Integrated Antenna Connector Assembly with Impedance Matching Slit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for antennas in devices are costly and complex, requiring multiple components and assembly steps, which hinders further cost reduction while maintaining impedance matching and shielding effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The connector assembly integrates the adaptor board and shielding metal cage into a single, cost-effective part, eliminating the need for separate printed circuit boards and clips, with an impedance-matching slit allowing signal and ground conductor connection without short-circuiting, achieved through a continuous metallic surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate adaptor board and metal cage components are used with clips for connection, then electrical connection and mechanical stability are achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adaptor board and metal cage into a single integrated component where the adaptor board is formed as an integral part of the metal cage structure. This eliminates the need for separate clips to mechanically connect these components, reducing part count while maintaining electrical connection reliability through direct integration of the signal path from antenna element through the adaptor board to the transmission line.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for connector assembly, then functional requirements are met, but production and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor board and metal cage are manufactured as a single integrated component, eliminating multiple assembly steps for attaching clips and connecting separate parts. This integration simplifies both manufacturing processes and assembly operations while reducing the total number of fasteners and connection points required.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated component performs multiple functions simultaneously: the metal cage provides shielding, the adaptor board provides impedance matching and signal routing, and the integrated structure provides both mechanical support and electrical connection pathways, eliminating the need for separate functional components.
3Reliability
If impedance matching components are added to the adaptor board, then impedance matching is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Impedance matching is achieved through localized geometric features and trace routing on the adaptor board rather than adding discrete circuit components. The signal trace width, length, and positioning are specifically designed to provide the required impedance transformation from the antenna element to the transmission line, maintaining simplicity while achieving the matching function.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention concerns a connector assembly (1) for connecting an antenna element (2) to an antenna signal transmission line (3). The connector assembly (1) comprises an adaptor (4) comprising an antenna element attachment portion (5), a signal attachment portion (6), a ground attachment portion (8) and an impedance matching part (10). The connector assembly (1) further comprising a shielding metal cage physically connected to the adaptor (4), wherein the adaptor (4) and the metal cage (12) form an integral part and the impedance matching part (10) comprises a slit (14) in a portion of the integral part with the signal attachment portion (6) positioned on one side (15) of the slit (14) and the ground attachment portion (8) positioned on another side (16) of the slit (14). The invention also concerns an antenna assembly and a machine or device comprising such an antenna assembly.