Drawn Latching EMI Shield Frame for Ultra-Low Height Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional EMI shielding solutions, such as soldered metal cans, face limitations in height due to the size of attachment features, restricting their application in thinner electronic devices and requiring additional manufacturing steps.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece shielding apparatus with a frame and cover featuring drawn latching features that allow for removably attaching the cover to the frame, enabling ultra-low height designs and improved structural rigidity without increasing the frame's height or requiring additional material removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional soldered metal cans are used for EMI shielding, then effective electromagnetic interference protection is achieved, but the height is increased due to the size of attachment features
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding apparatus is divided into two separate pieces: a frame and a cover. The frame is drawn to include latching features that engage with the cover, allowing the shielding structure to be assembled from multiple components rather than requiring a single tall enclosure with traditional attachment features.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing height to accommodate attachment features, the patent uses lateral drawing of material to create latching features that extend outwardly from the sidewalls. This transforms the problem from a vertical dimension solution to a lateral dimension solution, maintaining low profile while providing secure attachment.
2Reliability
If conventional soldered metal cans with attachment features are used, then the shielding structure is secure, but additional manufacturing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The latching features are integrated directly into the frame structure through the drawing process, combining the attachment function with the frame itself. This eliminates the need for separate attachment components and reduces manufacturing steps compared to conventional soldered assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawn latching features are self-forming during the drawing process, creating functional attachment elements without requiring additional manufacturing operations. The frame structure itself provides the latching functionality through the drawing process, making the system self-sufficient.
3Reliability
If the frame height is increased to accommodate attachment features, then secure attachment is achieved, but the overall device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment features are created by lateral drawing of material outwardly from the sidewalls rather than extending vertically. This dimensional transformation allows secure attachment while maintaining a low profile frame height suitable for thin electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawing process creates localized latching features at specific positions along the sidewalls without requiring increased height throughout the entire frame. The attachment functionality is concentrated in specific local regions where drawn portions are formed, maintaining overall frame compactness.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of shielding apparatus or assemblies having a frame with drawn latching features or portions that are configured for removably attaching a cover to the frame. In an exemplary embodiment, there is a shielding apparatus suitable for use in providing electromagnetic interference shielding for one or more electrical components on a substrate. In this example, the shielding apparatus generally includes a cover and a frame. The cover includes one or more openings. The frame includes a top surface and sidewalls configured to be disposed generally about one or more electrical components on a substrate. The frame is partly drawn in construction such that the frame includes one or more drawn latching features or portions configured to be engaged within the one or more openings of the cover to thereby releasably attach the cover to the frame.