Integrated Shell and Ground Terminal Connector Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector assemblies require a higher number of components and assembly steps due to separate shell-like conductors serving as outer shields and ground terminals acting as inner shields, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly where a one-piece metal component serves as both the shell and ground terminal, with the shell acting as an outer shield and the ground terminal including a shielding portion as an inner shield, formed through bending processing for metal plates, reducing the number of components and assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate shell-like conductor and ground terminal components are used, then electromagnetic shielding performance is maintained, but the number of components and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shell-like conductor and ground terminal into a single integrated component formed from one piece of metal plate. The shell portion forms the outer shield while the ground terminal portions extend from the shell to provide inner shielding, eliminating the need for separate assembly of these components while maintaining both outer and inner shield functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated metal plate component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the shell structure for outer shielding, extends ground terminals for inner shielding, and establishes electrical connections. This multi-functional design reduces component count while maintaining comprehensive electromagnetic shielding capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for shell and ground terminals, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (shell and ground terminals) into a single integrated metal plate component, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. This integration simplifies the supply chain and reduces manufacturing overhead while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing approach from assembling multiple discrete components to forming a single component through bending and shaping operations on metal plate. This parameter change in the manufacturing process reduces the number of steps and lowers overall manufacturing complexity.
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 integration results in a more cost-effective connector assembly with reduced components and assembly steps while maintaining effective electromagnetic shielding between terminals.
Implementation Method 1
a shell serving as an outer shield and a ground terminal including a shielding portion serving as an inner shield are integrally formed in the connector through bending processing for metal plate
Data Source
AI summary
In a connector assembly in which a connector that includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a ground terminal including a shielding portion (plate portion) positioned between the first terminal and the second terminal, and a shell having conductivity and a frame-like shape and a mating connector that includes a first mating terminal and a second mating terminal that are connected with the first terminal and the second terminal respectively, a mating ground terminal including a mating shielding portion (mating plate portion) positioned between the first mating terminal and the second mating terminal, and a mating shell having conductivity and a frame-like shape are fitted to each other, the ground terminal and the shell are integrally formed through bending processing for metal plate. The ground terminal and the mating ground terminal are connected with each other through elastic contact between the shielding portion and the mating shielding portion.