Board-to-Board Connector Shield Structure for EMI Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing board-to-board connector assemblies do not adequately address noise shielding, particularly in high-frequency communication systems, where noise interference is a significant concern.

Innovation Solution

A shield structure is integrated into the connector assembly by attaching shield members to both insulators of the first and second connectors, ensuring that each pair of contacts is shielded, enhancing noise shielding effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a shield structure is added to the connector assembly, then noise shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise shielding effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shield members are integrated within the insulator structure, with first shield members attached to the first insulator and second shield members attached to the second insulator. The shield members are positioned to surround the contact members, creating a nested configuration where the shielding function is embedded within the existing connector architecture rather than adding external shielding components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield structure combines multiple functional elements: the insulators provide both mechanical support and electrical insulation, while the attached shield members provide electromagnetic shielding. The shield members are electrically connected to ground terminals, merging the shielding function with the existing electrical connection system of the connector assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If shield members are attached to both insulators, then noise shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise shielding effectivenessVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shield structure is divided into separate first shield members and second shield members that are attached to respective insulators. This segmentation allows each shield member to be manufactured and positioned independently, simplifying the assembly process compared to creating a single complex integrated shield structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulators serve multiple functions: providing mechanical support for the contact members, providing electrical insulation between conductive elements, and serving as mounting substrates for the shield members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4084232B1Connector and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP4084232B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4084232B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4084232B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connector (1) according to the present disclosure includes: a first connector (10) including a pair of first contacts (30a) each of which includes a first contacting portion (34a) and that are attached to a first insulator (20); a second connector (50) including a pair of second contacts (70a) each of which includes a second contacting portion (74a) and that are attached to a second insulator (60), the second contacting portion (74a) being in contact with the first contacting portion (34a) in a fitted state; and a shield member that is attached to the first insulator (20) and the second insulator (60). The shield member includes: a first shield portion (45) and a second shield portion (82b) that are respectively disposed inside and outside in a first direction, which is perpendicular to a fitting direction, with respect to the first contacting portion (34a) and the second contacting portion (74a) that are in contact with each other in the fitted state; and a third shield portion (83b) that is disposed on a circuit board (CB2) side in the fitting direction.