Integral Shielding Shell and Metal Plate in Electrical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof electrical connectors face challenges in enhancing waterproof performance and structural integrity, particularly in the integration of shielding and metal components.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring an insulative housing with upper and lower rows of contacts, a shielding shell that is integrally formed with a metal plate, and an insert molding process to secure terminal modules and a sealing member, ensuring effective sealing and structural cohesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate shielding shell and metal plate are used, then assembly flexibility is improved, but waterproof performance and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shielding shell and metal plate into a single integrally formed component. The shielding shell includes an inner sleeve and outer sleeve that are formed as one piece with the metal plate, eliminating gaps and potential leakage paths between separate components, thereby achieving both waterproof performance and structural integrity
2Ease of manufacture
If separate shielding shell and metal plate are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding shell and metal plate are combined into a single integrally formed structure where the inner sleeve, outer sleeve, and metal plate form one unified component. This integration eliminates weak points at connection interfaces and creates continuous structural support, significantly improving overall structural integrity
3Reliability
If integrally formed shielding shell and metal plate are used, then waterproof performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the shielding shell and metal plate are integrally formed, the overall connector structure is segmented into functional modules: insulative housing with contacts, the integrated shielding assembly, and sealing components. This modular segmentation allows complex waterproof structures to be managed through standardized assembly processes, reducing operational complexity despite enhanced structural integration
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: an insulative housing including a base and a tongue; an upper and lower rows of contacts secured in the insulative housing and exposed to the tongue; a shielding shell enclosing the insulative housing; and a metal plate situated between the upper row of contacts and the lower rows of contacts; wherein the shielding shell is integrally formed with the metal plate. A related method of making such an electrical connector includes the steps of: inserting a first and second terminal modules into a first and second receiving spaces of a shielding shell, respectively, from a rear of the shielding shell; and insert molding the first and second terminal modules with a planar portion of a metal plate integral with the shielding shell.