Control Device Shielding for Ethernet Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control units for motor vehicle applications face challenges in shielding Ethernet lines from electromagnetic radiation while maintaining flexibility and using standardized components and geometries for high data transmission rates.
Innovation Solution
The control unit incorporates additional contact elements connected to ground potential that surround and overlap with signal transmission contact elements, forming a shield to protect them from electromagnetic interference, with these elements being designed similarly to the signal contact elements and arranged in a manner that optimizes shielding effectiveness, including lateral and directional shielding configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Ethernet cables are arranged in the vicinity of the control unit to transmit high data rates, then data transmission capability is improved, but electromagnetic radiation interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shielding structure as an intermediary element between the Ethernet cable and the control unit environment. This shielding structure, comprising conductive shielding elements arranged around the Ethernet cable conductors, mediates the electromagnetic interaction by providing a controlled interface that allows high data transmission while managing electromagnetic radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the shielding structure before the Ethernet cable is fully installed or before electromagnetic interference occurs. The shielding elements are positioned in advance to counteract potential electromagnetic radiation, creating a protective configuration that proactively mitigates interference rather than reacting to it after the fact.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding structures are added to protect Ethernet cables from electromagnetic radiation, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the shielding structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The shielding elements not only provide electromagnetic protection but also integrate with the connector body structure, potentially serving as structural support, alignment features, or contact elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated shielding components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the shielding function with the existing connector body structure. Rather than adding completely separate shielding components, the shielding elements are integrated into the connector body design, combining the shielding function with structural and mechanical functions already present in the connector assembly. This merging approach minimizes the added complexity by utilizing existing structural elements for multiple purposes.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized contact element geometries are used, then manufacturing ease and interface standardization are improved, but shielding effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the properties of contact elements based on their specific function. Signal transmission contact elements maintain standardized geometries for manufacturing ease and interface compatibility, while shielding contact elements are specifically designed with geometries optimized for electromagnetic shielding performance. This local differentiation allows standardized manufacturing for critical signal elements while providing specialized shielding capability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the contact element population into different functional groups: signal transmission elements with standardized geometries and shielding elements with specialized geometries. This segmentation allows each group to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system standardization through the use of standardized geometries for the majority of signal elements.
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 shields signal transmission contact elements from electromagnetic radiation, allowing for high data transmission rates while maintaining compatibility with standardized interfaces and component geometries, and enabling flexible adaptation to different arrangements and numbers of contact elements.
Implementation Method 1
second contact elements which surround the first contact elements within the connector body or are arranged in overlap with them, wherein the second contact elements are also connected to the electrical ground potential of the control unit. The overlapping or covering of the first contact elements by the second contact elements, which form a shield, enables the shielding of the first contact elements against electromagnetic radiation.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (10), having a circuit carrier (14), having a plurality of series arranged in the region of a circuit carrier (14) or of a connection body (17) connected to the circuit carrier and of a plug connection body (12), said series each having a plurality of first and second electrical contact elements (26, 27, 36, 38; 38a; 72, 76), which are arranged next to one another in the series and which serve to make contact with the circuit carrier (14) or the connection body (17) and from mating contacts (28, 29) of a plug (100), wherein the first contact elements (26, 27) serve for signal transmission and the second contact elements (36, 38; 38a; 72, 76) serve to form an electromagnetic shielding (40; 70) for at least one first contact element (26, 27).