Connector Outer Shield Element for RF Signal Interference

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors face challenges in suppressing unnecessary radiation and noise, especially when high-frequency signals are applied, and in preventing interference between RF signals.

Innovation Solution

The connector design includes a socket housing with a socket terminal element and an outer shield element, featuring a configuration that minimizes signal path length and incorporates conductive outer shield elements and shield terminals to electrically connect with the socket housing, thereby reducing radiation and noise, and preventing interference between high-frequency signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional connector terminals are used for high-frequency signals, then basic electrical connection is achieved, but unnecessary radiation and noise are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidradiation and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an outer shield element as an intermediary component between the terminal element and the external environment. This shield element acts as a mediator that blocks electromagnetic radiation and noise from the terminal, allowing the terminal to maintain its electrical connection function while the shield handles the harmful electromagnetic effects. The shield element is electrically connected to the terminal element and extends to the housing, creating a protective barrier that filters out radiation and noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional connector terminals are used for different RF signals, then multiple signal connections are achieved, but interference between RF signals occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-signal connection capabilityVSAvoidRF signal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the connector into multiple independently shielded terminal elements, each capable of handling different RF signals. Each terminal element has its own outer shield element that is electrically connected to it, creating individual electromagnetic isolation zones. This segmentation allows multiple RF signals to be transmitted simultaneously without interference, as each signal is contained within its own shielded pathway while maintaining the overall multi-signal connection capability of the connector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If terminal elements are exposed without shielding, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but electromagnetic compatibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the outer shield element with the housing structure, where the shield element extends to and integrates with the housing. This merging approach allows the shielding function to be incorporated into the existing connector structure without requiring completely separate shielding components. The shield element is positioned between the terminal element and the external environment, and its integration with the housing simplifies the overall manufacturing process while providing effective electromagnetic protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively suppresses unnecessary radiation and noise, improves high-frequency characteristics, and reduces interference between RF signals, enhancing the overall performance of the connector.

Implementation Method 1

an outer shield element (24) provided on an outer surface of the socket side wall portion (21b). The outer shield element (24) includes a main body (24a) disposed on the outer surface of the socket side wall portion (21b), a contact portion (24b) extending from the main body (24a) to the inner surface of the socket side wall portion (21b), and an outer shield terminal portion (24c) extending from the main body (24a) toward the bottom plate (21a)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS11569599B2Connector and socket used for the same

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A socket of a connector includes a socket housing, a socket terminal element, and an outer shield element. The socket housing includes a bottom plate, and first and second side wall portions facing each other and provided on an upper surface of the bottom plate. The outer shield element includes a main body portion disposed on an outer surface of the first side wall portion, a contact portion extending from the main body portion to the inner surface of the first side wall portion, and an outer shield terminal portion extending from the main body portion toward the bottom plate. The contact portion is configured to be electrically connected to an outside of the socket housing. The outer shield terminal is electrically connected to the contact portion via the main body portion. This connector suppresses generation of unnecessary radiation and noise, and also suppresses interference between high-frequency signals.