Conductive Electrical Connector EMI Shielding via Dielectric Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connectors in electronic units are vulnerable to electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to openings that allow external radiation to pass through, causing stray radiation issues.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with a conductive housing and dielectric inserts that provide a tight friction fit for connector pins, reducing the aperture area and enhancing electromagnetic shielding by using a conductive bottom wall connected to ground potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an opening is provided in the housing for inserting the electrical connector, then electrical connections can be established, but electromagnetic stray radiation can pass through the opening causing electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric insert is introduced as an intermediary component between the conductive housing and the connector pins. This insert provides a non-conductive barrier that blocks electromagnetic radiation while still allowing the connector pins to pass through and establish electrical connections, thus mediating between the need for connectivity and the need for EMI shielding
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing combines different materials with complementary properties: an electrically conductive material for EMI shielding and a dielectric material for the insert that provides both insulation and mechanical support for the pins. This composite structure achieves both electromagnetic protection and functional connectivity
2Device complexity
If the connector pins are inserted directly into the housing, then the structure is simple, but electromagnetic shielding is ineffective due to large aperture area
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the housing is segmented into multiple smaller openings, each accommodating a individual connector pin through a dielectric insert. This segmentation reduces the total aperture area exposed to electromagnetic radiation while still allowing all necessary electrical connections to be made, effectively breaking down the large vulnerable opening into smaller shielded passages
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a dielectric insert is inserted into each pin receiving opening, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the dielectric insert: it provides electromagnetic insulation, mechanical support for the connector pins, and structural integration with the conductive housing. By combining these functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is reduced despite the addition of the insert, as it eliminates the need for separate shielding and support structures
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 solution effectively suppresses electromagnetic interference by minimizing the aperture area and utilizing the conductive housing as a shielding layer, reducing stray radiation and improving connector performance.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the conductive housing as a shielding layer, reducing stray radiation
Implementation Method 2
dielectric inserts that provide a tight friction fit for connector pins
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector can be provided having a plurality of connector pins, and an electrically conductive connector housing with a bottom wall and a receiving opening for receiving a counter-connector. A plurality of pin receiving openings formed in the bottom wall accommodate a dielectric insert. At least one of the connector pins extends through the dielectric insert and is fastened by the dielectric insert within the respective pin receiving opening. A slide-in module can be provided with such an electrical connector, and a method for producing such an electrical connector may also be provided.