Card Connector Assembly With Integrated Component Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing miniaturization of universal integrated circuit cards (UICC) has led to space constraints on printed circuit boards (PCB) due to the size of the on-device card connectors, which can cause electromagnetic interference and limit the addition of other components or reduce the device's size.
Innovation Solution
A card connector assembly with integrated component shielding, featuring a shielded contact block and a component shield, is designed for surface mounting on the PCB, which includes a recess to house an electronic component, interconnects UICC pins with PCB contacts, and attenuates electromagnetic waves using conductive traces and metal deposition processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the card connector size is reduced to accommodate smaller UICCs, then space on the PCB is freed up, but electromagnetic shielding effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The component shield is integrated within the card connector assembly, nesting the shielding function inside the connector structure itself. The shield is positioned within the recess of the contact block, creating a nested configuration that provides EMI shielding without increasing the overall connector footprint on the PCB.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding function is merged with the card connector assembly by integrating the component shield directly into the contact block structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate shielding components and maintains compact dimensions while providing electromagnetic protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added to the PCB to compensate for space usage, then device functionality is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The card connector assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the UICC, establishes electrical connections through contacts, and simultaneously provides electromagnetic shielding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate components that would increase device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (mechanical support, electrical connection, and EMI shielding) are merged into a single integrated card connector assembly, reducing the total component count and device size while maintaining full functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate component shield is added to the PCB, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the complexity of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The component shield is merged with the card connector assembly as an integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. The shield is built into the contact block structure, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining EMI protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact block is formed as a composite structure combining conductive materials for shielding with insulating materials for electrical isolation. This integrated composite construction provides both shielding and structural functions in a single component, simplifying assembly.
4Area of moving object
If the card connector assembly is miniaturized, then PCB space is optimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is nested within the recess of the contact block, creating a self-aligning structure that maintains shielding effectiveness without requiring high-precision positioning during assembly. The nested configuration naturally positions the shield in the correct location.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding function is localized to the specific recess area within the contact block where electronic components are positioned. This localized shielding approach maintains precision where needed while allowing greater flexibility in the overall connector dimensions.
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 solution frees up space on the PCB, allowing for additional components or a reduced device size while effectively mitigating electromagnetic interference by integrating shielding within the card connector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The component shield defines a shielded area configured for attenuate electromagnetic waves generated by the electronic component
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes techniques and apparatuses, including card connector assemblies with integrated component shielding for electronic devices. The card connector assembly includes frame, a riser, and a shielded contact block. The frame includes a card holder that receives a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). The riser supports the card holder spaced apart from the PCB. The shielded contact block configured for surface mounting to a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes an electronic component. The shielded contact block includes a recess that receives a portion of the electronic component therein, an interconnect that connects at least one pin on the UICC with at least one contact, and a component shield located in the recess. The component shield defines a shielded area configured to attenuate electromagnetic waves generated by the electronic component.