Electrical Connector Metal Plate Segmentation for EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack secure fixation to printed circuit boards and fail to effectively shield electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring an insulative housing with contact terminals and a metal plate, where the metal plate includes positioning end portions that are soldered onto a printed circuit board for grounding, enhancing EMI shielding and rigidity while allowing secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal plate is insert-molded in the insulating housing for reinforcing rigidity, then the rigidity of the insulative housing is improved, but the metal plate cannot be soldered to the printed circuit board for EMI shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The metal plate is divided into a body portion (insert-molded in the insulative housing for rigidity) and positioning end portions (extending out for soldering to the printed circuit board). This segmentation allows the metal plate to simultaneously provide structural support and EMI shielding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal plate is designed to perform multiple functions: reinforcing the rigidity of the insulative housing through insert-molding, providing EMI shielding by being soldered to the printed circuit board, and maintaining structural integrity. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between rigidity enhancement and EMI protection.
2Ease of manufacture
If the metal plate is designed only for reinforcing rigidity without positioning end portions, then manufacturing is simplified, but secure fixation to the printed circuit board cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The metal plate includes positioning end portions that extend out of the insulative housing, separating the reinforcement function (body portion) from the fixation function (positioning end portions). This allows the metal plate to be both manufacturable and reliably fixed to the printed circuit board through soldering.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning end portions are pre-formed on the metal plate during the insert-molding process, preparing the structure for subsequent soldering to the printed circuit board. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable fixation while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the metal plate does not have positioning end portions for soldering, then the structure is simpler, but EMI shielding cannot be effectively provided
Solution Approach 1:
The metal plate structure is segmented into a body portion for rigidity and positioning end portions for EMI shielding through soldering to the printed circuit board. This segmentation adds minimal complexity while effectively addressing EMI concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning end portions are strategically located on the metal plate to extend out of the insulative housing and make contact with the printed circuit board. This local modification provides EMI shielding functionality without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
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 provides improved EMI shielding and secure fixation to printed circuit boards, ensuring reliable electrical connectivity and reduced electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
The positioning end portions are soldered on a printed circuit board for grounding
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a number of contact terminals (2), a metal plate (3), and a metallic shell (4) enclosing the insulative housing (1). The terminals and the metal plate (3) are retained in the insulative housing (1). The insulative housing (1) includes a base portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forward from the base portion (11). The contact terminal includes a contacting portion (21), a tail (22), and a connecting portion (23) connecting the contacting portion (21) and the tail (22). The tails (22) are positioned out of the insulative housing (1). The metal plate (3) has a number of positioning end portions (33). The positioning end portions (33) are soldered on a printed circuit board for grounding. The electrical connector (100) has improved electromagnetic interference effect.