Connector Heat Sink Shielding Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies face challenges in heat dissipation and reliability when mounted to circuit boards, with inadequate methods for effectively fixing a heat sink to enhance thermal management.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design that includes a metal shielding cage with a heat sink mounted to it, where a fastening member passes through the circuit board and is secured to the heat sink, allowing for improved heat dissipation and reliable fixation to the circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat sink is added to the connector assembly, then heat dissipation effect is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink is integrated with the metal shielding cage to form a unified structure, where the heat sink serves as the bottom wall of the shielding cage. This merging eliminates the need for separate heat sink and shielding components, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining effective heat dissipation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sink structure simultaneously performs multiple functions: it serves as both the bottom wall of the metal shielding cage and as a heat dissipation component. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts needed in the connector assembly while achieving both shielding and thermal management goals.
2Reliability
If a fastening member is added to secure the heat sink, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening member integrates two functions: it secures the electrical connector to the circuit board while simultaneously fastening the heat sink (which forms the bottom wall of the shielding cage) to the circuit board. This merging of fastening functions ensures reliable attachment of both critical components without requiring separate fastening mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If the heat sink is integrated with the metal shielding cage, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink and metal shielding cage are merged into a single integrated structure where the heat sink forms the bottom wall of the shielding cage. This integration allows the components to be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the number of assembly steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure serves multiple purposes: it provides electromagnetic shielding, acts as a heat sink, and forms a complete connector housing. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing while achieving multiple performance requirements simultaneously.
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 configuration enhances heat dissipation and ensures the heat sink is securely attached to the circuit board, addressing the limitations of previous designs by improving thermal management and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink mounted to the metal shielding cage
Implementation Method 2
the heat dissipation effect of the present disclosure is improved
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes an electrical connector, a metal shielding cage, a heat sink and a fastening member. The electrical connector includes an insulating body and a number of conductive terminals configured to be mounted on a circuit board. The insulating body includes a mating slot. The metal shielding cage is shielded on a periphery of the electrical connector. The metal shielding cage includes a receiving chamber in communication with the mating slot for receiving a mating connector along a first direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the circuit board. The heat sink is fixed to the metal shielding cage. The fastening member passes through the circuit board and is fastened to the heat sink.