Data Cable Connector Module with Centric Shield Star
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data cable connector modules suffer from radiation leakage, limited shielding effectiveness, and difficulty in automatic assembly, restricting their application to Cat. 7 and lower transmission rates, and requiring specialized tools for disassembly and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A data cable connector module with a fixation element, conductor receiving units, a centric metallic shield star, and a detachable contact module with latching elements, enabling easy handling and automatic assembly, and providing continuous shielding for higher transmission rates up to Cat. 7A.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a data cable connector module with discontinuous shielding (metal plates in isolator) is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but radiation leakage occurs and shielding effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous shield is segmented into a shield star with multiple arms (typically 4 arms) that are positioned between conductor pairs. Each arm provides localized shielding for specific conductor pairs, achieving effective radiation protection while using less material than a continuous shield, thus reducing device complexity while preventing radiation leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield star acts as an intermediary shielding structure between the conductor pairs and the external environment. The shield star arms are positioned to intercept electromagnetic radiation from conductor pairs before it can leak externally, providing effective shielding while maintaining a simpler structure compared to continuous shielding.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a long data cable connector module comprising fixation element, sleeve element, and contact module is used, then shielding coverage is improved, but the length of the connector module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation element and contact module are merged into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for a separate sleeve element. The fixation element housing directly incorporates the contact module, maintaining continuous shielding throughout the entire connector length while reducing the overall number of components and total length.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation element is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical fixation for the cable, continuous shielding for the conductors, and houses the contact module. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate shielding components, reducing overall length while maintaining comprehensive shielding coverage.
3Ease of manufacture
If the contact module is permanently connected to the fixation element, then assembly simplicity is improved, but replaceability and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the contact module and fixation element is designed to be dynamically changeable rather than permanently fixed. A release mechanism allows the contact module to be easily detached and replaced, enabling adaptability for different connector types while maintaining simple assembly through snap-fit or similar quick-connect mechanisms during normal installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact module is designed as a replaceable component that can be discarded when obsolete or damaged and recovered/reused in different configurations. The fixation element retains the cable and shielding infrastructure, allowing only the contact module to be replaced, thus maintaining assembly simplicity while enabling full replaceability and adaptability.
4Reliability
If specialized tools are used for disassembly and replacement, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is designed to be self-operating through simple manual manipulation (e.g., pressing a release button or lever) without requiring specialized tools. The mechanism maintains reliable connection during normal use but automatically disengages when the release action is triggered, enabling easy operation and maintenance while ensuring connection reliability during service.
Data Source
AI summary
A data cable connector module with a fixation element for positioning and fixation of cable conductors of a multi core cable, with: conductor receiving units with conductor guide and connection openings for bent IDCs, IDC receiving units for fixation of connected IDCs with contact openings; a centric metallic shield star which shields each conductor pair and is electrically conductively connected with the housing of the fixation element; and a detachably connectable, changeable contact module with a metal housing, an isolation socket for receiving bent slide contacts with connector ends for connection to a circuit board which connects the slide contacts and the module plug-in contacts, a front connector face for external connectors; and a fixation element connector face with in at least one end isolator block guided module plug-in contacts. The fixation element and the contact module are electrically conductively connectable with the IDCs.