omits the need for oven baking and simplifies assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrostatic discharge path is established through conductive cloths in conventional touchpad modules, then static electricity can be discharged to protect internal components, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrostatic discharge function with the existing structural components (supporting structure and base plate) by integrating conducting elements directly into them. This merging eliminates the need for separate conductive cloth layers and their associated complex assembly processes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining static electricity protection
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure and base plate are designed to serve multiple functions: providing mechanical support, enabling pressure sensing, and conducting static electricity through integrated conducting elements. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable electrostatic discharge capability
2Reliability
If conductive cloths are used to establish the electrostatic discharge path, then static electricity can be guided out, but the assembly steps are complicated and mass production is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The conducting elements are integrated directly into the supporting structure and base plate during the molding process, combining multiple functions into unified components. This eliminates separate assembly steps for installing conductive cloths and reduces the number of baking cycles required, thereby improving mass production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The conducting elements are pre-integrated into the supporting structure and base plate during the molding process before final assembly. This preliminary integration of the electrostatic discharge path eliminates the need for subsequent complex assembly steps and multiple oven baking cycles, enabling more efficient mass production
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 reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by shortening the electrostatic discharge path, allowing for easier assembly and reducing the risk of damage from static electricity, while enabling more efficient production.
Implementation Method 1
An electrostatic discharge path is defined by the touch member, the conductive supporting structure, the base plate, the conducting element and the fixing frame of the computing device collaboratively. Static electricity generated on the touch member is guided out of the touchpad module through the electrostatic discharge path.
Data Source
AI summary
A touchpad module for a computing device is provided. The touchpad module is installed within a fixing frame of the computing device. The touchpad module includes a base plate, a touch member, a conductive supporting structure, a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer and a conducting element. The touch member is located over the base plate. The conductive supporting structure is arranged between the base plate and the touch member. The conducting element is connected between the base plate and the fixing frame of the computing device. An electrostatic discharge path is defined by the touch member, the conductive supporting structure, the base plate, the conducting element and the fixing frame of the computing device collaboratively. In addition, static electricity generated on the touch member is guided out of the touchpad module through the electrostatic discharge path.