U.S. patent application number 10/955208 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-30 for apparatus and method for providing electrostatic discharge protection.
Invention is credited to Robert Anderson.
Application Number | 20060065426 10/955208 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36097710 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060065426 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson; Robert |
March 30, 2006 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE
PROTECTION
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus and method for
providing protection from electrostatic discharge (ESD) for
electrically conducting members, such as conductive display panels,
including display panels used in avionics. The ESD apparatus
includes an electrical conductor, a first adhesive element adhered
to a first or top surface of the electrical conductor, and a second
adhesive element adhered to a generally opposing second or bottom
surface of the electrical conductor. Portions of the electrical
conductor protrude through the first adhesive element and the
second adhesive element to make electrical contact with the
electrically conducting members when the ESD apparatus is
interfaced therebetween. Thus, the ESD apparatus provides an
electrostatic discharge path from a display panel to its support
frame through the electrical conductor portion of the ESD
apparatus. Also, the adhesive elements allow for the ESD apparatus
to be rapidly and securely attached between the conducting members,
without the need for additional thermal or mechanical processing
steps.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Robert; (Cumming,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF SANTOS & GREENWALD, P.C.
2018 POWERS FERRY ROAD
SUITE 800
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
36097710 |
Appl. No.: |
10/955208 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
174/71R |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/6485 20130101;
H01R 4/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
174/071.00R |
International
Class: |
H01R 4/18 20060101
H01R004/18 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for providing protection from electrostatic
discharge (ESD), the apparatus providing an electrical conductance
path between a first electrically conductive member and a second
electrically conductive member, the apparatus comprising: an
electrical conductor having a first surface and a generally
opposing second surface; a first adhesive element for adhering at
least a portion of the first surface of the electrical conductor to
at least a portion of the first member; and a second adhesive
element for adhering at least a portion of the second surface of
the electrical conductor to at least a portion of the second
member, wherein the electrical conductor is configured in such a
way that at least a portion of the first surface of the electrical
conductor is in electrical contact with the first member and at
least a portion of the second surface of the electrical conductor
is in electrical contact with the second member with the apparatus
being adhered between the first member and the second member.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the electrical conductor protrudes through at least a portion of
the first adhesive element and through at least a portion of the
second adhesive element.
3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, the apparatus has at least
one aperture formed therein to protrude a portion of the electrical
conductor through at least a portion of the first adhesive element
and through at least a portion of the second adhesive element.
4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein the at least one
aperture has a diameter that is less than or equal to approximately
0.010 inch.
5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the apparatus has approximately 30 apertures per square inch
formed therein to protrude a portion of the electrical conductor
through at least a portion of the first adhesive element and at
least a portion of the second adhesive element.
6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the electrical
conductor is an aluminum alloy having an electrical resistance of
approximately 0.000001 ohm-inch.
7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the electrical
conductor is commercially pure aluminum having a grade of 1100.
8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the
first and second adhesive elements is an electrically conductive,
double-sided tape.
9. A display, comprising: an electrically conductive display panel;
at least one electrically conductive support structure; and at
least one electrically conductive interface coupled between
portions of the conductive display panel and the at least one
support structure, wherein the at least one conductive interface
includes an electrical conductor having a first surface and an
opposing second surface, a first adhesive structure having a first
side adhered to at least a portion of the first surface of the
electrical conductor, and a second side adhered to at least a
portion of the first member, and a second adhesive structure having
a first side adhered to at least a portion of the second surface of
the electrical conductor, and a second side adhered to at least a
portion of the second member, wherein the electrical conductor is
configured in such a way that at least a portion of the first
surface thereof is in electrical contact with the first member when
the second side of the first adhesive structure is adhered to the
first member and at least a portion of the second surface thereof
is in electrical contact with the second member when the second
side of the second adhesive structure is adhered to the second
member.
10. The display as recited in claim 9, wherein the conductive
interface comprises an electrostatic discharge (ESD) gasket for
discharging static electricity from the display panel to the
support structure.
11. The display as recited in claim 9, wherein at least a portion
of the electrical conductor extends through at least a portion of
the first adhesive structure and the second adhesive structure.
12. The display as recited in claim 9, wherein the apparatus has at
least one aperture formed therein to protrude a portion of the
electrical conductor through at least a portion of the first
adhesive structure and the second adhesive structure.
