Flippable Connector Spring Tang Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flippable plug connectors require additional components like metallic spring plates for internal shielding, which increase costs and signal degradation, and have stiff, stationary collars that complicate the design.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle connector design featuring a metallic shell with a step structure on the mating tongue and spring tangs for EMI/RFI protection, allowing the bull-nose tip of the plug connector to abut against the spring tangs for effective shielding without the need for additional spring plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If additional metallic spring plates and collars are added for internal shielding, then EMI/RFI protection is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EMI/RFI shielding function with the existing metallic shell structure by configuring the shell to directly contact the plug connector's mating tongue, eliminating the need for separate spring plates and collars. This integration maintains effective shielding while reducing component count and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic shell is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the receptacle connector, acts as an EMI/RFI shield through direct contact with the plug connector, and eliminates the need for dedicated shielding components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining protection effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If stiff and stationary collars are used for shielding, then EMI/RFI protection is provided, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is merged into the existing metallic shell structure, which is already a standard component in connector manufacturing. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble separate stiff collars and spring plates, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining EMI/RFI protection through direct contact configuration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional spring plates are added for intimate coupling, then EMI/RFI protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EMI/RFI shielding function is integrated into the metallic shell structure that already exists in the connector design. By configuring the shell to directly contact the plug connector's mating tongue, the patent eliminates the need for additional spring plates, thereby reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining effective shielding.
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 design simplifies the connector structure, reduces costs, and enhances EMI/RFI protection while maintaining effective signal handling and compatibility with complementary plug connectors.
Implementation Method 1
an EMI element being assembled to the base to cover opposite top and bottom surfaces; wherein the EMI element defines a plurality of spring tangs to be seated upon a rear portion of the mating tongue so as to allow a bull-nose tip of a shell of the complementary plug connector to abut against an exterior surface or an interior surface of the spring tang for EMI/RFI protection
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle connector mounted to the printed circuit board, includes an insulative housing defining a mating tongue and a metallic shell enclosing the housing to form a mating cavity in which said mating tongue forwardly extends. A complementary plug connector includes a shell with a bull-nose tip. A metallic piece is mounted around a root of the mating tongue and equipped with a plurality of spring tangs to contact the relatively rigid bull-nose tip of the shell of the complementary connector for EMI/RFI protection.