Connector Shell Structure for PCB Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors dissipate heat to outside air via a shield case, which has low thermal conductivity, leading to insufficient heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with an electrically conductive first and second shell, and an abutting member that presses the connector onto an external circuit board, utilizing thermally conductive materials to enhance heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the connector is covered by outside air via the shield case, then the connector structure is simple, but heat dissipation is insufficient due to low thermal conductivity of air
Solution Approach 1:
The shield case is divided into a first shield case and a second shield case. The first shield case covers the terminal portion and is electrically connected to the external circuit board, while the second shield case covers the circuit board and is pressed against the external circuit board by the abutting member. This segmentation allows different portions of the shield case to serve different functions: electrical connection and heat dissipation to the circuit board, while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second shield case serves multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic shielding for the circuit board, acts as a heat dissipation path by being pressed against the external circuit board, and contributes to the mechanical fixation of the connector. This multi-functionality improves heat dissipation without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Temperature
If the connector is fixed only at the mating portion, then the connector structure is simple, but heat builds up in the shield case due to insufficient heat dissipation paths
Solution Approach 1:
The abutting member is designed to perform multiple functions: it mechanically fixes the connector to the external circuit board by pressing the second shield case against the board, and simultaneously creates a thermal contact path for heat dissipation. This eliminates the need for separate heat dissipation structures while improving heat management.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting member acts as an intermediary element between the connector and the external circuit board. It mediates both the mechanical connection and the thermal connection, allowing heat to be transferred from the shield case to the circuit board while providing stable fixation.
3Temperature
If additional heat sinks are added to improve heat dissipation, then heat dissipation is improved, but connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield case is designed to serve as both an electromagnetic shield and a heat dissipation component. By pressing the second shield case against the external circuit board, it utilizes the circuit board as a heat sink, eliminating the need for additional dedicated heat sink components and maintaining compact connector size.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system utilizes the external circuit board itself as a heat dissipation path. The second shield case transfers heat directly to the circuit board, which then dissipates the heat to its surroundings. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional heat dissipation components.
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
The system provides high heat dissipation effects by transferring heat to the external circuit board through conductive shells and abutting members, reducing the need for additional heat sinks and minimizing connector size.
Implementation Method 1
The abutting member presses at least a portion of the connector toward the external circuit board... in a state in which the connector is fixed to a main surface of the external circuit board, is fixed to the main surface of the external circuit board due to a portion of the second shell being pressed by the abutting member
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system (1) includes a connector (10) that detachably mates with a mating connector (20) mounted on an external circuit board (30), and an abutting member (40) fixed to the external circuit board (30). The connector (10) includes a circuit board (200) that connects to an external device via a signal line (300); an electrically conductive first shell (110) through which a terminal portion (201) of the circuit board (200) is inserted and that is electrically connected to the external circuit board (30) via the mating connector (20); and an electrically conductive second shell (120) that covers at least a portion of a target region that is a region, of one main surface (205) of the circuit board (200), other than the terminal portion (201). The abutting member (40) presses at least a portion of the connector (10) toward the external circuit board (30).