13. The display as recited in claim 9, wherein at least a portion
of the electrical conductor has approximately 30 apertures per
square inch formed therein to protrude a portion of the electrical
conductor through at least a portion of the first adhesive
structure and the second adhesive structure.
14. The display as recited in claim 9, wherein the electrical
conductor is generally planar.
15. A method for providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection
by providing an electrical conductance path between a first
conductive member and a second conductive member, the method
comprising the steps of: providing at least one conducting
interface, the conducting interface including an electrical
conductor having a first surface and a generally opposing second
surface, a first adhesive element having a first side attached to
at least a portion of the first surface of the electrical
conductor, and a generally opposing second side, and a second
adhesive element having a first side attached to at least a portion
of the second surface of the electrical conductor, and a generally
opposing second side; deforming at least a portion of the
electrical conductor through at least a portion of the first
adhesive element and at least a portion of the second adhesive
element; and coupling the conducting interface between the first
conductive member and the second conductive member in such a way
that the first surface of the electrical conductor is in electrical
contact with the first conductive member and the second surface of
the electrical conductor is in contact with the second conductive
member.
16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the deforming step
comprises forming at least one aperture in the conducting
interface, wherein at least a portion of the electrical conductor
protrudes through the first adhesive element and through the second
adhesive element.
17. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the deforming step
further comprises piercing the conducting interface in such a way
that at least a portion of the electrical conductor protrudes
through the first adhesive element and through the second adhesive
element.
18. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the deforming step
further comprises forming approximately 30 apertures per square
inch in the conducting interface.
19. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the coupling step
further comprises adhering the second side of the first adhesive
element to the first conductive member and adhering the second side
of the second adhesive element to the second conductive member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to apparatus and methods that provide
protection from electrostatic discharge (ESD). More particularly,
the invention relates to apparatus and methods that provide
protection from electrostatic discharge in display systems, such as
avionics display systems.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In electronic systems, many devices have been developed to
provide protection from electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Electrostatic discharge, which is the transfer of charge between
bodies at different electrical potentials, can alter the electrical
characteristics of electronic devices and components, or even
degrade or destroy their normal operation, causing equipment
malfunction and failure. Therefore, it is important to control the
discharge static electricity buildup from such electronic devices
and their components.
[0005] One manner to provide ESD protection in various electronic
devices is to create an electrically conductive path between the
device and its conductive frame or support member to allow for
electrostatic discharge from the device to the frame. For example,
in electronic display systems, such as those used in avionics and
in military applications, an electrically conductive gasket (an ESD
gasket) or other interface apparatus is secured between an
electrically conductive display panel and its electrically
conductive support structure to provide ESD protection for the
display panel. In such display systems, ESD protection is crucial
to maintaining proper operation of the displays.
[0006] Conventionally, ESD gaskets are configured as wires or other
conductors embedded in a foam or rubber compound, which typically
is then clamped between the conductive display panel and its
conductive frame. Another type of conventional ESD gasket is made
of fabric strips or other non-conductive substrates that are
wrapped or coated with conductive material, such as conductive
strips. Yet another conventional ESD gasket is a spring finger
gasket, made of beryllium and/or copper, that often is attached
between the display panel and its frame.
[0007] However, conventional ESD gaskets do not provide a
sufficiently low resistance and/or a sufficiently secure conductive
bond between the conductive structures. For example, many
conventional ESD gaskets have difficulty in establishing and
maintaining relatively low impedances at the mating surfaces of the
conductive structures because of the relatively large pressures
that are needed to maintain solid electrical contact, especially
when both mating surfaces are planar surfaces. Conventional
springs, clips, clamps, screws and other mechanical fastening means
for maintaining contact between the ESD gaskets and their
conductive mating surfaces often do not keep the EDS gaskets
secured between the mating surfaces. Also, such mechanical
fastening devices constitute additional component parts that must
be maintained in inventory, and the use of such parts tends to
increase assembly time and overall cost. However, less burdensome
means, such as conductive adhesives, do not allow direct contact
between the ESD gaskets and their conductive mating surfaces. Thus,
since the electrical resistance of such conductive adhesives is
much greater than the resistance of the ESD gasket, the electrical
conductance of the path between the mating surfaces through the ESD
gasket is greatly reduced, thereby reducing the effectiveness of
the ESD gasket to control ESD.
