Cylindrical Connector Shielding via Segmented Edge Interlock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in achieving both high shielding performance and productivity, as the complex structure required for shielding leads to increased manufacturing complexity and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a cylindrical terminal with an engagement portion formed by bending a conductor into a stepped cylindrical shape, incorporating recessed thickness portions and protrusions to enhance shielding while simplifying the housing mold structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the metal tube has a structure with overlapping edge portions to prevent decrease in shielding performance, then shielding performance is improved, but the structure becomes complex and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal tube is segmented into multiple plate members that are joined together. Each plate member has edge portions that are engaged with adjacent plate members through a combination of protrusions and recesses, creating a modular structure that maintains shielding performance while simplifying the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge portions of the plate members are given special local structures - specifically, one edge portion has a protrusion while the adjacent edge portion has a corresponding recess. This local differentiation allows the edges to interlock and maintain shielding continuity without requiring complex overlapping of entire plate members.
2Reliability
If the edge portions of plate members are overlapped to maintain shielding performance, then shielding performance is improved, but the structure complexity increases and mold design becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous metal tube structure is segmented into discrete plate members that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each plate member to have a simpler, more uniform structure without the complexity of continuous overlapping joints.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of overlapping edge portions to create shielding continuity, the invention inverts the approach by using interlocking protrusions and recesses that join plate members edge-to-edge. This inversion eliminates the need for complex overlapping while maintaining the shielding barrier through precise edge engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes: a cylindrical terminal; an internal terminal; and a housing. The cylindrical terminal has an engagement portion of its one edge portion and its opposite other edge portion. The one edge portion has a first reduced thickness portion at its circumferential end portion. The first reduced thickness portion has a first protrusion protruding inwardly in a radial direction and extending in an axial direction. The other edge portion has a second reduced thickness portion. The second reduced thickness portion has a second protrusion protruding outwardly in the radial direction and extending in the axial direction. The engagement portion is configured by overlapping the first reduced thickness portion and the second reduced thickness portion and further by locating the first protrusion and the second protrusion to face each other in the circumferential direction to allow an engagement between them in the circumferential direction.