Conductive Gasket Shield Feature for Electromagnetic Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electromagnetic shielding solutions in electronic devices are either visually undesirable due to their appearance or cause deformation of housing structures due to rigidity, and they fail to effectively prevent electromagnetic interference between internal components.
Innovation Solution
A shield feature comprising a base region with protrusions made from electrically conductive material, covered by a non-electrically conductive layer, which allows deformation without bowing the housing and effectively blocks electromagnetic radiation by positioning protrusions at a pitch less than the wavelength of the radiation, forming a Faraday cage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If foam material is used for electromagnetic shielding, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but appearance quality deteriorates due to nonmatching appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The shield feature uses a composite structure combining conductive material (for electromagnetic shielding) with a matching housing material (for appearance). The conductive portion is embedded within or integrated to the housing structure, allowing the exterior surface to match the housing appearance while the interior conductive portion provides electromagnetic interference reduction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solid conductive material is used for shielding, then electromagnetic radiation is blocked, but structural integrity deteriorates due to rigidity causing housing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The shield feature applies conductive material only where electromagnetic shielding is needed (locally at the interface between housing portions), rather than using solid conductive material throughout. This localized application provides sufficient radiation blocking while avoiding the rigidity issues that would cause housing deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield feature is divided into a conductive portion and a matching portion, with the conductive material segmented and positioned only at critical shielding locations. This segmentation allows the housing to maintain its structural flexibility while still achieving effective electromagnetic radiation blocking at the segmented conductive interfaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conductive material is applied to housing surface, then electromagnetic shielding is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to additional coating processes
Solution Approach 1:
The shield feature merges the conductive shielding function with the housing structure itself. The conductive material is integrated into the housing design, either as an embedded layer within the housing material or as a co-formed feature, eliminating the need for separate coating processes and reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 provides effective electromagnetic shielding while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetics, preventing electromagnetic interference between internal components and allowing the shield to function as an electrical grounding pathway.
Implementation Method 1
positioning protrusions at a pitch less than the wavelength of the radiation, forming a Faraday cage
Implementation Method 2
allowing the shield to function as an electrical grounding pathway
Data Source
AI summary
A shield feature and method of forming to prevent transmission of electromagnetic radiation is disclosed. The shield feature may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion, both of which are formed from an electrically conductive material. A non-electrically conductive material may cover the electrically conductive material in certain regions. The first protrusion, the second protrusion, and an extension between the first protrusion and the second protrusion are free of non-electrically conductive material, allowing the electrically conductive material to engage an enclosure of an electronic device. Also, a distance separates the first protrusion and the second protrusion that is less than a distance defined by a wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation, allowing the shield feature to prevent the electromagnetic radiation from passing through the shield feature. Also, the shield feature may further form an electrical grounding path for an internal component to electrically ground the internal component with the enclosure.