Connector Assembly Noise-Reducing Contact Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors that utilize a noise-cancelling signal pattern fail to maintain the consistent spacing and arrangement of contacts between mating and mounting ends, leading to noise and cross-talk issues in signal communication.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a housing and contacts arranged in a noise-reducing contact pattern, where contact openings in pairs are transverse to each other, ensuring the pattern is maintained throughout the connector to reduce noise and cross-talk by aligning contacts in a consistent pattern between mating and mounting interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If jogs, bends, or additional components are added to align contacts between mating and mounting ends, then the contacts can be aligned to mate with mating connectors, but the arrangement of contacts differs between mating and mounting ends, disrupting the noise-reducing contact pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is divided into separate sections (mating end housing and mounting end housing) that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows each end to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining the overall contact pattern alignment through precise positioning features.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning features such as guide pins, alignment holes, or reference surfaces act as intermediaries between the mating and mounting ends. These intermediary elements ensure that the noise-reducing contact pattern is maintained throughout the connector by mediating the relative positions of contacts at different ends.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the contact arrangement is changed between mating and mounting ends to accommodate different connector types, then versatility is improved, but the noise-reducing contact pattern is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal features that allow it to maintain the noise-reducing contact pattern while accommodating different connector types. Standardized contact patterns and modular housing designs enable the same connector to interface with various mating connectors without disrupting signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector allows for parameter changes in housing dimensions, contact orientations, or spacing while maintaining the fundamental noise-reducing contact pattern. By adjusting physical parameters within certain ranges, the connector can adapt to different applications while preserving signal integrity.
3Reliability
If contacts are arranged in a noise-cancelling differential pattern, then noise and cross-talk are reduced, but the contact arrangement cannot be maintained consistently throughout the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The noise-reducing contact pattern is established and maintained throughout the connector design from the beginning. Housing features, contact positions, and alignment mechanisms are pre-configured to preserve the differential contact arrangement from the mating end through the mounting end, preventing pattern disruption before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise-reducing contact pattern is maintained continuously throughout the entire connector assembly. By ensuring uninterrupted alignment and spacing of contacts from one end to the other, the beneficial noise-cancelling effect is sustained throughout the signal path without interruption or degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a housing and contacts. The housing extends between mating and mounting interfaces. The mating and mounting interfaces have contact openings in a noise-reducing contact pattern. The contact openings in the pattern are arranged in pairs along respective contact lines. The contact lines of adjacent pairs are transverse to one another. The contacts extend through the contact openings and are arranged in the noise-reducing contact pattern through the housing between the mating and mounting interfaces to reduce at least one of electric noise and cross-talk in signals communicated by the contacts.