Flat Cable Connector With Asymmetrical Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable connector assemblies have a large thickness due to their circular cross-section, which is not ideal for compact designs.

Innovation Solution

A cable connector assembly with a flat cable structure and asymmetrical shielding shells that are laser-welded together, featuring a metallic shielding case and insulative layers to reduce thickness while maintaining electrical connectivity and interference protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a circular cross-section cable is used, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but the thickness dimension becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness dimensionVSAvoidcircular cross-section
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cable cross-section is changed from a symmetric circular shape to an asymmetric flat structure where the thickness dimension is significantly reduced compared to the width dimension. This asymmetric geometry allows the cable to meet compact design requirements while maintaining electrical connectivity through the flattened configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding structure is added to protect against interference, then anti-interference capability is improved, but device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding structure is integrated with the cable assembly by combining the shielding shell with the connector housing. The shielding shell is formed as an integral part or closely coupled component with the insulative housing, eliminating the need for separate shielding components and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining effective electromagnetic interference protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Shape

If asymmetrical shielding shells are used, then flat cable structure is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflat cable structureVSAvoidasymmetrical shell mating precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetrical shielding shells are pre-assembled and pre-positioned during the manufacturing process before final cable assembly. The shells are configured in their correct asymmetric orientations and secured to the connector housing in advance, ensuring proper alignment and reducing the precision requirements during final assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 achieves a thinner cable connector assembly capable of transmitting high-speed USB Type C signals with improved anti-interference capabilities and flexible power supply, suitable for compact designs without a ground wire, ensuring reliable signal transmission and power delivery.

Implementation Method 1

a shielding shell having an end mounted on the mating member, and an opposite end mounted on the cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

A cable connector assembly with a flat cable structure and asymmetrical shielding shells that are laser-welded together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Data Source

PatentUS10833459B2Cable connector assembly having cable of a flat structure
Publication Date: 2020.11.10 FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LTD
  • US10833459B2 patent drawing
  • US10833459B2 patent drawing
  • US10833459B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cable connector assembly for being mated with a mating connector along a mating direction, includes: a mating member, a cable electrically connected with the mating member, and a shielding shell having an end mounted on the mating member, and an opposite end mounted on the cable, the shielding shell including a first shell and a second shell mated with the first shell along a transverse direction perpendicular to the mating direction, wherein each of the first shell and the second shell has an asymmetrical structure.