Flexible Conductive Shield for Connector Chassis EMI Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI) leakage from gaps between connector ports and chassis are inadequate, difficult to design, and cost-prohibitive, as they often lack sufficient conductive material to effectively shield high-frequency electromagnetic waves.
Innovation Solution
A conductive strip with an outer portion affixed to the chassis and a pliable inner portion that can be manipulated to cover gaps between the connector port and chassis, using conductive materials like Beryllium copper or conductive foam to form a flexible shield that surrounds the aperture and covers the interface between the connector port and chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional EMI shielding solutions are used, then some level of electromagnetic interference protection is provided, but the solutions are inadequate, difficult to design, and cost-prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible conductive strip that can be bent and folded to conform to the gap geometry between the connector port and chassis. This flexible strip provides effective EMI shielding while being simple to install and cost-effective, replacing complex conventional shielding solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive strip changes its physical configuration from a flat state during installation to a bent/folded state during operation to fit the gap. This parameter change allows the same component to serve both as an installer-friendly flat element and an effective gap-filling shield.
2Reliability
If conventional EMI shielding solutions are used, then some level of electromagnetic interference protection is provided, but the solutions are cost-prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible conductive strip is a simple, low-cost component that can be manufactured using standard processes. Its flexibility allows it to be installed easily without requiring complex assembly procedures, reducing both manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining effective EMI shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive strip is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can be easily manufactured and installed. If needed, it can be replaced without affecting other parts of the assembly, providing a cost-effective solution compared to integrated shielding structures.
3Reliability
If a rigid conductive shield is used, then EMI protection is provided, but the shield cannot adapt to gaps of varying sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive strip is made flexible so it can be bent and folded to conform to gaps of various sizes and shapes between the connector port and chassis. This flexibility provides adaptability to different gap geometries while maintaining continuous conductive coverage for effective EMI shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive strip transitions from a static flat configuration during storage and installation to a dynamic bent/folded configuration during operation to fit the gap. This dynamic adaptability allows the same component to effectively shield various gap geometries.
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 effectively minimizes electromagnetic wave leakage by using a conductive shield that can be bent or folded to fill gaps, reducing unwanted electromagnetic interference and enhancing the shielding effectiveness at the connector port and chassis interface.
Implementation Method 1
manipulating an inner portion of the conductive strip in order to cover one or more gaps between the connector port assembly and the chassis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A shield is described for minimizing leakage of electromagnetic waves from a connector/chassis interface. The shield includes a conductive strip sized to at least partially surround an aperture in a chassis, where the chassis receives a connector port assembly through the aperture. The conductive strip includes an outer portion affixed to an interior surface of the chassis, and an inner portion able to be manipulated to at least partially cover one or more gaps between the connector port assembly and the chassis.