Two-Part External Metal Shield for Compact EMI Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shields for sensors in compact electronic devices are vulnerable to damage during handling and increase the device's size, complicating assembly and reducing available space.
Innovation Solution
A two-part external metal shield is designed with a first portion and a second portion that are secured together using a locking mechanism and conductive adhesives, providing EMI protection while minimizing damage risk and maintaining tight tolerances for compact packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional EMI shield is used to protect sensors from electromagnetic interference, then EMI protection is improved, but the device size increases and handling vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EMI shield is divided into two separate portions that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The first portion includes a first part of an interfacing profile with tabs, while the second portion includes a second part of the interfacing profile. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for specific functions and reduces the overall volume required compared to a single-piece shield.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second portions of the EMI shield are nested together through the interfacing profile engagement mechanism. The tabs on the first portion engage with corresponding features on the second portion to form a unified shielding structure, effectively nesting the two parts to create a compact EMI protection system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional EMI shield is used to protect sensors from electromagnetic interference, then EMI protection is improved, but handling vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the shield into two portions with dedicated interfacing profiles, the design reduces handling vulnerability. Each portion can be manufactured with optimized dimensions and attachment features, and the modular structure allows for more careful assembly and handling compared to a single large-piece shield.
Solution Approach 2:
The interfacing profile acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second portions. This profile includes tabs and engagement features that mediate the connection between the two shield portions, providing a reliable and precise attachment method that reduces handling vulnerability during assembly and operation.
3Volume of moving object
If a two-part EMI shield is used to reduce device size and handling vulnerability, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into two portions with standardized interfacing profiles actually reduces assembly complexity compared to working with a single complex piece. Each portion can be manufactured independently using standard processes, and the modular interface provides clear assembly instructions and alignment features.
Solution Approach 2:
The interfacing profile serves as a standardized intermediary that simplifies the assembly process. The tabs and engagement features provide built-in alignment and connection guidance, reducing the complexity of assembling the two shield portions while maintaining compact device dimensions.
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 two-part shield effectively reduces EMI while enhancing durability and minimizing space requirements, ensuring reliable operation of sensors like image and time-of-flight sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion and second portion are formed of electrically conductive material and where the second portion is in electrical communication with the at least one connecting tab through the first portion
Implementation Method 2
The sensor cap of some embodiments is attached to the sensor substrate using an adhesive
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnetic shield defining a cavity within which is received the sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A two-part external metal shield for electromagnetic interference reduction that reduces vulnerability of a shielded sensor is provided. An example electromagnetic shield for a sensor includes: a first portion defining a first part of an interfacing profile and one or more tabs; a second portion defining a second part of an interfacing profile; where the first portion and the second portion combine to form a cavity into which the sensor is received, where the one or more tabs extends into the cavity along a first axis, and where the first part of the interfacing profile is secured to the second part of the interfacing profile along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.