Alien Crosstalk Preventive Cover for High-Density Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical connectors in close proximity experience significant crosstalk due to limited spacing, leading to inductive or capacitive interference, particularly in high-density configurations where maintaining desired alien crosstalk levels is challenging.

Innovation Solution

A conductive cover with a non-conductive interior surface is applied around IDC towers and connectors, featuring a conductive exterior surface to prevent crosstalk, which can be layered and adapted for various configurations, including slotted, hinged, or bent designs to accommodate cables and connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If connectors are placed in close proximity to achieve high-density configuration, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but alien crosstalk between adjacent connectors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh-density configurationVSAvoidalien crosstalk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive shield is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent connectors. The shield acts as a mediator that blocks electromagnetic fields from passing between connectors, thereby preventing alien crosstalk while allowing connectors to remain in close proximity for high-density configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful electromagnetic interference is extracted and contained within a dedicated shield structure. By separating the shielding function from the connector itself and implementing it as a distinct component, the patent enables high-density placement while actively removing the crosstalk pathway between adjacent connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a conductive shield is added around each connector to prevent crosstalk, then alien crosstalk is reduced, but device complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealien crosstalk reductionVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive shield is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electromagnetic shielding, acts as a mechanical support structure, and can be integrated with existing connector mounting systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield structure is merged with the existing connector assembly and patch panel infrastructure. By integrating the shield into the overall system architecture rather than adding it as a completely separate component, the patent reduces complexity and material usage compared to fully independent shielded connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding material is applied around IDC towers, then crosstalk prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrosstalk preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin conductive foil or laminated materials as shields instead of bulky metal enclosures. These flexible thin-film shields can be easily applied to IDC towers and conform to existing structures, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective electromagnetic shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The shield incorporates composite material structures, such as conductive adhesive laminates that combine non-conductive substrate materials with conductive surface layers. This composite approach provides effective shielding while using minimal conductive material and simplifying application compared to traditional metal plating or coating processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The solution effectively reduces alien crosstalk between adjacent connectors while maintaining electrical effectiveness, insulating IDC towers and preventing shield-to-shield coupling, thus minimizing material usage and enhancing connector design efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive cover around each of a plurality of adjacent electrical connectors to reduce crosstalk therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

a non-conductive inner surface adjacent to a plurality of insulation displacement contacts (IDC) towers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS7946894B2Alien crosstalk preventive cover

Publication Date: 2011.05.24 HUBBELL INC

AI summary

A conductive cover or shield for reducing crosstalk between a plurality of connectors arranged adjacent one another. A cover having a non-conductive interior surface and a conductive outer surface. The non-conductive surface is adhered to the exterior surface of a connector or a plurality of IDC towers for preventing crosstalk between adjacent connectors. Also, the cover can be form fitted and secured to the connectors, specifically, adhering to the corners to insulate any loose wires.