Connector With Integrated Shielding For EMI Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting connectors in electronic devices is challenging due to bulkiness and space constraints, especially when shielding structures compete for space on printed circuit boards, requiring cumbersome fasteners and separate solder connections.
Innovation Solution
A connector design where a threaded barrel is mounted to the edge of a printed circuit board using solder, with a metal shell serving as both a connector and an electromagnetic interference shielding structure, featuring a threadless portion aligned with the housing to minimize size and aesthetics, and a set screw for rotational alignment hiding thread initiation and termination points from view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are mounted separately from shielding structures, then connectors can be securely attached to housings, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires additional fasteners and solder connections
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body and shielding structure are merged into a single integrated component. The connector body includes an integral shielding structure that extends from the connector body to form a shielding cavity, eliminating the need for separate shielding components and reducing the number of assembly steps while maintaining secure mounting
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding structures are added to protect electronic components, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but space on the printed circuit board is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is merged with the connector body structure. The shielding structure is formed as an integral part of the connector body, extending from it to define a shielding cavity. This integration allows the shielding function to be provided without requiring additional space on the printed circuit board, as the shielding structure is part of the connector assembly itself
3Volume of moving object
If connectors are made compact to save space, then space constraints are relieved, but aesthetic appearance may be compromised due to visible thread initiation and termination points
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body includes a flat area on its outer surface that is asymmetric in shape and position. This flat area is specifically configured to receive a set screw, and the set screw is positioned to bear against the flat area and hide the thread initiation and termination points from view. This asymmetric design element allows the connector to maintain a compact size while improving its aesthetic appearance by concealing the otherwise visible thread features
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 design allows for compact, aesthetically improved connectors that effectively shield electronic components from electromagnetic interference while simplifying the mounting process by integrating shielding and reducing the need for separate fasteners and solder connections.
Implementation Method 1
The metal shell and the connector body may have aligned openings configured to receive a threaded set screw. The threaded barrel may have a flat area aligned with thread initiation and termination points. When the set screw bears against the flat area, the threaded barrel may be rotationally aligned so that the thread initiation and termination points are located out of view on the lower side of the threaded barrel.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have a housing in which electrical components on a printed circuit board are mounted. A connector may be mounted to the edge of the printed circuit board using solder. The connector may have a threaded portion that protrudes through the housing. A threadless portion of the connector may be aligned with the housing. The connector may have a metal body member covered with a metal shell. The metal shell may have a portion that covers the electrical components and serves as an electromagnetic interference shield for the electrical components. The connector may have a threaded barrel. The threaded barrel may have a threaded outer portion with a diameter that is larger than a threaded inner portion. The threadless portion of the connector may lie between the threaded outer and inner portions.