Front Connector U-Shaped Shielding Bracket EMC Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing front connectors and input/output modules in control technology lack adequate electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shielding, leading to insufficient protection against interference coupling and emission, which can alter analog values and cause disturbances in automation systems.

Innovation Solution

A U-shaped shielding bracket with a central part is integrated into the front connector, allowing direct connection of a braided cable shield and providing a separate feed block with a shielding hood, along with latching lugs and cable shield clamping elements, to enhance EMC protection. The input/output module includes shielding elements and spring contacts to form low-impedance shielding rings when connected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no shielding measures are implemented in front connectors, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but electromagnetic interference coupling and emission increase, compromising reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMC protectionVSAvoidshielding structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding bracket is divided into multiple segments (first leg, second leg, central part) that can be separately manufactured and then assembled around the holding body. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while achieving comprehensive shielding coverage of the connector

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding bracket acts as an intermediary shielding element between the signal lines in the holding body and the external electromagnetic environment. It provides a dedicated shielding structure that interfaces with both the connector components and the cable shield, effectively mediating electromagnetic interference protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a U-shaped shielding bracket with cable shield connection is added, then interference coupling is reduced, but the device complexity and assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference couplingVSAvoidshielding bracket assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding bracket is pre-assembled around the holding body before the entire connector assembly is installed into the input/output module. The cable shield connection is also established in advance, allowing the shielding structure to be ready and positioned correctly before final installation, simplifying the overall assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding bracket is designed to nest around the holding body, with the first and second legs extending along longitudinal sides and the central part positioned at the lower end face. This nested configuration allows the shielding structure to integrate compactly with the connector components without requiring excessive space or complex external mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2541695B1Front connection and input/output assembly
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2541695B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2541695B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2541695B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The connector (1) has connection elements arranged at a front side and provided for signal lines (2). Contact units are arranged at a rear side for contacting with an input and/or output assembly (100). The connection elements and the contact units are formed in a cuboid support body. A u-shaped screen bracket (6) comprises two side pieces and a middle part, and arranged around the support body such that the side pieces extend laterally to respective longitudinal sides of the support body. The middle part is arranged upstream of a lower front surface of the support body. An independent claim is also included for an input and/or output assembly of control engineering.