Shielding Plate Layout for Easier Electrical Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in manufacturing efficiency and material utilization, particularly in the placement of shielding components between rows of contacts, where bulk material can obstruct limited spaces and complicate the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a shielding plate with side parts and a connecting part situated between the upper and lower rows of contacts, which is embedded in the base's stop wall and features a U-shaped connecting part positioned outside the contact rows, allowing for easier assembly and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shielding plate is placed between rows of contacts, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding plate is segmented into a pair of side parts positioned between the contact rows and a connecting part positioned outside, allowing independent placement and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining shielding effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting part of the shielding plate is extracted from the space between contact rows and positioned outside, removing the obstacle that complicates manufacturing while preserving the shielding function through the side parts
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shielding plate is placed between rows of contacts, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but material utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting part is extracted from the confined space between contact rows and repositioned outside, eliminating wasted material in obstructive positions while maintaining shielding functionality through the side parts
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding plate structure transitions from a conventional single-plane design to a multi-dimensional configuration with side parts between rows and a connecting part outside, optimizing material distribution across different spatial zones
3Stability of the object's composition
If a shielding plate with connecting part inside contact rows is used, then shielding continuity is improved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding plate is divided into side parts and a connecting part that can be assembled separately, with the connecting part positioned outside to facilitate easier assembly while the side parts maintain shielding continuity between rows
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the connecting part inside the contact rows as in conventional designs, the connecting part is inverted to an outside position, simplifying assembly operations while the side parts ensure shielding continuity
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: an insulative housing having a base and a tongue; an upper row of contacts and a lower row of contacts secured to the insulative housing and exposed to two opposite faces of the tongue; and a shielding plate having a pair of side parts situated between the upper row of contacts and the lower row of contacts along an up-and-down direction and a connecting part coupled between the pair of side parts, wherein the connecting part of the shielding plate is situated at an outer side of the upper and lower rows of contacts.