[0008] Therefore, it would be desirable to have an interface
apparatus like an ESD gasket to provide and securely maintain a
relatively low resistance path between two conductive surfaces,
such as in a conductive panel and its support structure in a
display system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Briefly described, in one form embodiments of the invention
comprise an apparatus and method for providing protection from
electrostatic discharge (ESD) for electrically conducting members,
such as conductive display panels, including display panels used in
avionics and military applications. The ESD apparatus includes an
electrical conductor, a first adhesive element adhered to a first
or top surface of the electrical conductor, and a second adhesive
element adhered to a generally opposing second or bottom surface of
the electrical conductor. According to embodiments of the
invention, portions of the electrical conductor protrude through
the first adhesive element and the second adhesive element in such
a way that, when the ESD apparatus is interfaced between
electrically conducting members, the protruding portions of the
electrical conductor make electrical contact with the mating
surfaces of the electrically conducting members. Such electrically
conducting members can include electrically conductive display
panels and their electrically conductive supports or support
frames. Thus, according to embodiments of the invention, the ESD
apparatus provides an electrostatic discharge path from the display
panel to its support frame through the electrical conductor portion
of the ESD apparatus. Also, the adhesive elements allow for the ESD
apparatus to be rapidly and securely attached between the
conducting members, with no additional thermal or mechanical
processing steps needed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a conventional
display panel and its support structure in a conventional display
system;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a partial, cross-sectional view of an electrically
conducting interface apparatus for use as an electrostatic
discharge (ESD) gasket;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the ESD gasket
of FIG. 2 interfaced between a conductive display panel and its
conductive support structure;
[0013] FIG. 4a is a partial, cross-sectional view of an
electrically conducting interface apparatus, useful as an ESD
gasket, according to embodiments of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 4b is a partial, cross-sectional view of an
electrically conducting interface apparatus, useful as an ESD
gasket, according to alternative embodiments of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 5a is a partial, cross-sectional view of the interface
apparatus of FIG. 4a interfaced between a conductive display panel
and its conductive support structure according to embodiments of
the invention; and
[0016] FIG. 5b is a partial, cross-sectional view of the interface
apparatus of FIG. 4b interfaced between a conductive display panel
and its conductive support structure according to alternative
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0017] In the following description, like reference numerals
indicate like components to enhance the understanding of the
invention through the description of the drawings. Also, although
specific features, configurations and arrangements are discussed
hereinbelow, it should be understood that such is done for
illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that other steps, configurations and arrangements
are useful without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a partial, cross-sectional
view of a display system 10, e.g., a display system used in
avionics or in military applications. The display system 10
includes a display panel 12, a support structure or frame 14 for
the display panel 12, and one or more conductive interfaces 16
coupled between surfaces of the display panel 12 and the support
structure 14. The display panel 12 typically is a planar sheet of
glass, or other suitably transparent material, coated with a nearly
transparent coating of electrically conductive material, e.g.,
indium tin oxide or other suitable electrically conductive
material.
[0019] The support structure or frame 14 is made of aluminum or any
other suitable electrically conductive material. The support
structure 14 is dimensioned and configured to provide support for
the display panel 12 when the display panel 12 is attached directly
or indirectly (e.g., via one or more interfaces 16) to the support
structure 14.
[0020] The conductive interfaces 16 are made of a suitable
electrically conductive material, and therefore provide an
electrically conductive path between the display panel 12 and its
support structure 14 when the conductive interfaces 16 are coupled
between mating surfaces of the panel display 12 and the support
structure 14. The conductive interfaces 16 function, e.g., as ESD
gaskets, allowing for electrostatic discharge (ESD) from the
display panel 12 to the support structure 14.
[0021] In conventional arrangements, an electrically conductive
material, such as an electrically conductive epoxy or an
indium-based material, is applied to the display panel 12 to effect
a relatively low resistance path to the conductive coating on the
display panel 12. However, the application of this additional
electrically conductive material adds additional cost and process
uncertainty.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a partial, cross-sectional
view of one type of electrically conducting interface apparatus 20
suitable for use as an ESD gasket. Such apparatus 20 is useful as a
conductive interface, e.g., the conductive interface 16 shown in
FIG. 1 and described hereinabove. The ESD interface apparatus (or
gasket apparatus) 20 includes an electrical conductor or
electrically conductive member 22, e.g., a generally flat or planar
member that is made of a suitable electrically conducting material.
