Electrical Connector Segments with Asymmetric Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors with multiple shielded segments are unsuitable for applications with limited installation space, as they are either rectangular or circular, limiting their versatility in compact designs for transmitting multiple data protocols and energy without interference.

Innovation Solution

A component for an electrical connector featuring a housing with electrical contact elements arranged in non-orthogonal segments, each with a unique outer contour and interior angles, allowing for a compact design that maximizes contact density and optimizes spacing between elements, while providing shielding between segments to reduce electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional rectangular or circular connector designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but installation space efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidcontact element arrangement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by defining segments with non-orthogonal interior angles (30° to 80° or 100° to 150°) instead of traditional rectangular or circular symmetric designs. This asymmetric configuration allows the connector to better fit limited installation spaces while maintaining the ability to arrange multiple contact elements effectively, thus improving volume efficiency without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If contact elements are arranged densely to improve transmission capacity, then productivity increases, but shielding effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the connector into multiple segments, each containing contact elements for different data protocols or signals. Shielding is provided between these segments, allowing dense arrangement of contact elements within each segment while maintaining electromagnetic isolation. This segmentation enables high productivity through increased contact density without compromising shielding effectiveness against electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by providing shielding specifically between segments where electromagnetic interference could occur, rather than uniformly shielding the entire connector. This localized shielding approach maintains productivity by allowing dense contact element arrangements while applying electromagnetic protection only where needed at segment boundaries, thus preventing interference without unnecessarily increasing overall connector size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple data protocols are transmitted through a single connector, then adaptability improves, but signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-protocol capabilityVSAvoidcrosstalk between signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connector to separate different data protocols and electrical signals into distinct sections. Each segment can be dedicated to specific protocols, and shielding between segments prevents crosstalk and interference. This segmentation enables the connector to handle multiple data protocols simultaneously with improved adaptability while maintaining signal integrity by isolating electromagnetic emissions from each protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the transmission of multiple data protocols and energy in a single connector without disturbances in a compact design, with enhanced contact density and reduced interference, suitable for applications with limited space.

Implementation Method 1

The at least two segments are arranged in a row with a shielding being provided between the legs of neighbouring segments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS20230059712A1Plug or socket as a component for an electrical connector

Publication Date: 2023.02.23 ODU GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A component for an electrical connector, comprising a housing and a plurality of electrical contact elements, the ends of which are accessible at one end of the housing for connection to a mating connector component. The electrical contact elements are arranged in at least two segments which are separated from and shielded against each other. The outer contour of each of the at least two segments has at least two legs and a base side extending from one end of one leg to one end of the other leg, at least one leg of each segment forming an interior angle of 30° to 80° or 100° to 150° with the base side. The segments are arranged in a row with a shielding being provided between the legs of neighbouring segments.