HF Signal Connector Module With Parallel Curved Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector modules fail to efficiently transmit high-frequency signals while maintaining a compact design and low cost, often resulting in crosstalk between signal contact elements and requiring expensive coaxial connectors.

Innovation Solution

A connector module design featuring signal contact elements and shield contact elements arranged along parallel curves, with two or three shield contact elements closer to each signal contact element than any other signal contact element, providing efficient shielding and matching impedance without increasing spacing between contact elements, and utilizing S-shaped contacts for enhanced shielding geometry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional connector designs are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but signal quality and shielding performance deteriorate due to crosstalk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by arranging contact elements along parallel curved lines instead of straight lines. This curved arrangement creates a zigzag shielding geometry that effectively reduces crosstalk between adjacent signal contacts while maintaining compact dimensions and standard manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional linear or grid arrangements to a spatial arrangement where contact elements are positioned along parallel curves with specific spacing. This dimensional reconfiguration creates effective shielding zones without increasing overall connector size or complexity

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If spacing between contact elements is increased, then crosstalk is reduced, but connector size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk between signal contactsVSAvoidconnector geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By curving the arrangement of contact elements, the patent creates natural shielding zones that reduce crosstalk without requiring increased spacing. The curved geometry positions shield contacts strategically to block electromagnetic interference while maintaining compact dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines signal and shield contacts into an integrated array along parallel curves, where each shield contact serves multiple adjacent signal contacts. This merging approach achieves effective shielding without increasing overall complexity or contact element count

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shield contact elements are added, then shielding performance improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference shieldingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each shield contact element in the patent serves multiple functions: it shields adjacent signal contacts from crosstalk, maintains impedance control, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality achieves effective shielding without proportionally increasing manufacturing cost

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

Data Source

PatentUS10923857B2Connector module and connector for transmitting HF signals
Publication Date: 2021.02.16 ODU GMBH & CO KG
  • US10923857B2 patent drawing
  • US10923857B2 patent drawing
  • US10923857B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connector module comprises an insulating body, and further comprises a plurality of signal contact elements and a plurality of shield contact elements forming a connector face configured for establishing electric contact with a counterpart of the connector module. For each of the signal contact elements, there exist two or at most three shield contact elements that are closer to this signal contact element than any signal contact element of the plurality of signal contact elements. The signal contact elements are arranged along a first curve extending in the connector face of the connector module and the shield contact elements are arranged along a second curve extending in the connector face of the connector module, the first curve and the second curve being parallel curves having a predefined normal distance. Viewed along the course of the parallel curves, the signal contact elements and the shield contact elements are arranged alternatingly.