Wearable Device Case Static Discharge via Conductive Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable electronic devices, such as AR glasses, are prone to damage from static electricity when stored in cases, as the metal hinge structures can be exposed, leading to high voltage discharge and potential circuit damage.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device case with a conductive supporting member and contact member that connects with the wearable device's conductive portions, featuring electric shock reducing elements on circuit boards to discharge static electricity safely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the wearable electronic device is stored in the case with metal hinge portions exposed, then the device can be conveniently stored and transported, but static electricity may be generated and introduced to the metal hinge portions, causing circuit damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of storageVSAvoidstatic electricity damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive supporting member is introduced as an intermediary between the metal hinge portions and the case housing. This supporting member provides a controlled electrical path that safely dissipates static electricity, preventing direct discharge into the circuit board while still allowing the device to be stored in the case

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful static electricity into a beneficial effect by using the conductive supporting member to create a controlled discharge path. The static electricity that would normally damage the circuit is instead safely guided through the supporting member to ground, protecting the device while maintaining storage functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a circuit unit is embedded in the case to charge the wearable electronic device, then power transmission functionality is improved, but the circuit unit becomes vulnerable to damage from static electricity discharge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidcircuit unit durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive supporting member acts as a mediator between the external environment and the circuit board, providing a preferential electrical path that intercepts static electricity before it can reach the circuit unit, thus protecting the charging functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the case structure is simplified without protective measures, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the wearable electronic device is vulnerable to static electricity damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecase manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstatic electricity exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive supporting member utilizes the natural conductivity of metal and the inherent static electricity generation during device insertion/removal to automatically protect itself and the circuit board, without requiring external power sources or complex control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By introducing this simple conductive element as an intermediary, the case gains protective functionality with minimal added complexity, maintaining ease of manufacture while effectively addressing static electricity concerns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents damage to wearable electronic devices and their cases by effectively discharging static electricity, ensuring safe storage and operation.

Implementation Method 1

a contact member disposed in the space for receiving the wearable electronic device and exposed to an exterior when the case housing is opened, electrically connected with the conductive supporting member, and configured to at least partially contact a conductive portion of the wearable electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

preventing damage to a wearable electronic device and a case for protecting the wearable electronic device, due to static electricity by discharging the static electricity that may occur in the wearable electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS11992102B2Case for electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to, e.g., a case of a wearable electronic device wearable on a human body portion. According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, there may be provided an electronic device case for storing a wearable electronic device comprising a case housing forming a space for receiving the wearable electronic device, a conductive supporting member disposed in the case housing, and a contact member disposed in the space for receiving the wearable electronic device and exposed to an exterior when the case housing is opened, electrically connected with the conductive supporting member, and configured to at least partially contact a conductive portion of the wearable electronic device. Other various embodiments are also possible.