Connector Grounding via Shielding Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices fail to prevent crosstalk between earth conductors and other conductors, and they do not effectively shield against electromagnetic radiation, which can disrupt signal integrity in communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a male connector and a female connector where the female connector is housed in a metal shielding element, and an earth pin from the male connector contacts the outside of this shielding element, forming a screen that prevents crosstalk and electromagnetic interference, without requiring a specific earth connection part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If earth pins are placed close to other conductors to achieve compact connector design, then device size is reduced, but crosstalk between earth conductors and other conductors increases
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric barrier element is introduced as an intermediary between the earth pin and other conductors. This barrier physically separates the earth pin from adjacent signal conductors while maintaining electrical isolation, thereby preventing capacitive and inductive coupling (crosstalk) even when conductors are positioned close together in a compact connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector internal space is segmented into distinct zones: a first region for earth pins and a second region for signal conductors, separated by a dielectric barrier. This spatial segmentation creates physical distance and electrical isolation between earth and signal paths, reducing crosstalk while allowing compact overall dimensions.
2Device complexity
If no specific earth connection part is used to simplify the connector structure, then device complexity is reduced, but effective shielding against electromagnetic radiation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric barrier element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an electrical insulator between earth and signal conductors, provides a reference plane for electromagnetic shielding, and contributes to the overall mechanical structure of the connector. This multi-functionality achieves effective shielding without adding separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing dielectric barrier structure within the connector is utilized to provide both electrical isolation and electromagnetic shielding functions. The connector's inherent structural elements are made to serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for additional specific earth connection parts while maintaining shielding effectiveness.
3Quantity of substance
If conductors are positioned close together to increase pin density, then connection capacity is increased, but signal integrity is compromised due to increased crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
Dielectric barriers are positioned as intermediaries between adjacent conductors, particularly between earth pins and signal conductors. These barriers maintain electrical isolation and prevent capacitive coupling, enabling high conductor density while preserving signal integrity by eliminating crosstalk pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
Dielectric barriers are strategically placed only in critical regions where crosstalk would most severely impact signal integrity, such as between earth pins and adjacent signal conductors. This localized application of insulation provides targeted protection for high-frequency signal paths while maintaining overall connector density.
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 shields against external electromagnetic radiation, limits electromagnetic emission, and prevents crosstalk between earth and other conductors, ensuring signal integrity in communication systems by using the shielding element to isolate earth pins from other pins.
Implementation Method 1
the body of the female connector is cased in an outer shielding element
Implementation Method 2
makes it possible to limit the emission of such radiation to the outside
Implementation Method 3
the shielding element is situated between the earth pins and the other pins and is used to form a screen. The signals carried between the two connectors are therefore not disrupted by the disruptive signals carried by the earth pins
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device includes a male connector furnished with several identical male contact pins and a female connector comprising a body in which reception sockets are formed designed to receive male contact pins. The body of the female connector is cased in an outer shielding element, and at least one of the identical male contact pins, called the ground pin, is arranged so as to be in contact with at least one flexible strip of the shielding element.