Grounded Connector Shell Structure for High-Frequency EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector devices face challenges in providing adequate electromagnetic interference shielding as signal frequencies increase, particularly in electronic instruments where connectors are used.
Innovation Solution
The connector device incorporates a housing with conductive contacts and shells that include opposing wall parts connected to ground members, featuring a second side plate with an elastically contacting contact piece to enhance shielding, and a configuration that minimizes electromagnetic wave leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional connector device with basic shielding structure is used, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is good, but the electromagnetic interference shielding function is insufficient at high signal frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is divided into multiple wall parts (first wall part, second wall part, third wall part, fourth wall part) that are oppositely arranged and independently connected to ground members. This segmentation allows each wall part to effectively shield electromagnetic waves from different directions, improving overall shielding performance without requiring a completely complex restructure of the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector provides enhanced shielding at critical locations where electromagnetic interference is most problematic. The multiple wall parts are strategically positioned around the signal transmission medium to create localized shielding zones, particularly at the entry and exit points of the connector, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the connector structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the shield function is insufficient for high-frequency signals
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is designed as an integrated structure where multiple wall parts are formed as a single piece or pre-assembled unit. This merging approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving complex shielding functionality, as the multiple wall parts work together as a unified shielding system rather than requiring separate assembly of numerous components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the signal transmission medium, establishes electrical connection to ground members for shielding, and creates electromagnetic wave barriers in multiple directions. This multi-functionality allows a single structural element to address both manufacturing simplicity and shielding effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wall parts are added to improve shielding, then electromagnetic interference protection is enhanced, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding structure utilizes the spatial arrangement of wall parts in multiple dimensions around the signal transmission medium. By oppositely arranging wall parts along different axes and connecting them to ground members, the design achieves comprehensive shielding coverage without requiring excessive extension in any single dimension, thus limiting overall volume increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple wall parts are arranged in a nested or layered configuration around the signal transmission medium, with each wall part positioned to shield against electromagnetic waves from specific directions. This nested arrangement maximizes shielding effectiveness within a compact volume by efficiently utilizing the three-dimensional space around the signal path.
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 design significantly improves electromagnetic interference shielding, reduces device size, and prevents plastic deformation of contact pieces during connector mating and unmating, maintaining effective shielding across various signal frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a contact piece that extends in a direction away from the wiring substrate and elastically contacts the ground member of the counterpart connector
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector is attached to a wiring substrate and mated with a counterpart connector connected to a signal transmission medium. A shell of the electrical connector has a pair of wall parts that contact a ground member on the counterpart connector. One wall part distant from the signal transmission medium includes a first side plate that has one end attached to a ground conductive path of the wiring substrate and extends in a direction away from the wiring substrate, a joining part that has one end joined to another end of the first side plate, and a second side plate that has one end joined to another end of the joining part and extends in a direction closer to the wiring substrate. The second side plate has a contact piece that extends in a direction away from the wiring substrate and elastically contacts the ground member.