Conductive Sleeve EMI Shield for Circuit Board Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of circuit board mounted connectors are time-consuming and ineffective, particularly for connectors made of non-conductive materials, as they rely on conductive adhesives or foil tapes that degrade over time and have variable performance due to factors like thickness and humidity.
Innovation Solution
An EMI shielding system comprising electrically conductive sleeves with spring fingers or tabs that surround connectors, easily installed and coupled to circuit boards, providing a consistent conductive barrier to attenuate both radiated and incoming EMI, using a design that ensures effective contact and reduces installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods using conductive adhesives or foil tapes are used for EMI shielding, then shielding coverage can be achieved, but installation time increases and performance becomes variable due to factors like thickness and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connector shell from the shielding structure, allowing the shield to be installed independently over the connector without requiring adhesive bonding to the connector body. This eliminates installation variability and time consumption associated with adhesives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (conductive adhesives) with a mechanical interference fit system. The shield features an outer diameter that friction-fits over the connector shell, providing consistent shielding performance without variable adhesive properties.
2Reliability
If conductive adhesives are used to create EMI shielding, then shielding can be achieved, but the final material effectiveness varies depending on thickness, humidity, and mixing variables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple, disposable metal shield component that provides consistent shielding performance through its geometric design rather than through variable material properties. The shield is a simple mechanical component that can be mass-produced with tight tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the shielding approach from relying on material properties (adhesive conductivity, thickness) to relying on geometric parameters (shield inner diameter, outer diameter, length) that can be precisely controlled during manufacturing.
3Reliability
If bond wires are used for EMI shielding connection, then electrical connection to ground can be achieved, but the high inductance increases impedance at higher frequencies reducing shielding effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a point-to-point wire connection (one-dimensional) to a distributed areal connection where the shield's bottom surface makes broad contact with the ground plane (two-dimensional). This reduces inductance by providing multiple parallel current paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield's connection features (tabs, fingers, or continuous edge) are pre-configured to make immediate contact with the ground plane upon installation, establishing low-inductance connections before EMI exposure occurs.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If foil tape is used for EMI shielding, then connector shell to ground connection can be achieved, but installation is time-consuming and adhesive performance degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the shielding function from the connector assembly process, allowing the shield to be installed as a separate component that mechanically interfaces with both the connector and ground plane without requiring long-term adhesive bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical interference fit and friction grip system. The shield's outer diameter friction-fits over the connector while connection features mechanically attach to the ground plane, providing durable long-term attachment without adhesive degradation.
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 EMI shielding system significantly reduces the time and cost of installation while providing effective long-term protection against electromagnetic interference for connectors, even those made of non-conductive materials, by creating a reliable conductive perimeter around the connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The embodiments relate to electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of connectors... The electrically conductive sleeve is configured to surround a connector... providing a consistent conductive barrier to attenuate both radiated and incoming EMI
Implementation Method 2
The electrically conductive sleeve includes a restriction configured to contact a metal perimeter of the connector... using a design that ensures effective contact
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield is disclosed. The EMI shield includes an electrically conductive sleeve configured to surround a connector. The electrically conductive sleeve includes a restriction configured to contact a metal perimeter of the connector and includes a connection member configured to be electrically coupled to a circuit board.