Connector Ribs for Crosstalk Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In compact electronic devices, connectors face issues such as crosstalk, propagation delay, and medium delay due to reduced spacing between components, which are exacerbated by environmental factors like moisture and dust, affecting signal transmission stability.

Innovation Solution

A reinforced connector design featuring ribs within the base of terminal elements to isolate adjacent terminals, using a casing with positioning blocks and an insert with transverse columns, and positioning barbs to secure connections, while employing low dielectric coefficient materials to mitigate interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the spacing between terminals is reduced to miniaturize the connector, then the compactness of the electronic device is improved, but crosstalk between adjacent terminals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidcrosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base is divided into multiple isolation ribs that segment the space between adjacent terminals. These ribs create separate cavities for each terminal, physically dividing the continuous air dielectric into isolated sections. This segmentation prevents electromagnetic fields from adjacent terminals from interfering with each other, thereby reducing crosstalk while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Isolation ribs are introduced as intermediary structures between adjacent terminals. These ribs act as mediators that block the direct electromagnetic interaction between neighboring terminals. The ribs extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the base, creating a physical barrier that prevents signal leakage and interference while allowing the terminals to remain closely spaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If air is used as dielectric between terminals, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the stability of dielectric constant under environmental changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector manufacturingVSAvoiddielectric constant stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the dielectric parameter by introducing isolation ribs made of material with stable dielectric properties. While air remains the primary dielectric medium, the ribs modify the effective dielectric constant by providing a more stable reference structure that is less sensitive to environmental variations such as humidity and temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs a composite structure combining air dielectric with solid isolation ribs. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both materials: air provides low dielectric loss and simple manufacturing, while the solid ribs provide structural stability and consistent dielectric properties under varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If reinforcement structures are added to strengthen the connector, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structural strengthVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation ribs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural reinforcement to the base, create electrical isolation between terminals, and define the cavities for terminal insertion. This multi-functionality allows the connector to achieve enhanced strength without adding separate reinforcement elements that would increase complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement function is merged with the isolation function by integrating the isolation ribs directly into the base structure. Rather than adding separate reinforcement ribs or supports, the same ribs that provide electrical isolation also serve as structural strengtheners, eliminating redundant components and simplifying the overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 prevents crosstalk and stabilizes electrical signal transmission by isolating terminals and minimizing the impact of environmental factors on dielectric constants, enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the connector.

Implementation Method 1

the ribs are able to isolate each of the terminals from mutual interferences

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic isolation: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

employing low dielectric coefficient materials to mitigate interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric property: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentUS8708756B2Reinforced connector with a crosstalk prevention feature
Publication Date: 2014.04.29 ADVANCED CONNECTEK INC
  • US8708756B2 patent drawing
  • US8708756B2 patent drawing
  • US8708756B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connector includes terminal elements each having a base, multiple terminals securely received in the base with first ends and second ends, positioning blocks formed on one side face of the base and cutouts defined in a top portion of the base, a casing having receiving spaces defined in the casing for receiving the second ends of the terminals, positioning holes each defined to communicate with a corresponding one of the receiving spaces to position therein the second end of the terminals and ribs formed inside the casing to isolate each of the terminals from influence from the other terminals and an insert having receiving holes defined to receive therein the terminal elements and transverse columns corresponding to the cutouts of the terminal elements such that with the transverse columns received in the corresponding cutouts, connection between the insert and the terminal elements is secured.