Connector Shield Case Spot-Welding for EMI Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors in thin electronic devices, such as laptops and smartphones, face challenges with electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to increased signal speeds and limited space, leading to inefficient shielding of electromagnetic waves as noise, especially when the substrate is offset from the connector, resulting in insufficient shielding effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a metal shield spot-welded to a metal case at multiple positions, covering exposed parts of the insulating member, with ground posts soldered to the substrate's ground line, simplifying mounting and enhancing shielding without the need for conductive tape or clips, thereby improving electromagnetic wave shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shield is added to cover the connector opening, then electromagnetic wave shielding is improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shield and case into a single integrated component called a 'shield case'. The shield case has a body that covers the connector opening and a shield portion that extends to shield the insulating member, eliminating the need for separate shield and case components. This integration maintains electromagnetic shielding effectiveness while reducing component count and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield case serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the protective case and the electromagnetic shield. The body portion provides mechanical protection and structural support, while the shield portion provides electromagnetic wave shielding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conductive tape and clips are used to achieve electrical continuity, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but manual assembly skill and inspection time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection method (conductive tape and clips requiring manual insertion and visual inspection) with a spot-welding process. The shield case is spot-welded to the connector terminals, providing reliable electrical continuity and mechanical attachment automatically. This substitution eliminates the need for operator skill in inserting clips and conducting visual inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The spot-welding process provides both mechanical attachment and electrical continuity simultaneously without requiring separate assembly steps. The welding operation automatically ensures proper electrical connection between the shield case and terminals, eliminating the need for separate continuity verification that would require manual inspection.
3Length of stationary object
If the substrate is offset from the connector to accommodate limited space, then device thickness is reduced, but the descending part of the terminal increases in length and generates more electromagnetic noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized shielding by extending the shield portion of the shield case to specifically cover the insulating member and the descending part of the terminal. This targeted shielding approach addresses the electromagnetic noise generated by the extended terminal portion without requiring a complete redesign of the connector structure. The shield portion is positioned to precisely cover the noise-generating area.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional shielding methods with conductive tape are used, then assembly can be performed, but sufficiently low-resistance continuity cannot be obtained and shielding ability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection method (conductive tape) with a metallurgical bonding method (spot-welding). Spot-welding creates a direct metal-to-metal bond between the shield case and the connector terminals, providing significantly lower contact resistance and more reliable electrical continuity compared to conductive tape. The welding process ensures consistent and dependable electrical connection.
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
The solution provides improved shielding efficacy, reducing electromagnetic noise leakage by up to 7 dB compared to conventional methods, while simplifying the mounting process and reducing component complexity, leading to enhanced productivity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a metal shield that is spot-welded to the case at several positions
Implementation Method 2
soldering ground posts of the case and the shield to a ground line of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a terminal having one end soldered to a substrate; an insulating member that supports the terminal; a metal case that covers a part of the insulating member and the terminal; and a metal shield that is spot-welded to the case at several positions and covers an exposed part of the insulating member. The shield includes: an upper shielding part that covers the upper plate of the case; and an inner shielding part that bends from the end of the upper shielding part and reaches the mounting face of the substrate or a position close to the mounting face and covers the substrate-inward lateral face of the insulating member. The inner shielding part has ground posts.