Integrated Grounding Member Structure for Compact Shielded Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in maintaining electrical connection reliability while preventing size increase due to stress concentration in grounding members with multiple elastically deformable parts, which can lead to plastic deformation and reliability degradation.
Innovation Solution
A grounding member with a planar-shaped main body and a single elastically deformable contact portion that concentrates stress at a single location, eliminating the need for increased thickness and size, and is held by an engagement portion in the shield member to maintain reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If two elastically deformable parts (leaf spring and contact spring) are arranged in the planar-shaped main body of the grounding member, then the grounding member can withstand stress concentrations, but the size and thickness of the main body must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the leaf spring and contact spring into a single integrated elastically deformable part formed from one piece of conductive material. This consolidation eliminates the need for a thicker main body to accommodate multiple separate springs, as the integrated structure distributes stress more efficiently throughout its geometry without requiring increased thickness or volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The single elastically deformable part is designed with multiple deformation regions that can independently deflect to accommodate the grounding object and contact the shield member. This segmentation of functional regions within a unified structure allows the part to handle multiple stress points without requiring the main body itself to be thicker or larger.
2Reliability
If the grounding member is increased in size to withstand stress concentrations, then electrical connection reliability can be maintained, but the size of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple elastically deformable functions into a single integrated part, the patent maintains reliable electrical connection through the continuous conductive material while avoiding the need to increase the overall size of the grounding member and connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the single elastically deformable part, specifically its planar shape and thickness distribution, to optimize stress distribution. The part is designed with varying thickness regions that provide both flexibility for elastic deformation and sufficient strength for reliable electrical connection without uniform thickness increase.
3Reliability
If multiple elastically deformable parts are arranged in the main body, then grounding functionality is improved, but plastic deformation may occur in the main body due to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple elastically deformable functions into a single part eliminates stress concentration at the interfaces between separate components. The unified structure allows stress to be distributed continuously throughout the material, preventing the localized stress concentrations that lead to plastic deformation and structural instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the single elastically deformable part, including its planar configuration and thickness variations, to ensure that stress remains within elastic limits during normal operation. The design allows controlled elastic deformation in specific regions while maintaining overall structural stability and preventing plastic deformation of the main body.
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
This configuration allows for stable electrical connection reliability without increasing the connector's size, as stress is concentrated at a single point in the main body, and the grounding member is securely held by the shield member, preventing separation and ensuring reliable grounding.
Implementation Method 1
a contact portion (53) formed of a single member continuous with the main body (51) in an elastically deformable manner and configured to contact a grounding object
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes: a shield member; a housing to which the shield member is assembled; and a grounding member configured to ground the shield member. The grounding member includes: a main body having a planar shape; and a contact portion formed of a single member continuous with the main body in an elastically deformable manner and configured to contact a grounding object. The shield member includes an engagement portion configured to engage with the main body and hold the grounding member in the shield member.