Connector Shielding Element Faraday Cage Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed networks and electronic devices face significant electromagnetic interference issues due to parasitic radiation, which is not adequately addressed by existing shielding solutions, particularly in vehicle applications where high data rates and numerous devices increase interference concerns.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electromagnetic shielding element with a Faraday cage design, utilizing a shielding frame or device housing, and resilient/detachable protrusions to reduce interference between connector arrangements and circuit boards, along with optional filter elements and heat sinks for enhanced shielding and thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If electromagnetic shielding elements are added to connector arrangements, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidconnector arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding element is integrated with the connector housing to form a unified structure. The housing itself serves as part of the shielding mechanism, combining the mechanical support function with the electromagnetic shielding function into a single component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector housing performs multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the connector, serves as a mounting structure, and simultaneously acts as an electromagnetic shielding element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shielding components, reducing complexity while addressing electromagnetic interference.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding elements are integrated into connector housings, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the shielding function into the existing housing structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate shielding components and their associated assembly steps. This consolidation reduces part count, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers overall production costs while maintaining effective electromagnetic shielding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed to serve multiple purposes: structural support, mechanical connection, and electromagnetic shielding. This multi-functionality allows manufacturers to produce a single component that fulfills multiple requirements, reducing tooling costs, assembly operations, and inventory complexity compared to using separate dedicated shielding elements.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If resilient and detachable protrusions are used for mounting shielding elements, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidprotrusion engagement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient protrusions are designed to be elastic or spring-loaded, allowing them to dynamically adjust to variations in mounting hole positions and tolerances. This elasticity compensates for manufacturing tolerances in both the shielding element and the housing, enabling reliable engagement without requiring extremely tight precision while maintaining adaptability to different mounting conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Significantly reduces electromagnetic interference between components on the circuit board and external devices, improving the robustness of electronic devices and meeting stringent shielding requirements for high-speed networks, while allowing for cost-effective and flexible mounting solutions.

Implementation Method 1

The design of the shielding element and its use in the connector arrangement may provide a Faraday cage in the area of connection between the connector and a circuit board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFaraday cage: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP2083486B1Electromagnetic shielding of a connector arrangement
Publication Date: 2011.04.20 HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYST GMBH
  • EP2083486B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2083486B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2083486B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to the improvement of electromagnetic shielding properties of a connector arrangement. To meet the high demands on electromagnetic shielding properties for connectors, an electromagnetic shielding element (16) in a connector arrangement is provided that together with a shielding frame (12) of a connector or alternatively with a device housing is providing an improved electromagnetic shielding of the connector. Thereby, the design of the shielding element and its use in the connector arrangement provides a Faraday cage in the area of connection between the connector and a circuit board so that electromagnetic interference of components on the circuit board or from outside the connector arrangement may be significantly reduced. The electromagnetic shielding element itself is provided as a separate element with a plurality of protrusions (17) that can be resiliently and/or detachably engaged to a shielding frame of the connector or the device housing of the connector arrangement.