Communication Connector Partitioning for Signal Reflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication quality is reduced due to signal reflection at impedance changing points caused by varying intervals between wires in communication connectors, particularly in USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connections and power supply wires.
Innovation Solution
A communication connector design featuring a partition between wires to stabilize their positions, reducing the number of places where intervals change significantly, and using partitions formed by connected metal plates press-fitted into a housing to maintain wire alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wires are used as conductors instead of metal bars, then flexibility and ease of connection are improved, but the intervals between wires change significantly causing impedance changing points and signal reflection
Solution Approach 1:
A partition structure is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent wires. This partition maintains fixed intervals between wires by providing a rigid reference structure, preventing the wires from deflecting toward each other while still allowing the use of flexible wire conductors instead of rigid metal bars.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal space of the connector housing is segmented into separate regions by the partition structure. This segmentation creates dedicated channels for each wire, isolating them from mutual interference and maintaining consistent spacing throughout the wire's path through the connector.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple wires are arranged closely together to reduce connector size, then miniaturization is achieved, but the risk of interval changes and signal reflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's internal volume is segmented into multiple narrow channels by the partition structure. This allows wires to be arranged closely together in a compact configuration while each wire remains isolated in its own channel, maintaining consistent intervals and preventing signal interference despite the reduced overall connector size.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition structure extends in the vertical direction (height of the connector) to maintain wire separation, allowing the horizontal footprint to be minimized. By utilizing the vertical dimension for separation rather than requiring large horizontal spacing, the connector achieves miniaturization while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication connector (10) includes a plurality of wires (11A to 11C, 12A, 12B, 13, 14) for transmitting communication signals, a plurality of terminals (20) connected to the respective wires (11A to 11C, 12A, 12B, 13, 14), a housing (30) for accommodating the plurality of terminals (20), and a partition wall portion (40) for partitioning between the plurality of wires (11A to 11C, 12A, 12B, 13, 14).