Grounded Connector Assembly Layout for Compact Cable Pitch

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connector assemblies face challenges in reducing size due to non-uniform arrangement of ground paths between cables and paddle cards, leading to difficulties in minimizing overall dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly design featuring a ground member with U-shaped partitioning members arranged at a pitch twice the predetermined pitch, where the ground shields of the cables are exposed between partition walls and connected to a metal plate, forming straight-line ground paths between cables and paddle cards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If nest parts are staggered to unfold cables arranged at predetermined pitch, then cables can be accommodated, but ground connection positions become non-uniform, making it difficult to reduce connector size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable arrangement capabilityVSAvoidconnector assembly size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ground member is segmented into multiple partitioning members (first partitioning members and second partitioning members) that create separate partitioned sections. Each section independently guides a cable to its ground connection position, enabling uniform ground connections while accommodating multiple cables at predetermined pitch without requiring staggered arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If ground shields are connected to ground member, then ground paths are formed, but crosstalk occurs and insertion loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground path formationVSAvoidcrosstalk and insertion loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Partitioning members divide the connector interior into separate partitioned sections, physically isolating adjacent cables and their ground shields from each other. This segmentation prevents electromagnetic interference and crosstalk between neighboring signal paths while maintaining reliable ground connections within each section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partitioning members act as intermediary structures between adjacent cables, providing electromagnetic shielding and physical separation. These partition walls serve as mediators that block harmful electromagnetic fields while allowing the ground shields to maintain their ground paths to the ground member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4686009A1Connector assembly
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS IND LTD
  • EP4686009A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4686009A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4686009A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connector assembly in which ground paths between cables and a paddle card are formed and of which the size can be reduced is provided. A connector assembly (1) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a ground member (3) including a plurality of partitioning members made of metal, each of which has a U-shape, and a metal plate (11) to which the partitioning members are fixed. The ground member (3) is configured such that the partitioning members are arranged at a pitch twice a predetermined pitch in a width direction of the connector assembly (1), so that partition walls of the partitioning members are arranged at the predetermined pitch in the width direction of the connector assembly (1). Each of cables (4) includes an inner conductor, a dielectric (4c), a ground shield (4d), and an insulating film (4e). The ground shields (4d) are electrically connected to the ground member (3) in a state where the ground shields (4d) exposed from the insulating films (4e) of the cables (4) are disposed between the partition walls.