Interlaced Ground Strap for Multi-Cable EMI Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for grounding electrically conductive members, such as shielded cables and wires, are laborious, costly, and prone to degradation due to soldering requirements and vibrations, posing risks to operators and compromising the integrity of the connections over time.

Innovation Solution

A ground strap formed from interlaced electrically conductive filaments is used to establish a common grounded potential among multiple conductive members, which is easier to apply and maintain, reducing labor and costs, and includes heat-set filaments to ensure secure overlapping ends and elongate fixation members for secure attachment to a ground source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If soldering is used to ground individual conductive members, then effective grounding connection is achieved, but labor time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding connection integrityVSAvoidlabor time for grounding
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual grounding operations are merged into a single grounding operation by using one ground strap that simultaneously contacts multiple conductive members through its width, eliminating the need for separate soldering of each member

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ground strap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides grounding for multiple conductive members, acts as a shield against electromagnetic interference, and creates equipotential bonding all in one component

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

2Reliability

If soldering is used to ground individual conductive members, then effective grounding connection is achieved, but operational safety deteriorates due to heat exposure risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding connection integrityVSAvoidheat exposure risk to operator
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal/chemical soldering process is replaced with a mechanical attachment system using clamps or compression connectors that secure the ground strap to conductive members without requiring heat application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses sacrificial bonding elements or temporary mechanical fasteners that can be easily applied and removed without damaging the conductive members, replacing permanent solder joints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If soldering is used to ground individual conductive members, then effective grounding connection is achieved, but device reliability deteriorates over time due to vibration and impact effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial grounding connectionVSAvoidgrounding connection durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding system uses flexible ground straps that can dynamically accommodate vibrations and movements while maintaining electrical contact, rather than rigid solder joints that are susceptible to fatigue failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates vibration isolation elements and compliant mounting features that cushion against anticipated vibrations and impacts before they can damage the grounding connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If individual ground members are soldered to each conductive member, then effective grounding is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of grounding components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate grounding components (individual ground wires, solder joints, and connectors for each conductive member) are merged into a single integrated ground strap assembly that grounds all members simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ground strap is designed as a universal grounding solution that can accommodate multiple different conductive members with varying sizes and shapes through its width and flexible construction

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

Data Source

PatentEP3555965B1Ground strap and method of grounding a plurality of electrically conductive members therewith
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 FEDERAL MOGUL POWERTRAIN INC
  • EP3555965B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3555965B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E
  • EP3555965B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3A

AI summary

A ground strap (10) for grounding electrical cables (12) for protection against at least one of EMI, RFI or ESD and method of construction thereof is provided. The ground strap (10) has a wall (14) with opposite edges (20, 22) extending along a lengthwise direction between opposite ends (16, 18). The wall (14) is formed from a plurality of interlaced filaments, with at least some of the plurality of interlaced filaments including a plurality of electrically conductive filaments interlaced in electrical communication with one another.