Cable Connector Shield Assembly With Flat Spring Ground Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable connector assemblies with electromagnetic shield structures require complex assembly processes, especially for small-sized connectors, due to the need for spring tabs to penetrate shield braids, making the assembly time-consuming and finicky.

Innovation Solution

A cable connector assembly featuring a ring-like member with a flat spring portion that extends between the cable shield and the casing, allowing for easy electrical connection between the cable shield and the casing without the need for additional tools, such as swaging or welding, by simply moving the ring-like member into the casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spring tabs are used to penetrate the shield braid for electrical connection, then electrical connection between cable and connector is achieved, but assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is divided into a tubular portion and a spring tab portion. The tubular portion fits over the shield braid while the spring tab projects through to make electrical contact with the connector, separating the mechanical connection function from the electrical connection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring tab is pre-formed and positioned on the tubular portion before assembly. During assembly, the spring tab automatically penetrates the shield braid and makes contact with the connector, eliminating the need for complex penetration operations during final assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If spring tabs penetrate the shield braid for small-sized connectors, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly becomes finicky and requires significant time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring tab is designed with elastic properties that allow it to dynamically penetrate the shield braid during assembly and maintain constant electrical contact through its spring force, accommodating variations in assembly tolerance and cable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring tab automatically penetrates the shield braid and makes electrical contact with the connector during the normal assembly process without requiring additional tools, operations, or significant manual manipulation, making the assembly process self-completing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If tubular portion is placed on inner peripheral side of shield braid, then electrical connection structure is formed, but assembly operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular portion serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the shield braid, guides the spring tab during penetration, and maintains the structural integrity of the electromagnetic shield structure, eliminating the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration simplifies the assembly process, enhances connection reliability, and facilitates easier assembly of electromagnetic shields, improving the overall ease of use and reliability of the cable connector assembly.

Implementation Method 1

The flat spring portion extends between the cable shield and the casing and contacts both the cable shield and the casing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240313481A1Cable Connector Assembly
Publication Date: 2024.09.19 TE CONNECTIVITY JAPAN GK
  • US20240313481A1 patent drawing
  • US20240313481A1 patent drawing
  • US20240313481A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A cable connector assembly includes a connector having a casing and a ring-like member and a cable connected to the connector. The cable has an internal cable and a cable shield surrounding the internal cable. The casing accommodates an end of the cable. The ring-like member is positioned around the cable inside the casing. The ring-like member has a flat spring portion extending between the cable shield and the casing and contacting both the cable shield and the casing.