Electrical Connector Shielding Integration via Unitary Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies with board-to-board connectors have odd arrangements of shielding/grounding members, which are either discrete from contacts or shells, lacking a robust and rigid integration.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly with a metallic shell member that unitarily extends a shielding/grounding member from a one-piece seamless shell surrounding the receptacle housing, mechanically and electrically connecting to locking members during mating, ensuring stable and robust shielding/grounding between two rows of contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shielding/grounding member is discrete from the shell or contacts, then the arrangement flexibility is improved, but the structural stability and integration are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding/grounding member is integrated with the shell member to form a unified structure. The shell member includes a body portion and a shielding/grounding member portion that is substantially perpendicular to the body portion, creating a robust T-shaped configuration that merges shielding and grounding functions into a single stable component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the shielding/grounding member extends unitarily from the shell member, then the structural integration is improved, but the manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shell member is designed with distinct functional portions: a body portion for structural support and a shielding/grounding member portion for electromagnetic shielding and grounding. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration, potentially simplifying manufacturing by allowing separate fabrication and assembly of these portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell member serves multiple functions: providing structural support through its body portion, electromagnetic shielding through the shielding/grounding member portion, and mechanical connection through the locking engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall assembly.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shielding/grounding member is isolated from contacts, then the electrical isolation is improved, but the grounding effectiveness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shell member acts as an intermediary between the shielding/grounding member and the locking members/grounding contacts. The shielding/grounding member portion extends toward the center island and engages with locking members during mating, providing effective grounding while maintaining electrical isolation from signal contacts through the insulative properties of the shell body.
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle connector includes an insulative receptacle housing, two rows of receptacle contacts retained to the receptacle housing, a one-piece metallic shell member retained to the receptacle housing and having a circumferential structure continuously surrounding the receptacle housing wherein a shielding/grounding member unitarily extends from the shell member and into an center island of the receptacle housing to separate the two rows of contacts in the transverse direction. A plug connector includes an insulative plug housing, two rows of plug contacts, and a pair of grounding blocks at two ends. During mating, two opposite ends of the shielding/grounding member mechanically and electrically connect to the pair of metallic grounding blocks or locking members, respectively.