Conductive Shell and Shield for Cable EMI Compliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cable assemblies used for transmitting high-definition multi-channel audio and video data face challenges in meeting electromagnetic interference (EMI) regulatory compliance, particularly at high clock and data speeds, which can disrupt nearby electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

The cable assembly incorporates a conductive shield with cantilevered spring arms and a conductive shell to provide EMI shielding, where the shield and shell are electrically coupled to prevent EMI radiation and enhance immunity to external interference, using materials like aluminum or stainless steel and a potting compound for protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If high clock and data speeds are used for transmitting high-definition multi-channel audio and video data, then data transmission quality is improved, but electromagnetic interference radiation increases disrupting nearby electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies Faraday cage principles to convert the harmful electromagnetic radiation into a beneficial shielding effect. The conductive shield and conductive shell are electrically coupled to form a Faraday cage that captures and redirects electromagnetic interference, protecting the cable assembly and nearby devices while maintaining high-speed data transmission capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a conductive shield and conductive shell are electrically coupled to provide EMI shielding, then electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference protectionVSAvoidcable assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the conductive shield and conductive shell into a unified electrically coupled system. The contact members create continuous electrical connection between the shield and shell, forming an integrated Faraday cage structure that simplifies the overall design while maintaining effective EMI protection across multiple frequency ranges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If contact members are used to electrically couple the conductive shield to the conductive shell, then EMI shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMI shielding effectivenessVSAvoidcontact member alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact members are designed with flexible or resilient characteristics that allow them to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations. This dynamic design ensures reliable electrical connection between the conductive shield and conductive shell without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision, while still maintaining effective EMI shielding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration effectively reduces EMI radiation, improving the cable assembly's immunity to electromagnetic interference and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while maintaining data transmission integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive shield with a first plurality of contact members, a conductive shell arranged to at least partially encase the conductive shield... the shield and shell are electrically coupled to prevent EMI radiation and enhance immunity to external interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3411927B1Conductive shell for a cable assembly
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3411927B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3411927B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3411927B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

A cable assembly includes a connector head and a conductive shield arranged to at least partially encase the connector head. The conductive shield includes a first plurality of contact members. A conductive shell is arranged to at least partially encase the connector head and the conductive shield. Each of the first plurality of contact members extends outwardly from the conductive shield toward the conductive shell to electrically couple the conductive shield to the conductive shell.