Electrical Connector Shielding via Compressed Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors have complex shielding structures that complicate the connection with conductive foams, increasing the height and complexity of the connector, and lack a simple shielding solution.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a shielding shell, insulative housing with vertical mating ports, and conductive foam compressed between the inner circuit board's conductive area and the shielding shell, simplifying the structure and reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a horizontal ground plate is used to connect with conductive foam, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and height increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ground plate function with the insulative housing by integrating a ground plate layer into the housing structure itself. The insulative housing includes a ground plate layer that extends to form a shielding wall, eliminating the need for separate horizontal ground plates while maintaining EMI shielding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulative housing serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, electrical insulation, and EMI shielding. By integrating the ground plate layer into the housing structure, the housing becomes a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for separate shielding components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mating modules are stacked vertically, then connectivity is improved, but connector height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking of mating modules to a horizontal arrangement where multiple mating ports are positioned side-by-side on the same vertical level. This dimensional reorganization allows multiple connectors to be mounted on the circuit board without increasing the connector height, while still providing multi-port connectivity through the insulative housing structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conductive foam is connected via horizontal ground plate, then EMI shielding is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plate function is merged with the insulative housing structure, creating a single integrated component rather than separate parts requiring assembly. This integration simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of components and assembly steps while maintaining effective EMI shielding and crosstalk reduction through the conductive foam 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 a compact and effective shielding structure that reduces EMI and crosstalk by compressing conductive foam between the inner circuit board and shielding shell, enhancing electrical connectivity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive foam received in the receiving slot and compressed between the conductive area of the inner circuit board and the shielding shell
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: a shielding shell; an insulative housing received in the shielding shell, the insulative housing having two rows of mating ports in a vertical direction and a receiving slot between the two rows of mating ports; a contact module mounted in the insulative housing, the contact modules comprising an inner circuit board and a plurality of mating contacts mounted on an upper surface and a lower surface of the inner circuit board, the inner circuit board comprising a conductive area at a front end thereof; and a conductive foam received in the receiving slot and compressed between the conductive area of the inner circuit board and the shielding shell.