Plug Connector Shield Plate Mounting Without Complex Latches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug connectors face challenges in securely and cost-effectively fastening shielding elements to prevent electromagnetic interference, often requiring complex latching mechanisms or tools that increase manufacturing costs and wear.

Innovation Solution

A plug connector design featuring a base body with a fastening extension and a metallic shielding element with an extension receptacle, where the shielding element is form-fitted and force-fitted to the fastening extension using a clamping portion and receiving contour, ensuring secure attachment without protruding beyond the connector's surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex latching mechanisms are used to fasten shielding elements, then the shielding attachment becomes more secure, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding attachment securityVSAvoidlatching mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into separate functional elements: the fastening extension integrated into the housing and the extension receptacle with clamping portion integrated into the shielding element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening extension is merged with the housing structure as an integrated component, and the extension receptacle with clamping portion is merged with the shielding element. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms and reduces the total number of parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional latching hooks are used to fasten shielding plates, then the shielding can be attached, but wear and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding attachment costVSAvoidattachment durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical latching hook system is replaced with a form-fitting and force-fitting engagement system. The clamping portion engages with the fastening extension through geometric interlocking rather than friction-based latching, reducing wear and improving durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using protruding latching hooks that engage with depressions, the design uses a recessed extension receptacle with an inwardly directed receiving contour that engages with a protruding fastening extension. This inversion allows the shielding element to be inserted and secured in a single motion without complex latching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If shielding elements are fastened with protruding fasteners, then the attachment is secure, but the connector structure becomes less compact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening securityVSAvoidconnector compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening extension is nested within the housing structure, and the extension receptacle with clamping portion is nested within the shielding element. The fastening extension does not protrude from the housing, and the clamping portion is contained within the shielding element's structure, maintaining a compact overall form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening mechanism operates in the thickness dimension of the shielding element rather than requiring lateral protrusions. The clamping portion engages with the fastening extension through vertical insertion and clamping action, allowing secure fastening without increasing the connector's lateral dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20240347980A1Shield Plate Mounting

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 ERNI INTERNATIONAL AG

AI summary

A plug connector includes a base body and a shielding element. The base body has a fastening extension projecting from an arrangement surface. The arrangement surface is positioned in an arrangement pocket of the base body. The fastening extension does not protrude from the arrangement pocket. The shielding element has an extension receptacle fastening the shielding element to the fastening extension. The shielding element is formed of a metallic material. The extension receptacle has a receiving contour directed inwardly into the extension receptacle and a clamping portion that rests on a fastening surface of the fastening extension in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner when the shielding element is fastened to the fastening extension.