Electrical Connector Grounding Element for Miniaturized Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of electrical connectors has resulted in insufficient space for installing ground pieces, leading to assembly inconveniences.
Innovation Solution
The formation of a grounding element by filling a mold cavity with an electrical liquid and solidifying it to contact with ground terminals, without contacting signal conductive terminals, allowing for miniaturization and improved grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the electrical connector is miniaturized, then the size of the connector is reduced, but the space for installing the ground piece becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ground piece is integrated with the fixing block to form an integral structure, eliminating the need for separate installation space. The grounding element is formed within the fixing block itself through injection molding, merging two previously separate components into one unified structure that provides both mechanical support and electrical grounding functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding element is nested within the fixing block structure, with the grounding element being formed inside the fixing block's mold cavity. This nested arrangement allows the grounding element to occupy space within the existing fixing block volume, maximizing space utilization in the miniaturized connector design.
2Reliability
If the ground piece is separately assembled, then the grounding function is achieved, but the assembly process becomes inconvenient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ground piece and fixing block are merged into a single integral component through injection molding, eliminating the separate assembly step. The grounding element is formed directly within the fixing block during the molding process, ensuring reliable electrical connection while simplifying manufacturing to a single-step process.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding element is pre-formed within the fixing block during the injection molding process, before any assembly operations are required. The mold cavity is designed to automatically position and form the grounding element in its final location, eliminating subsequent assembly steps and ensuring precise positioning.
3Reliability
If the ground piece is made larger to ensure proper grounding, then the grounding effectiveness is improved, but the available space on the fixing block is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding element is nested within the fixing block's internal volume, utilizing the three-dimensional space inside the fixing block rather than only the external surface area. This allows the grounding element to achieve sufficient size for effective grounding while remaining contained within the fixing block's overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding element extends in the vertical dimension within the fixing block, utilizing the height/thickness dimension of the fixing block rather than only the horizontal surface area. This dimensional transition allows the grounding element to achieve adequate volume for effective grounding without increasing the connector's planar footprint.
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 solution facilitates the miniaturization of electrical connectors by optimizing space utilization and avoiding assembly issues while enhancing grounding effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
filling a first mold cavity with a flowing first electrical liquid and solidifying the flowing first electrical liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a mounting body, a number of first conductive terminals and a first ground element. The first conductive terminals are directly or indirectly fixed to the mounting body. The first conductive terminals include a first signal conductive terminal, a first ground terminal and a second ground terminal. The first signal conductive terminal is located between the first ground terminal and the second ground terminal. The first ground element is formed by filling a first mold cavity with a flowing first electrical liquid. The first ground element is in contact with the first ground terminal and the second ground terminal, but is not in contact with the first signal conductive terminal. A method of manufacturing the electrical connector is also disclosed.