Connector Shield Spring Clip Material Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector shielding technologies are inadequate in effectively preventing electromagnetic radiation interference, particularly in industrial settings where frequencies from 5 MHz to 12 GHz are not adequately shielded, and often require costly materials or complex manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A connector shield comprising a shielding housing made of a brass alloy and a spring clip made of bronze, where the spring clip is mechanically resilient and attached to the shielding housing, providing a predeterminable contact force to ensure reliable electrical and mechanical connection with the device housing, thereby enhancing electromagnetic shielding without the need for bending or punching the shielding housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the shielding housing is made from a single material, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and spring properties cannot be optimized simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidelectromagnetic shielding effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding housing is constructed using composite materials: a plastic base material providing structural form and mechanical properties, combined with metal coating layers (such as electroplated copper, nickel, or zinc) that provide electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. This composite structure allows simultaneous optimization of both manufacturing ease and shielding performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the shielding housing have different material properties - the base structure uses plastic for ease of manufacturing and structural support, while specific surfaces are coated with metal layers to provide localized electromagnetic shielding where needed. This allows targeted optimization of shielding effectiveness without complicating the entire manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the spring clip is made from bronze, then the contact force and electrical conductivity are improved, but the material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact force reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The spring clip uses bronze material specifically at the contact areas where high electrical conductivity and reliable contact force are needed, while other non-critical portions of the spring clip may use less expensive materials. This localized application of premium material optimizes performance while controlling costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the shielding housing is made completely closed, then the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is maximized, but the complexity of integrating connectors and electrical contacts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shielding effectivenessVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding housing is segmented with strategically placed openings that allow integration of connectors and electrical contacts while maintaining overall shielding effectiveness. The housing is divided into functional zones - shielded areas for sensitive components and controlled openings for necessary connections, each optimized for its specific function.

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

The solution effectively reduces electromagnetic radiation penetration, prevents parasitic capacitances, and provides complete shielding of connectors from 5 MHz to 12 GHz frequencies, while maintaining a robust and cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one spring clip (6) is at least partially mechanically resilient

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

connector shield for shielding a connector from electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP2105998B8Connector shielding, connector system and use of same
Publication Date: 2014.04.02 YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to a connector shield for shielding a connector from electromagnetic radiation, wherein the connector shield consists of an electrically conductive material and is designed to enclose a connector, at least partially. The connector shield can be arranged, at least partially, within a device housing, wherein the connector shield comprises a shield housing with at least one spring clip fastening element and at least one spring clip that is at least partially mechanically retractable. The spring clip consists of an electrically conductive material and is attached to the at least one spring clip fastening element. The spring clip and the shield housing consist of two different materials. The at least one spring clip is designed to mechanically contact the device housing so that the shield housing can be electrically connected to the device housing.