Connector Shield Mounting Structure With Locking Hook

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for mounting a connector shield on a wiring board using claw bend or screw fixing face challenges such as foreign matter generation, increased costs, restricted component placement, and unstable electrical continuity due to earth springs causing the shield to rise, especially when multiple connectors are densely arranged.

Innovation Solution

A mounting structure featuring a connector shield with an upper plate, side plates, and a retainer with a foot and locking hook that engages with a slit through hole in the wiring board, allowing for secure positioning and fixation with only one screw position, ensuring electrical continuity and preventing shield displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If claw bend fixing is used to mount the connector shield, then the shield can be fixed to the wiring board, but foreign matter such as board chippings may be generated and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidforeign matter generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful bending action from the fixing process by replacing the claw bend mechanism with a through-hole insertion mechanism. The mounting structure includes a retainer with a locking claw that inserts through a through-hole in the wiring board and locks on the rear surface, eliminating the need to bend the claw against the board surface and thus preventing foreign matter generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a through-hole in the wiring board as an intermediary element that facilitates the fixing process. The locking claw passes through this intermediary hole to achieve fixation without direct contact and bending against the board surface, thereby avoiding the generation of board chippings and foreign matter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If claw bend fixing is used to mount the connector shield, then the shield can be fixed to the wiring board, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex bending operation from the manufacturing process by using a through-hole insertion mechanism. The locking claw simply needs to be inserted through the hole and lock on the rear surface, eliminating the need for specialized bending facilities and reducing manufacturing cost and process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If claw bend fixing is used to mount the connector shield, then the shield can be fixed to the wiring board, but electronic component mounting positions are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fixing operation from the front surface of the wiring board by using a through-hole mechanism that locks on the rear surface. This removes the physical obstruction caused by bending jigs from the component mounting area, restoring full flexibility for electronic component placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If screw fixing is used to mount the connector shield with earth spring, then the shield can be fixed to the wiring board, but multiple screw positions are required to prevent shield displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical continuityVSAvoidnumber of screw positions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fixing function into two independent parts: the retainer with locking claw handles mechanical fixation, while the earth spring handles electrical continuity. This segmentation allows the earth spring to be compressed between the connector and shield, providing electrical connection without requiring multiple screw positions for displacement prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The earth spring acts as an intermediary element that provides both electrical continuity and mechanical cushioning. By compressing the earth spring between the connector and shield, the system achieves electrical connection while the spring's elasticity prevents displacement, eliminating the need for multiple screw positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Reliability

If the connector shield is fixed with screws, then the shield can be mounted to the wiring board, but screw fixing space is insufficient when connectors are densely arranged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidfixing space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fixing and electrical connection functions into separate components: the retainer with locking claw provides mechanical fixation through a through-hole, while the earth spring provides electrical continuity. This segmentation eliminates the need for multiple screw positions, reducing the fixing space requirement and enabling use in densely arranged connector configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates easy and stable mounting of the connector shield with an earth spring, maintaining electrical continuity and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs by eliminating the need for multiple screw positions, even in densely packed connector arrangements.

Implementation Method 1

a locking hook protruding forward or rearward from the foot in a first direction and that is insertable into the slit through hole, and a positioning protrusion that protrudes downward from a second position shifted from the first position of the lower edge of the side plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction and that is insertable into the slit through hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

the locking hook inserted into the slit through hole is locked in an edge portion of the slit through hole, and the positioning protrusion and the foot inserted into the slit through hole engage with a hole wall surface of the slit through hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

an earth spring is interposed between the connector shield and the connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11069993B2Mounting structure of connector shield

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 DENSO TEN LTD

AI summary

In the mounting structure of the connector shield, the connector shield includes an upper plate, a pair of side plates, and a mounting portion provided on a lower edge side of each of the side plates, and the mounting portion includes a retainer that includes a foot protruding downward from a first position of a lower edge of the side plate, and a locking hook protruding forward or rearward from the foot in a first direction, and a positioning protrusion that protrudes downward from a second position shifted from the first position of the lower edge of the side plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction.