Contactless Connector Capacitive Coupling Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contactless plug connectors for high-frequency signals face challenges with low bandwidth, complex circuit technology, and sensitivity to interference, particularly in applications requiring robust and reliable connections with low manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A contactless plug connector design utilizing capacitive coupling surfaces with differential signal transmission, featuring axially symmetrical and mirror-symmetrical circular surface segments, which eliminates the need for a separate ground connection and is robust against interference, with optional magnetic alignment and protective cover layers for environmental resilience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If capacitive coupling surfaces are used for contactless signal transmission, then bandwidth is improved, but susceptibility to interference and grounding problems worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission bandwidthVSAvoidinterference susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical ground connections with a magnetic field-based reference potential system. Magnets mounted on the coupling surfaces generate magnetic fields that establish a stable reference potential without requiring direct electrical contact or ground wires, thereby eliminating grounding problems while maintaining high bandwidth capacitive coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnets as an intermediary between the capacitive coupling surfaces and the reference potential. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that establishes electrical reference without direct contact, isolating the high-frequency signal paths from ground loops and interference while preserving signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex modulation and demodulation circuits are used for wireless signal transmission, then signal reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex modulation and demodulation circuits from the connector design. By using direct capacitive coupling for high-frequency signals, the system achieves reliable transmission without requiring sophisticated signal processing electronics, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex electronic circuits with simple, robust passive components (capacitive surfaces and magnets). This substitution uses inexpensive materials and manufacturing processes while achieving comparable or superior reliability for the specific application of high-frequency signal transmission through contactless coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If separate ground connections are provided for capacitive coupling surfaces, then interference resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ground connection function into the magnetic coupling mechanism itself. The magnets that establish reference potential also serve as the interference protection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate ground connections and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining interference resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling surfaces perform multiple functions simultaneously: they establish electrical reference potential, provide interference protection, and enable contactless signal transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ground connections while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

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

4Ease of manufacture

If contactless connector design is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but robustness and reliability in harsh environments worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidrobustness in harsh environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material structures for the coupling surfaces that combine electrical conductivity with environmental protection. The surfaces are designed with material compositions that resist corrosion, moisture, and mechanical damage, ensuring robustness in harsh environments while maintaining simple manufacturing processes and low costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design incorporates protective features from the outset, such as sealed structures and environmentally resistant materials, that prevent damage from harsh conditions before they occur. This proactive design approach maintains reliability without adding complex protective mechanisms or increasing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enables high-bandwidth, bidirectional signal transmission with reduced interference and radiation, maintaining reliability and simplicity while being cost-effective and suitable for harsh environments.

Implementation Method 1

the connector has at least one pair of capacitive coupling surfaces, with these coupling surfaces being supplied with a differential signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the coupling surfaces are arranged in such a way that the capacitive influence of the neighboring surfaces is compensated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic alignment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2828840B1Contactless connector
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 SCHLEIFRING GMBH
  • EP2828840B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2828840B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2828840B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A connector assembly for transmitting high-frequency signals comprises at least one pair of coupling faces for the differential transmission of a non-inverted signal and of an inverted signal. The connector assembly further comprises at least one transmitter and one receiver. To obtain a compact connector assembly, which is constructed symmetrically having optimal transmission properties, the coupling faces in same are constructed in a point-symmetrical manner.