Electrical Connector Shielding Orientation via Coding Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical plug-and-socket connectors in the automotive sector face durability issues due to folds in electromagnetic shielding, which interfere with mating connectors and lead to damage, and existing shieldings struggle with robust and permanent seating.

Innovation Solution

The use of coding means such as ribs and slots on the plug-and-socket connector body and shielding ensures correct orientation and positioning of the shielding, preventing electrical contact with folds and providing robust fastening, thus enhancing durability and preventing damage to contact arms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If resilient electrical contact arms are used to contact the shielding, then electrical contact is achieved, but the folds in the shielding cause damage to the contact arms and reduce durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of plug-in connectionVSAvoiddamage to contact arms from folds
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding is pre-formed with coding means (protrusions and recesses) that guide its positioning before contact occurs. The fold is strategically positioned away from contact zones during assembly, preventing damage to contact arms while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coding means act as an intermediary mechanism between the shielding and the connector body. The protrusions and recesses mediate the positioning process, ensuring the shielding settles in the correct orientation where folds do not interfere with contact arms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If electromagnetic shielding is added to protect against spurious signals, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but the shielding creates folds that interfere with mating connectors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference protectionVSAvoidshielding structure with folds
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding is segmented into functional zones: contact zones with coding means for positioning, and non-contact zones where folds are permitted for electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. This segmentation allows both protection and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the shielding have different properties: areas contacting the connector body have precise geometric coding means, while other areas accommodate folds for electromagnetic shielding. Each region is optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If coding means are added to position the shielding correctly, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding positioning accuracyVSAvoidcoding means structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coding means are merged with the shielding structure itself rather than being separate components. The protrusions and recesses are integrated into the shielding, achieving precise positioning without adding external complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coding means serve multiple functions: they provide positioning guidance, ensure correct orientation, prevent misalignment, and facilitate assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning mechanisms.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2545618B1Electrical connector, electrical mating connector, electrical plug connection as well as assembled electrical cable
Publication Date: 2016.11.16 TE CONNECTIVITY GERMANY GMBH
  • EP2545618B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2545618B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2545618B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Electrical plug-and-socket connector, electrical mating connector, electrical plug-in connection and made-up electric cable. The disclosure relates to an electrical plug-and-socket connector, in particular electrical pin socket, with a plug-and-socket connector body and electromagnetic shielding provided on the plug-and-socket connector body, the plug-and-socket connector body and the shielding having coding means which correspond to each other, by means of which the shielding is provided in a certain orientation on the plug-and-socket connector body.