For example, the conductive member 22 is made of commercially pure
aluminum (grade 1100). A conductive member made or commercially
pure aluminum has an electrical resistance of approximately
0.000001 ohm-inch. The conductive member 22 is a foil having a
thickness in the range from approximately 0.002 inches to
approximately 0.005 inches. The conductive member 22 has a first or
top surface 23 and a generally opposing second or bottom surface
24.
[0023] Applied to the top surface 23 of the conductive member 22 is
a first adhesive element 26. The first adhesive element 26 is,
e.g., an electrically conductive, adhesive layer, such as a
double-sided tape made of a suitable electrically conductive
material or configured as a suitable electrical conductor. Such
tapes include, e.g., XYZ-Axis Electrically Conductive Tape 9713,
manufactured by 3M Company. Similarly, a second adhesive element 28
is adhered to the bottom surface 24 of the conductive member 22.
The second adhesive element 28 is, e.g., an electrically
conductive, adhesive layer, such as a double-sided tape made of a
suitable electrically conductive material or configured as a
suitable electrical conductor. Double-sided tapes such as 3M 9713
double-sided tape have a layer thickness, e.g., within the range
between approximately 3.0 and approximately 5.0 mils (1 mil=10-3
inches), and an electrical resistance of approximately 0.01
ohm-inch.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a partial, cross-sectional
view of the ESD interface apparatus 20 of FIG. 2 interfaced between
the conductive display panel 12 and its support frame 14. As shown,
the first adhesive element 26 is adhered to the top surface 23 of
the conductive member 22 and to a mating surface portion 32 of the
support frame 14. Similarly, the second adhesive element 28 is
adhered to the bottom surface 24 of the conductive member 22 and to
a mating surface portion 36 of the display panel 12.
[0025] Typically, the first and second adhesive elements 26, 28 are
the type of adhesive elements that allow for immediate, suitable
adhesion to surfaces such as the top and bottom surfaces 23, 24 of
the conductive member 22, the mating surface portion 36 of the
panel display 12 and the mating surface portion 32 of the support
frame 14. That is, the first and second adhesive elements 26, 28
typically do not require any curing or other additional processing
steps for suitably adhering them to such surfaces. Also, the first
and second adhesive elements 26, 28 typically do not require
relatively excessive clamping force to adhere to such surfaces.
[0026] The particular arrangement of the ESD interface apparatus 20
allows the conductive member 22 to function as a substrate or a
structural support or carrier for the first and second adhesive
elements 26, 28. That is, the conductive member 22 provides support
to the adhesive elements in a way that prevents the adhesive
elements 26, 28 from tearing during fabrication, assembly or
handling, or the application of the adhesive elements to the mating
surface 36 of the panel display 12 and/or the mating surface 32 or
the support frame 14.
[0027] The ESD interface or gasket apparatus 20 provides an
electrically conductive interface path between the display panel 12
and the support frame 14. As discussed previously herein, the
electrical resistance of such an interface should be as low as
possible while still providing a sufficiently secure bond between
the conducting surfaces, e.g., between the mating surface 36 of the
display panel 12 and the mating surface 32 of the support frame 14.
In the ESD gasket apparatus 20 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
electrical conductance path from the display panel 12 to the
support frame 14 passes through the second adhesive element 28, the
conductive member 22, and the first adhesive element 26. As
discussed hereinabove, the resistance of the conductive member 22,
when made of commercially pure aluminum, is approximately 0.000001
ohm-inch. However, the resistance of each layer of the adhesive
elements is approximately 0.01 ohm-inch, which is approximately
10,000 times greater than the electrical resistance of the
conductive member 22.
[0028] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a conductive
interface apparatus such as an ESD gasket that provides both
relatively secure bonding and relatively low electrical resistance
between mating surfaces, such as between the surfaces of a
conductive display panel and its supporting frame. Moreover, such
an apparatus should be capable of relatively rapid assembly and
application as a conductive interface, e.g., without additional
assembly, processing or application steps.
