Unitary Ground Bar Shielding for Twin-Ax Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies lack effective shielding around signal wires, particularly in the stripping areas, and require additional clearance space for assembly, which complicates the design and assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A unitary ground bar with 360-degree wrap-around loops is used to provide comprehensive shielding around twin-ax cables, integrating with signal contacts and cables, and eliminating the need for additional assembly space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate ground plates and shields are used, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but shielding coverage is insufficient and assembly space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate ground components (ground plates, shields, and grounding elements) into a single integrated unitary ground bar structure. This ground bar features a main body portion that contacts the ground contact tail and extended portions that wrap around the cables, providing comprehensive shielding coverage while reducing the number of discrete parts and simplifying assembly.
2Ease of operation
If additional clearance space is provided for assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but connector overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground bar extends in multiple dimensions from its main body, with extended portions that wrap around the cables in a three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional extension allows the grounding function to be achieved within the existing connector footprint without requiring additional clearance space, as the ground bar utilizes the vertical and lateral space already available in the connector assembly.
3Reliability
If unitary ground bar with wrap-around loops is used, then shielding coverage is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unitary ground bar is designed with distinct functional segments: a main body portion for contacting the ground contact tail and extended portions forming wrap-around loops for the cables. While integrated into a single piece, this segmentation of functions within the unitary structure allows for standardized manufacturing processes such as stamping or extrusion, balancing the need for complex geometry with manufacturing feasibility.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If comprehensive cable shielding is implemented, then signal interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unitary ground bar performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a grounding path through its main body contact, creates shielding around the cables through its wrap-around extended portions, and structurally integrates these functions into a single component. This multi-functionality reduces signal interference while avoiding the need for separate shielding components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes: an insulative housing; a contact module received by the insulative housing, the contact module including a first pair of signal contacts, a second pair of signal contacts, and a ground contact between the first pair of signal contacts and the second pair of signal contacts; a first cable having a pair of signal wires terminated to the first pair of signal contacts and a second cable having a pair of signal wires terminated to the second pair of signal contacts; and a unitary ground bar having a first loop wrapping around the first cable, a second loop wrapping around the second cable, and an intermediate portion terminated to the ground contact.