Conductive Cage Adapter for USB EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug adapters require complex and expensive circuit boards, leading to high assembly efforts and costs, while lacking effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection.
Innovation Solution
A simplified adapter design featuring an electrically conductive cage with pin-like contacts and matching insulation parts, eliminating the need for a circuit board and providing EMI protection through a sheet metal cage, with USB and high-speed data transfer plug receivers at opposite ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a circuit board is used to connect two USB receptacles, then the adapter provides functional connectivity, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the circuit board from the adapter structure, replacing it with a cage body that directly houses the electrical contacts. This removal of the unnecessary circuit board component simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the essential electrical connection function through the cage body and contact assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the circuit board, housing, and EMI shielding into a single integrated cage body structure. The cage body simultaneously serves as the structural housing, the EMI shield, and the mounting framework for electrical contacts, eliminating the need for separate circuit board and housing components.
2Ease of manufacture
If a circuit board is used to assemble USB receptacles, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the assembly effort and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the circuit board from the component list, reducing the number of parts that need to be procured, managed, and assembled. This extraction simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating soldering operations and circuit board handling, while the cage body directly provides the structural framework for mounting contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural housing, the EMI shield, and the mounting framework for electrical contacts. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the assembly process, as a single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate parts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional adapter design is used, then basic connectivity is provided, but EMI protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EMI shielding function with the structural housing into a single cage body component. This integration provides effective EMI protection through the conductive cage structure without adding separate shielding layers or components, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving superior electromagnetic compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic interference into a beneficial shielding effect by using the cage body's conductive structure. The same cage structure that provides mechanical support and housing also serves as an effective EMI shield, protecting the electrical contacts and signals from external electromagnetic interference.
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
The adapter reduces assembly complexity and costs, ensures optimal EMI protection, and maintains data flow efficiency with constant cross-section contacts, while being adaptable to various external housings and positions.
Implementation Method 1
The adapter includes an electrically conductive cage open at two ends... Throughgoing EMV protection results due to the electrically conductive cage... The electrical cage is at least substantially closed except for the two open ends. Throughgoing EMV protection is thus ensured.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for the coupling of two different electrical plugs, in particular for vehicles, comprises an electrically conductive cage open at two ends, in particular pin-like electrical contacts insertable into the cage with differing contact ends matched to the respective plug and in particular two differing insulation parts insertable into the cage and matched to the respective plug for the fixing of the electrical contacts. The cage, the electrical contacts and the insulation parts supporting them are designed such that different receptacle-like plug receivers matched to the respective plug result in the region of the two open ends of the cage.