[0029] According to embodiments of the invention, an apparatus is
provided that is useful as an electrically conductive interface
between two mating, electrically conductive surfaces. The apparatus
provides a relatively low electrical resistance path between the
two conductive surfaces, thus providing, e.g., ESD protection by
supplying a sufficiently conductive path from one conductive
surface to the other conductive surface. Also, the apparatus
provides a relatively secure bond between the conductive surfaces,
without additional thermal or mechanical processing steps.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 4a and 4b, shown is a partial,
cross-sectional view of an electrically conducting interface
apparatus 40 according to embodiments of the invention. The
interface apparatus 40 is useful as, e.g., an ESD gasket, as will
be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. The apparatus 40
includes an electrical conductor 42, a first adhesive element 46
and a second adhesive element 48. According to embodiments of the
invention, the apparatus 40 has been configured, deformed and/or
agitated in such a way that portions of the electrical conductor 42
protrude through portions of the first adhesive element 46 and the
second adhesive element 48. In this manner, as will be discussed
further hereinbelow, the protruded portions of the electrical
conductor 42 will be in electrical contact with the conductive
surfaces of electrically conducting members when the interface
apparatus 40 is interfaced between such electrically conducting
members.
[0031] The electrical conductor 42 is made of any suitable
electrically conducting material that has a sufficiently low
electrical resistance. For example, the electrical conductor 42 is
made of commercially pure aluminum, e.g., aluminum having a grade
of 1100. As discussed previously herein, such material has an
electrical resistance of approximately 0.000001 ohm-inch. Although
the electrical conductor 42 can have any shape, the electrical
conductor 42 typically is a foil having a thickness in the range
from approximately 0.002 inches to approximately 0.005 inches, and
is generally flat, planar, or sheet-like in shape, which
facilitates interfacing the apparatus 40 between mating surfaces of
electrically conducting members, such as the mating surfaces of
conductive display panels and their conductive frames.
[0032] The first adhesive element 46 is, e.g., a double-sided tape
or other suitable adhesive element for adhering to a first or top
surface 53 of the electrical conductor 42. Similarly, the second
adhesive element 48 is, e.g., a double-sided tape or other suitable
adhesive element for adhering to a second or bottom surface 54 of
the electrical conductor 42. Tapes of this kind include, e.g.,
XYZ-Axis Electrically Conductive Tape 9713, manufactured by 3M
Company. Such tape typically has a thickness, e.g., between
approximately 3.0 and approximately 5.0 mils. Although conventional
adhesive elements such as XYZ-Axis Electrically Conductive Tape
9713 are electrically conductive, according to embodiments of the
invention, the first and second adhesive elements 46, 48 do not
have do be electrically conductive.
[0033] According to embodiments of the invention, at least one
first portion (shown generally as 56) of the electrical conductor
42 protrudes through the first adhesive element 46, and at least
one second portion (shown generally as 58) of the electrical
conductor 42 protrudes through the second adhesive element 48. For
example, according to embodiments of the invention, as shown in
FIG. 4a, a number or apertures or perforations are formed into the
interface apparatus 40 in such a manner that portions of the
electrical conductor 42 protrude through the first and second
adhesive element 46,48. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4b, the
interface apparatus 40 is deformed in such a way that a number of
detents or other deformations of the electrical conductor 42
protrude through the first and second adhesive elements 46, 48.
[0034] The apertures, perforations, deformations and/or detents are
made by any suitable processing technique. For example, according
to an embodiment of the invention, the apertures are made by one or
more piercing tools. It should be understood that the piercing
tools typically penetrate the interface apparatus 40 from both
sides, thus allowing portions of the electrical conductor 42 to
protrude through both the first adhesive element 46 and the second
adhesive element 48. That is, for apertures formed by piercing
tools that penetrate the apparatus 40 from the side having the
second adhesive element 48, portions of the electrical conductor 42
tend to protrude through the first adhesive element 46 (e.g., the
protruding portions 56). Also, for apertures formed by piercing
tools that penetrate the apparatus 40 from the side having the
first adhesive element 46, portions of the electrical conductor 42
tend to protrude through the second adhesive element 48 (e.g., the
protruding portions 58). In this manner, portions of the electrical
conductor 42 protrude through both the upper and lower surfaces of
the apparatus 40.
[0035] Although the apertures can have any suitable size, the
portion of the piercing tools that pierces the interface apparatus
40 is sharpened and dimensioned to have a diameter of, e.g., no
greater than approximately 0.010 inch. Thus, according to one
embodiment of the invention, apertures formed in the interface
apparatus 40 are no greater than approximately 0.010 inch in
diameter.
