Elastic Contact Structure for Solder-Free EMI Grounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method of soldering elastic pieces to the middle frame of electronic devices, such as mobile phones, for electromagnetic interference reduction is costly and limits the flexibility in mounting positions due to space constraints and high requirements for soldering processes.

Innovation Solution

An elastic piece connection structure that uses a detachable connection through an insulation member, allowing the elastic piece to abut against both the first and second conductors without soldering, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and providing more mounting options by using the insulation member as a fixing structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the elastic piece is soldered to the middle frame, then the connection stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the soldering process from the connection method, replacing it with a mechanical fastening structure. The elastic piece is connected to the middle frame through a fastener that passes through through-holes, eliminating the need for soldering while maintaining connection stability and reducing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a fastener as an intermediary element between the elastic piece and the middle frame. This fastener serves as a mediator that provides mechanical connection without requiring soldering, thus resolving the contradiction between connection stability and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the elastic piece is soldered to the middle frame, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex soldering process from the manufacturing steps and replaces it with a simple mechanical fastening operation. The fastener can be easily inserted through pre-drilled through-holes, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical soldering process with a purely mechanical fastening system. This substitution eliminates the need for soldering equipment and processes, simplifying the manufacturing system while ensuring reliable mechanical and electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If soldering is used to connect the elastic piece, then the electrical conduction is improved, but the manufacturing cost and process difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductionVSAvoidprocess difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mechanical connection function and the electrical conduction function into a single integrated fastening structure. The fastener simultaneously provides mechanical support and electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate soldering operations and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the soldering process (thermal-mechanical system) with a mechanical fastening system that achieves both mechanical support and electrical conduction. This substitution reduces process difficulty by eliminating soldering requirements while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the conductive fastener.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enhances the anti-electromagnetic interference capability while reducing manufacturing costs and offering greater flexibility in mounting positions without the need for soldering, thus improving the stability and reliability of the connection between conductors.

Implementation Method 1

The first connection end includes a first contact portion, and the first contact portion elastically abuts against and is in conduction with a first conductor inside the electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4142052B1Elastic piece connecting structure and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4142052B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4142052B1 patent drawingFigure 1b~2
  • EP4142052B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide an elastic piece connection structure and an electronic device. The elastic piece connection structure includes a first connection end and a second connection end that are connected to each other. The first connection end includes a first contact portion, and the first contact portion elastically abuts against and is in conduction with a first conductor inside the electronic device. The second connection end is detachably connected to an insulation member inside the electronic device, and the second connection end abuts against and is in conduction with a second conductor inside the electronic device. According to the embodiments of this application, conduction between the first conductor and the second conductor in the electronic device is implemented, thereby reducing manufacturing costs of the electronic device.