Board Connector Shield Wall Layout for EMI Gap Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional board-connecting electric connector devices lack sufficient electromagnetic shielding for high-frequency transmission signals due to gaps between shield walls and wiring boards, leading to inadequate EMI protection.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates shield wall portions in both electric connectors that oppose each other when mated, with sliding guide surfaces and positioning features to ensure proper alignment and contact, effectively covering gaps and enhancing electromagnetic shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a shield wall is provided in only one electric connector, then the device complexity is reduced, but the electromagnetic shielding function becomes insufficient due to gaps between the shield wall and the wiring board

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidelectromagnetic shielding function
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing shield wall portions at specific locations where electromagnetic shielding is most needed - namely at the contact connecting portions where signals are transmitted. The shield walls are positioned to face each other across the mating interface, creating localized shielding zones rather than attempting to shield the entire connector structure, thus achieving effective EMI protection without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements the nesting principle by having the shield wall portions in the first and second electric connectors face each other in a nested configuration when mated. The shield walls are positioned within the housing structures and face inward toward the contact connecting portions, creating overlapping shielding layers that effectively block electromagnetic interference while maintaining a compact overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If shield wall portions are provided in both electric connectors facing each other, then the electromagnetic shielding function is improved, but the device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the shield wall portions to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electromagnetic shielding for the contact connecting portions, act as structural support elements within the housing, and contribute to the overall mechanical strength of the connector assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated shielding components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the shield wall portions with the housing structures of the electric connectors. Rather than being separate detachable components, the shield walls are integrated into the housing design, forming a unified structure that reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly while still providing effective electromagnetic shielding when the connectors are mated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the second electric connector is pushed in to mate with the first electric connector, then the electrical connection is established, but gaps are generated between the shield wall and the wiring board

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the shield wall portions in both electric connectors before mating occurs. The shield walls are already in place and configured to face each other, so when the connectors are pushed together to establish electrical connection, the shielding action is already active and prevents gaps from forming. This preemptive positioning ensures continuous EMI protection throughout the mating process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry in the positioning and configuration of the shield wall portions to compensate for the asymmetric forces and movements that occur during connector mating. The shield walls are positioned at asymmetric locations relative to the contact connecting portions, allowing them to maintain effective shielding coverage even when mechanical stress causes slight misalignments or gaps during the pushing-in motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS12166317B2Board-connecting electric connector device
Publication Date: 2024.12.10 I PEX INC
  • US12166317B2 patent drawing
  • US12166317B2 patent drawing
  • US12166317B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Electromagnetic shielding about both of electric connectors, which are in a mutually mated state, can be sufficiently carried out by a simple configuration. Shield wall portions composed of electrically-conductive members opposed to contact connecting portions (board connecting portions) of a plurality of contact members arranged in multipolar shapes are provided; electromagnetic shielding functions with respect to the contact connecting portions in the respective electric connectors are obtained well by the respective shield wall portions; and, when both of the electric connectors are mated with each other, the shield wall portions are configured to be in an inner/outer double disposition relation in which they are opposed to each other and efficiently block the gaps between the shield wall portions and wiring boards so that sufficient EMI measures can be expected.