Cable Connector Metal Cage EMI Shielding Anti-Mismating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable connector assemblies with anti-mismating structures fail to prevent mis-mating with USB type C receptacle connectors and allow electromagnetic interference (EMI) to escape.

Innovation Solution

A cable connector assembly featuring a metal shell with a smaller front end and larger rear end, enclosed by a metal cage and outer housing, including a forwardly extending portion to prevent incorrect insertion and a design that minimizes EMI through a sealed structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a positioning slit is formed in the metal shell to fit with a projecting tab for anti-mismating, then mis-mating prevention is improved, but electromagnetic interference can escape through the positioning slit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-mismating capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-mismating structure is divided into two separate components: a positioning protrusion on the outer housing and a corresponding positioning slot on the metal shell. This segmentation allows the anti-mismating function to be achieved while maintaining the integrity of the EMI shielding, as the positioning features are now distinct elements rather than an open slit configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metal shell is nested within the outer housing, with the positioning slot on the metal shell cooperating with the positioning protrusion on the outer housing. This nested arrangement allows the inner metal shell to maintain its EMI shielding capability while the outer housing provides additional structural support and anti-mismating functionality through their cooperative positioning features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the front end diameter is reduced to allow insertion into receptacle connectors, then ease of insertion is improved, but structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The metal shell features varying diameters at different locations: a smaller front end diameter for easy insertion into the receptacle connector, and a larger rear end diameter for enhanced structural strength. This local quality variation allows each section of the metal shell to be optimized for its specific functional requirement without compromising overall performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The transition from a uniform diameter to a tapered or stepped diameter profile adds dimensional complexity to the metal shell design. This dimensional change allows the structure to accommodate both the insertion requirement (smaller front diameter) and the strength requirement (larger rear diameter) within a single continuous component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9780490B2Cable connector having a metal shell with a metal cage at its rear end enclosed by an outer housing

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

A cable connector assembly includes a connector and a cable electrically connected thereto. The connector includes a metal shell, a metal cage enclosing a rear end of the metal shell, and an outer housing enclosing the metal cage therein. The connector has a front end for inserting into a mating connector and a rear end. The diametrical dimension of the front end is smaller than the diametrical dimension of the rear end. The outer housing includes a front portion extending forwardly beyond the metal cage to prevent the cable connector mistakenly inserted into an unintended receptacle connector.