Floating Shielded Connector Structure for Compact Signal Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors with floating structures have not adequately addressed the need for miniaturization alongside maintaining reliability and signal integrity in miniaturized electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a floating structure with a shielding member that surrounds first and second insulators, allowing relative movement between components while minimizing space and enhancing signal transmission and noise resistance, using a conductive shielding member to reduce electrical interference and protect against excessive component movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a floating structure is used to absorb misalignment and improve connection reliability, then connection reliability is improved, but the connector size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding member is positioned to surround the insulator and contact, with its inner surface nested close to the insulator. This nesting arrangement allows the floating structure to absorb misalignment while minimizing the overall connector volume by efficiently utilizing space through layered component arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding member extends in the width direction beyond the insulator, utilizing the lateral dimension to provide shielding coverage without increasing the length in the fitting direction. This dimensional optimization allows the floating structure to function while keeping the connector compact in the primary insertion direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the transmission path is shortened to improve signal transmission, then signal transmission is improved, but noise resistance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidnoise resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding member acts as an intermediary between the contact and the external environment, surrounding the insulator and contact to block noise while allowing the transmission path to remain short. This intermediary shielding structure provides noise resistance without requiring an extended transmission path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding members are added to reduce electrical interference, then noise resistance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical interferenceVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding member simultaneously serves multiple functions: it shields against electrical interference, provides structural support for the floating structure, and defines the lateral boundaries of the connector. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple components into a single integrated element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding member is integrated with the insulator and contact assembly, merging the shielding function with the structural support function. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall connector structure while maintaining effective electrical interference protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design achieves miniaturization, improved signal transmission characteristics, reduced noise interference, and enhanced product reliability by utilizing a conductive shielding member to regulate component movement and protect against damage, while maintaining effective electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

a shielding member (40) surrounded by a pair of first insulators (20) in a left-right direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3764483B1Connector and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3764483B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3764483B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3764483B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connector (10) according to the present disclosure is fitted with a connection object (60). The connector includes a pair of first insulators (20), a second insulator (30) arranged between the pair of first insulators (20) and is movable relative to the pair of first insulators (20), and contacts (50) mounted to the pair of first insulators (20) and the second insulator (30) and arranged in rows, wherein the pair of first insulators (20) are arranged apart from each other in a direction substantially orthogonal to an arrangement direction of the contacts (50).