Low-Profile Connector Shielding for Short-Circuit Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduced distance between circuit boards in slim electronic apparatuses increases the likelihood of short-circuiting and electrostatic discharge due to the proximity of conductive members to the circuit patterns and tail portions, leading to potential damage from static electricity.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a conductive-member shield portion between the conductive member and the circuit boards, which reduces the risk of short-circuiting and electrostatic discharge by positioning the shield between the conductive member and the circuit boards or tail portions, even in low-profile configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between circuit boards is reduced to achieve slimming of electronic apparatuses, then the compactness of the apparatus is improved, but the risk of short-circuiting and electrostatic discharge increases
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive member (insulating structure) is introduced as an intermediary between the conductive member and the circuit board. This insulating structure includes an outer peripheral wall with a shield portion that physically separates the conductive member from the circuit board, preventing direct contact while allowing the connector to maintain a low profile. The non-conductive member acts as a mediator that eliminates the harmful electrical connection while preserving the compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure is segmented into distinct functional regions: a conductive member for ESD protection, a non-conductive member for insulation and spacing, and a circuit board with mounting patterns. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the non-conductive member specifically designed to maintain safe electrical distance while enabling overall compactness.
2Reliability
If a conductive member is provided for ESD protection, then the resistance to electrostatic discharge is improved, but the likelihood of short-circuiting with circuit patterns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive member serves as a mediator between the conductive member and the circuit board. It allows the conductive member to remain in position for ESD protection while preventing direct electrical contact with circuit patterns. The insulating structure includes a shield portion that specifically addresses the short-circuiting risk while preserving the ESD protection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-conductive member provides localized insulation specifically where needed - between the conductive member and the circuit board mounting surface. The shield portion of the outer peripheral wall creates a localized insulating barrier that prevents short-circuiting at critical areas while allowing the rest of the connector structure to remain compact and functional.
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
Effectively minimizes the occurrence of short-circuiting and electrostatic discharge between the conductive member and circuit boards or contacts, protecting electronic components from damage while maintaining a low-profile connector structure.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive member (shield member) made of metal which is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the receptacle insulator to cover this outer peripheral surface. This conductive member is electrically continuous with a ground pattern formed on the first circuit board. Therefore, external noise entering the receptacle contacts of the receptacle connector (and the plug contacts) and the leakage of noise from the receptacle contacts (and the plug contacts) to the outside can be reduced.
Implementation Method 2
there is a possibility of (electrical) short-circuiting occurring between the conductive member and each of the first and second circuit boards (the circuit patterns thereof) and between the conductive member and the tail portions of the receptacle contacts via solder or foreign particles
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Provided is a connector effectively capable of reducing the possibility of short-circuiting and electrical discharge between a conductive member and circuit boards or contacts when a first connector and a second connector are connected even when the entire connector is low in profile. A solution is provided in which the conductive member 55 is positioned between the first circuit board and the second circuit board when the first contacts 50 and the second contacts 25 are mounted to the circuit pattern of the first circuit board 60 and the circuit pattern of the second circuit board 31, respectively, and the outer peripheral wall 38 of the first insulator 36 includes the conductive-member shield portions 38a1 and 38a2, positioned between the conductive member and the first circuit board together with the tail portions 51 of the first contacts, and/or between the second circuit board and the conductive member.