[0036] Also, although such embodiments of the invention are not
limited to the number of apertures formed in the interface
apparatus 40, the number of apertures should be such that a
sufficient portion of the electrical conductor 42 protrudes through
the first and second adhesive elements 46, 48 in such a way that an
electrically conductive path of suitably low electrical resistance
is formed by the interface apparatus 40 from its first (top)
surface 53 to its second (bottom) surface 54. For example,
according to an embodiment of the invention, the interface
apparatus 40 has approximately 30 apertures per square inch.
[0037] Similarly, according to embodiments of the invention that
have a number or detents or other deformations, the detents and/or
deformations are made by any suitable device or technique. Also,
the detents and/or deformations are made from both sides of the
interface apparatus 40, thus allowing deformed portions of the
electrical conductor 42 to protrude through both the first adhesive
element 46 and the second adhesive element 48.
[0038] According to embodiments of the invention, the protruding
detents and/or deformations can have any suitable size, but
typically they are dimensioned to be no greater than approximately
0.010 inch in diameter. Also, although not limited, the number of
deformations formed in the interface apparatus 40 should be such
that a sufficient portion of the electrical conductor 42 protrudes
through the first and second adhesive elements 46, 48 in such a way
that an electrically conductive path of suitably low electrical
resistance is formed by the interface apparatus 40 from its first
(top) surface 53 to its second (bottom) surface 54.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 5a and 5b, shown are partial,
cross-sectional views of the interface apparatus 40 of FIGS. 4a and
4b, respectively, interfaced between a first electrically
conductive member 62 and a second electrically conductive member
64. The first electrically conductive member 62 is, e.g., an
electrically conductive display panel. The second electrically
conductive member 64 is, e.g., an electrically conductive support
structure or frame for the display panel. Such display panels and
support frames are used in, e.g., avionics displays systems and
display systems used in military applications.
[0040] According to embodiments of the invention, the interface
apparatus 40 has been configured, deformed and/or agitated in such
a way that portions 56 of the electrical conductor 42 protrude
through portions of the first adhesive element 46 and portions 58
of the electrical conductor 42 protrude through portions of the
second adhesive element 48. In this manner, when the apparatus 40
is interfaced between the first and second conducting members 62,
64, the protruding portions 56, 58 of the electrical conductor 42
make electrical contact with a mating surface 66 of the first
conducting member 62 and a mating surface 68 of the second
conducting member 64. More specifically, when the first adhesive
element 46 is adhered to the support frame 64, the protruding
portions 56 of the electrical conductor 42 make electrical contact
with the mating surface 68 of the support frame 64. Similarly, when
the second adhesive element 48 is adhered to the display panel 62,
the protruding portions 58 of the electrical conductor 42 make
electrical contact with the mating surface 66 of the display panel
62.
[0041] Without deformation of the electrical conductor 42, the
electrically conductive path through the interface apparatus 40
would include the first and second adhesive elements 46, 48, as
well the electrical conductor 42. As discussed hereinabove, the
electrical resistance of each adhesive element is approximately
10,000 times greater than the electrical resistance of the
electrical conductor 42. Accordingly, the electrical resistance of
the interface apparatus 40 is greatly reduced if the conductive
path therethrough does not include the adhesive element 46, 48.
[0042] Also, because of the thickness of the first and second
adhesive elements 46, 48, adhering only selective portions of
adhesive elements to the electrical conductor 42 still would not
allow electrical contact between portions of the electrical
conductor 42 and the surfaces of the first and second conducting
members 66, 68. That is, the use of, e.g., double-sided adhesive
strips or patches, instead of adhesive elements, such as complete
layers of an adhesive element, still would not allow any portion of
the electrical conductor 42 to make contact with any portion of the
surface of either conducting member 66, 68 when the apparatus 40 is
interfaced therebetween. Moreover, applying an entire layer of an
adhesive element to the surfaces of the electrical conductor 42,
rather than applying selective patches or strips, simplifies
manufacturing of the apparatus and therefore is less time consuming
and costly.
