Cable Connector Assembly Grounding Fingers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connector assemblies lack sufficient holding capacity and stability, particularly when transmitting high currents, as they typically rely on only two soldering tails for connection to a printed circuit board.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector assembly featuring a plug connector with conductive terminals, a braided cable coated with a metal member that includes a ring with three nonlinear grounding fingers inserted into corresponding holes on the printed circuit board, enhancing the holding force and stability while allowing for efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only two soldering tails are used to connect the metal member to the PCB, then the device complexity is reduced, but the holding capacity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding connection is segmented into multiple independent grounding fingers (at least three) that are distributed across the PCB grounding holes. This segmentation allows the connection to be distributed across multiple attachment points, increasing overall holding capacity while maintaining modular simplicity in the metal member design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure transitions from a simple linear two-point connection to a multi-dimensional distributed connection pattern. The grounding fingers are arranged in specific patterns (linear, triangular, or radial) across the PCB surface, adding spatial dimensionality to the connection geometry and significantly improving stability and holding capacity.
2Ease of manufacture
If only two soldering tails are used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation function is segmented across multiple grounding fingers that are distributed across the PCB. Each grounding finger acts as an independent heat dissipation pathway, and the collective effect of multiple fingers provides superior thermal management compared to a two-tail connection, while the manufacturing process remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat dissipation is enhanced by distributing thermal pathways across multiple dimensions and locations on the PCB. The grounding fingers are positioned to maximize thermal contact area and heat distribution across the board, transforming a simple linear heat path into a multi-dimensional thermal management system.
3Reliability
If three or more grounding fingers are used, then the holding capacity and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple grounding fingers are merged into a single integrated metal member structure. The grounding fingers are formed as one piece with the ring structure, eliminating the need for separate components and complex assembly processes. This merging approach increases holding capacity while avoiding proportional increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal member with multiple grounding fingers serves multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical holding, electrical grounding, and heat dissipation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector assembly includes: a plug connector including plural conductive terminals; a cable including plural core wires, a braided layer coated the core wires, a cap coated the braided layer, and a metal member; a printed circuit board (PCB) including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the plug connector being mounted on the first surface of the PCB; wherein the first surface of the PCB has three grounding holes at one end of the PCB, the second surface has plural conductive pads, the metal member includes a ring clamping the braided layer and a grounding portion extending from the ring, the grounding portion includes three grounding fingers inserted into the three grounding holes, respectively.