Conductive Elastomeric RF Shield with Frictional Turret Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF shielding solutions for circuit board microprocessors are costly, complex to assemble, and inadequate for surface-mount devices, often requiring soldering and mechanical fasteners, which can lead to gaps and mechanical rattles, and are not suitable for connector shields due to size limitations and assembly challenges.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric shield made from conductive silicone rubber or other pliable materials, molded into desired shapes with frictional engagement members and optional metal fillers, which can be configured without soldering and provides a tight RF seal without mechanical fasteners, allowing for easy removal and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metallic shields with twist tabs are used, then RF shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into a frame portion and a lid portion that can be separately assembled. The frame includes engagement slots that receive the lid, allowing modular assembly without complex fastening operations. This segmentation maintains RF shielding effectiveness while dramatically simplifying assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement slots are integrated directly into the frame structure, combining the functions of mechanical support and component retention. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms while maintaining secure assembly, reducing both complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If traditional metallic shields with twist tabs are used, then RF shielding effectiveness is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into a frame portion and a lid portion that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing processes while maintaining RF shielding effectiveness through the continuous metallic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: providing mechanical support, creating engagement slots for the lid, and maintaining RF shielding. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, lowering production costs while preserving shielding effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If snap-on lids are used for RF shielding, then assembly is simplified, but mechanical stability deteriorates due to rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement slots are pre-formed in the frame during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field assembly or adjustment. The lid is designed to fit precisely into these pre-formed slots, providing stable mechanical connection without rattling while maintaining ease of assembly.
4Reliability
If traditional shields require soldering and mechanical fasteners, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is segmented into frame and lid portions that connect through engagement slots, eliminating the need for soldering or complex fastening. This segmentation enables rapid assembly while maintaining secure attachment through the interlocking design.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement slots and lid design enable self-aligning, self-securing assembly without requiring additional fasteners or soldering operations. The components automatically secure themselves when assembled, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining attachment security.
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 elastomeric shield reduces production costs, eliminates mechanical rattles, and provides effective RF shielding for surface-mount devices and connector applications with improved assembly efficiency and adaptability, ensuring a secure seal without the need for soldering or specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric shield for use in shielding radio frequency (RF) energy that includes at least one conductive elastomeric cover
Implementation Method 2
One or more turrets are formed with the plurality of sidewalls for holding an engagement member where the engagement member operates to removably hold the conductive elastomeric shield into a fixed position on a printed circuit (PC) board
Data Source
AI summary
A conductive elastomeric shielding device (400) for use with an electronic device includes a raised surface (401) and a sidewall (405) formed with the raised surface (401). A turret section (406) is formed with the sidewall (405) where an engagement member (407) projects from the turret section (406) for frictional engagement with an aperture (408) in a printed circuit (PC) board (410). The raised surface and sidewall are manufactured of an elastomeric shielding material for shielding radio frequency (RF) radiation for electronic components used therewith.