Drawer Connector Shielding for Electromagnetic Immunity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic assemblies with automatic racking-in and racking-out mechanisms lack sufficient immunity to electromagnetic disturbances, particularly in high-demand network connections like Ethernet, which require enhanced electromagnetic shielding.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electromagnetic protection screen adjacent to the connector parts that forms an electrical connection between the drawer support, connector support, and electronic cards when inserted, providing physical separation and electrical continuity to shield against electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If blind connection connectors are used for automatic racking-in and racking-out, then ease of operation is improved, but immunity to electromagnetic disturbances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic racking-in and racking-outVSAvoidelectromagnetic disturbances
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An electromagnetic protection screen is introduced as an intermediary element between the trunk connectors and the external electromagnetic environment. The screen is electrically connected to the drawer support and card grounds, creating a shielded zone that protects the connectors during automatic insertion and extraction operations without interfering with the blind connection mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic protection screen is预先 installed and configured to counteract electromagnetic disturbances before they can affect the connectors. By establishing the shielded environment in advance, the system prevents electromagnetic interference from impacting the blind connection process, allowing automatic racking operations to proceed without compromising electromagnetic immunity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If electromagnetic protection screen is added, then immunity to electromagnetic disturbances is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic disturbancesVSAvoidscreen structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic protection screen is merged with existing structural elements of the drawer and connector support assemblies. By integrating the screen into the drawer support and connecting it to existing ground references, the design avoids adding completely separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining electromagnetic shielding effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drawer support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the drawer, establishes electrical ground connections, and serves as the mounting base for the electromagnetic protection screen. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving electromagnetic protection

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

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

The solution effectively increases the immunity to electromagnetic disturbances, allowing for the use of low-cost connectors while protecting against interference from other connectors and external sources, ensuring reliable data transmission in demanding network environments.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electromagnetic protection screen provided to be adjacent to a first part of the boot connector and suitable for making an electrical connection between the support drawer or the connector support and a card placed in the slot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP2434852B1Electronic assembly comprising a drawer and its receptacle for receiving electronic cards
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP2434852B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2434852B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2434852B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The assembly (2) has a casing (4) comprising a drawer support (10) provided with an insertion opening (14) at its front. A part (42) of a casing connector (40) i.e. Ethernetconnector, is associated with each of locations (E1-E3) receiving an electronic board i.e. daughter board (8), and fixed on the drawer support. An electromagnetic protection shield (80) is arranged adjacent to the part, and realizes electric connection between the drawer support or a connector support (16) and a board placed in the location associated with the part when a drawer (6) is inserted in the casing.