Board-to-Board Connector Shielding Covers for Easier EMI Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices with connector structures face challenges in reducing electromagnetic radiation and radio frequency interference, and the process of attaching copper foil to mitigate this interference is difficult and costly.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a connector structure with a first and second shielding cover, connected via a conductive buffer material, which surrounds the connectors and is electrically connected to the circuit boards' ground layers, providing effective shielding against interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If copper foil is attached to the connector structure to reduce electromagnetic radiation and radio frequency interference, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but assembly difficulty increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic radiation and radio frequency interferenceVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding function is merged with the connector structure itself by integrating conductive shielding walls directly into the connector housing, eliminating the need for separate copper foil attachment steps. The shielding structure becomes an integral part of the connector assembly, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining electromagnetic shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses standard conductive materials and conventional shielding structures that are already widely available in the industry, replacing the need for specialized copper foil attachment processes. This approach uses readily manufacturable components that simplify the assembly process while achieving the same shielding purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If copper foil is attached to the connector structure to reduce electromagnetic radiation and radio frequency interference, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic radiation and radio frequency interferenceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding function is merged with the connector structure itself by integrating conductive shielding walls directly into the connector housing, eliminating the need for separate copper foil attachment steps. The shielding structure becomes an integral part of the connector assembly, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining electromagnetic shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses standard conductive materials and conventional shielding structures that are already widely available in the industry, replacing the need for specialized copper foil attachment processes. This approach uses readily manufacturable components that simplify the assembly process while achieving the same shielding purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding covers are added to connectors to reduce electromagnetic radiation and radio frequency interference, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic radiation and radio frequency interferenceVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding function is merged with the connector structure itself by integrating conductive shielding walls directly into the connector housing, eliminating the need for separate copper foil attachment steps. The shielding structure becomes an integral part of the connector assembly, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining electromagnetic shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration effectively reduces electromagnetic radiation and radio frequency interference while simplifying the assembly process and reducing costs by compensating for manufacturing tolerances and providing improved shielding.

Implementation Method 1

the first shielding cover is electrically connected to the second shielding cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The first shielding cover is disposed on the first circuit board and surrounds the first connector. The second shielding cover is disposed on the second circuit board and surrounds the second connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS11839027B2Electronic device with connector structure

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 WISTRON NEWEB CORP

AI summary

An electronic device with a connector structure is provided. The electronic device includes a first circuit board, a first connector, a first shielding cover, a second circuit board, a second connector, and a second shielding cover. The first connector is disposed on the first circuit board. The first shielding cover is disposed on the first circuit board and surrounds the first connector. The second connector is disposed on the second circuit board, wherein the second connector is connected to the first connector. The second shielding cover is disposed on the second circuit board and surrounds the second connector, wherein the first shielding cover is electrically connected to the second shielding cover.