[0043] Therefore, according to embodiments of the invention, the
interface apparatus 40 is configured, deformed and/or agitated to
protrude portions 56, 58 of the electrical conductor 42 through the
first and second adhesive elements 46, 48, e.g., in the manner
shown in FIGS. 4a-b and 5a-b. This deformation allows the
protruding portions 56, 58 of the electrical conductor 42 to make
electrical contact with the surfaces of the conducting members 66,
68 when the apparatus 40 is interfaced between the conducting
members 62, 64. In this manner, a relatively low electrical
resistance path is established from the first conducting member 62,
through the electrical conductor 42, to the second conducting
member 64. The electrical path does not pass through either one of
the first and second adhesive elements 46, 48, as any current such
as electrostatic discharge current will pass through the least
electrically resistive path.
[0044] Referring again to FIG. 5a, when the apparatus 40 is
interfaced between conducting surfaces, e.g., the conducting
members 62,64, some of the protruding portions of the electrical
conductor 42 may come in contact with each other, in addition to
coming in contact with mating surface of the appropriate conducting
member. For example, when the apparatus 40 is interfaced between
the conducting members 62, 64, the protruding portions 56 of the
electrical conductor 42 are shown contacting one another and
contacting the second conducting member 64. Also, some of the
protruding portions of the electrical conductor 42 may remain apart
from one another as the apparatus 40 is interfaced between the
conducting members 62, 64. However, such protruding portions still
make electrical contact with the mating surface of the appropriate
conductor. For example, such separation is shown generally by the
protruding portions 58, although the protruding portions 58 still
make electrical contact with the first conductor 62.
[0045] It should be understood that the contact of the protruding
portions and the separation of the protruding portions are shown
and described herein for illustrative purposes only, and that any
of the protruding portions can be in contact with each other or
remain separated at either mating surface of either conducting
member. Also, it should be noted that one or more air pockets
(shown generally as 72) may be formed between portions of the
interface apparatus 40 and the mating surfaces of the conducting
members 62, 64. However, compared to the number of protruding
portions 56, 58 of the electrical conductor 42 that make electrical
contact between the mating surfaces of the conducting members, any
adverse effects of air pocket formation is negligible.
[0046] According to embodiments of the invention, the interface
apparatus 40 provides an ESD path between conducting members that
has a much lower electrical resistance than the ESD paths provided
by conventional ESD gaskets or EMI gaskets. Moreover, in the
inventive interface apparatus 40, because of the relatively low
electrical resistance of the material of the electrical conductor
42 (e.g., commercially pure aluminum) and its particular
configuration within the interface apparatus 40, electrostatic
charges generally are dissipated throughout the perimeter of the
electrical conductor 42 almost instantaneously, thus lessening the
intensity of the discharge to the mating surface 68 of the second
conducting surface 66.
[0047] Also, according to embodiments of the invention, the
particular configuration of the interface apparatus 40 allows for
assembly that is relatively rapid and secure. As discussed
hereinabove, the use of adhesive elements in the inventive
interface apparatus 40 does not require additional thermal
processing steps or mechanical fixation techniques. Also, the
inventive interface apparatus 40 provides suitable weather sealing
between the display panel and its support frame.
[0048] In testing, the inventive interface apparatus 40 according
to embodiments of the invention was successful in dissipating
approximately 15,000 volts that were applied to the surface of the
conductive display panel. Also, like many conventional ESD/EMI
gaskets, the interface apparatus 40 according to embodiments of the
invention meets the requirements of various test standards, e.g.,
tests for electromagnetic interference (EMI), humidity and
mechanical shock. Such standards include, but are not limited to:
TABLE-US-00001 FAA standards RTCA/D0-160D and subsequent revisions;
MILITARY standards MIL-STD-810E and subsequent revisions;
MIL-STD-1686C and subsequent revisions; MIL-STD-454N and subsequent
revisions; MIL-STD-883E and subsequent revisions; ANSI ANSI C63 and
subsequent revisions; EN EN 61340 and subsequent revisions; ISO ISO
10605 and subsequent revisions; and IEC IEC 61000 and subsequent
revisions.
[0049] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many
changes and substitutions can be made to the embodiments of the
invention herein described without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
full scope of equivalents. For example, although the circuit
components are described hereinabove as an integrated circuit or
part of an integrated circuit, the various circuit components
alternatively can be discrete components arranged and coupled
together to form the various circuits shown and described.
* * * * *