Hinged EMI Shielding Member for Dual-Side Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EMI shielding and electrical grounding solutions often require separate members for each side of a substrate, which can be cumbersome and may disrupt the operation of electronic devices when adjusted, especially in applications like blade servers where servers need to be slid in and out.
Innovation Solution
The development of EMI shielding/electrical grounding members with hingedly connected sides and resiliently flexible finger elements that can compress independently on both sides of a substrate, allowing for secure electrical grounding without requiring separate members for each side, and featuring a u-shaped channel and D-shaped lance features for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate grounding members are used for each side of a substrate, then reliable electrical grounding is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate grounding members into a single dual-sided grounding member that can simultaneously provide electrical grounding on both sides of a substrate. This single member includes first and second contact faces on opposite sides, each capable of independent electrical contact, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining reliable grounding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding member is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it can ground both sides of a substrate simultaneously while allowing independent operation of each contact face. The member functions as both a structural support element and an electrical grounding path, reducing the need for separate components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid grounding members are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different positions and continuous grounding during server movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates resiliently flexible finger elements that can dynamically adjust their position and compression state. These finger elements are biased outward by resilient forces and can be compressed inward when contacted by conductive surfaces, allowing the grounding member to adapt to different positions while maintaining continuous electrical contact during server insertion and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding member utilizes changes in physical parameters, specifically the compression and expansion of resiliently flexible finger elements. When a server is inserted, the finger elements compress inward; when removed, they return to their outward biased state. This parameter change allows continuous grounding adaptation without compromising structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If resiliently flexible finger elements are used, then adaptability and continuous grounding during movement are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact faces are segmented into multiple resiliently flexible finger elements rather than being continuous rigid surfaces. This segmentation allows each finger element to independently deflect and maintain contact, reducing the precision requirements for overall alignment while ensuring continuous grounding through multiple discrete contact points.
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
Enables effective electrical grounding between a substrate and adjacent conductive surfaces on both sides using a single member, ensuring continuous grounding even when servers are slid in and out, and preventing electrical shorts or reduced EMI shielding.
Implementation Method 1
first and second resiliently flexible finger elements are defined by the slots along respective first and second sides of the EMI shielding/electrical grounding member such that the first and second resiliently flexible finger elements are relatively independently operable and freely compressible upon contact with the respective first and second electrically-conductive surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are provided of EMI shielding/electrical grounding members configured to be installed to a substrate for interposition between electrically-conductive surfaces, for establishing electrical grounding contact from the substrate to the electrically-conductive surfaces. In one exemplary embodiment, an EMI shielding/electrical grounding member generally includes first and second generally opposing sides hingedly connected and having respective first and second contact faces configured such that the first and second contact faces are each relatively independently operable and freely compressible upon contact with the respective first and second electrically-conductive surfaces, regardless of whether the other of said first and second contact faces is in contact with the corresponding first or second electrically-conductive surface.