Detachable Optical Disk Drive Connection With EMI Grounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic equipment without an optical disk drive requires an external connection, which can be cumbersome and exposes cables, leading to noise issues from electromagnetic waves.

Innovation Solution

A detachable connection structure between electronic equipment and an optical disk drive using connector terminals, a conductive member, and a ground part to electrically connect the circuit board and optical disk drive, with shields to block electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an external optical disk drive is connected via cable, then the optical disk drive can be used with electronic equipment, but the exposed cable causes noise interference and aesthetic issues

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectabilityVSAvoidnoise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector terminal is embedded within the housing of the electronic equipment, with only a small portion exposed. The conductive member is nested within the housing to provide electromagnetic shielding. This nesting approach allows cable connection functionality while minimizing external exposure and reducing noise interference from exposed cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A conductive member is introduced as an intermediary between the connector terminal and the external environment. This conductive member provides electromagnetic shielding, acting as a mediator that blocks noise interference while allowing the connector to function. The conductive member is electrically connected to a ground part, creating an intermediate shielding layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If a cable-free attachment structure is adopted, then the appearance is improved and cables are hidden, but noise countermeasures become necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveappearanceVSAvoidnoise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector terminal and conductive member are nested within the housing, creating a clean external appearance with no exposed cables. The conductive member is positioned to surround the connector terminal, providing electromagnetic shielding while maintaining aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive member serves as an intermediary shielding element within the housing, blocking electromagnetic noise from reaching the connector terminal. This intermediary structure provides noise protection while preserving the cable-free aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If connector terminals are exposed for connection, then electrical connection is enabled, but electromagnetic noise can interfere with the connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidelectromagnetic noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive member acts as an intermediary shielding structure that surrounds the connector terminal. It blocks electromagnetic noise from reaching the connector terminal while allowing electrical connection to proceed. The conductive member is electrically connected to ground, providing a noise path to earth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive member is nested within the housing to surround the connector terminal, creating a shielded environment. This nested structure protects the electrical connection from electromagnetic noise while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 easy attachment and detachment of the optical disk drive without cables, reducing noise interference and maintaining the appearance of the electronic equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive member causing the ground part and a metal part of the optical disk drive to be electrically connected with each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4632744A1Connection structure, optical disk drive

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC

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AI summary

There are provided a connection structure and an optical disk drive (20) capable of suppressing the effects of noise. The connection structure allows electronic equipment (10) and the optical disk drive (20) detachably attachable thereto to be electrically connected with each other. The connection structure includes a connector terminal (22) provided on the optical disk drive (20), a connector terminal (13) provided on the electronic equipment (10) in a manner connectable to the connector terminal (22), a circuit board (11) housed in a housing (12) of the electronic equipment (10), the circuit board (11) having the connector terminal (13) mounted thereon, a ground part provided on the circuit board (11), and a gasket (40) allowing the ground part and a metal part of the optical disk drive (20) to be electrically connected with each other in a state where the connector terminal (22) and the connector terminal (13) are connected with each other.