Keyed Connector Structure for EMC Shielding and Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art connectors face challenges in visibility for keying determination and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance due to the use of a resin material in the mating portion, which increases the distance between the enclosure and the shield, compromising EMC performance.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an electrically conductive base body with a removable keying member made of resin, allowing for improved visibility through color recognition and a shorter electrical connection between the enclosure and shield, achieved by positioning the keying member within the connector mating portion and using conductive tabs for direct connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connector mating portion is made of resin material to improve visibility for keying determination, then the visibility is improved, but the distance between the enclosure and shield increases, worsening the EMC performance
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two distinct parts: a resin outer wall portion that provides visibility and a metal inner wall portion that ensures electrical connection. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other - the resin outer wall can be colored for keying determination while the metal inner wall maintains short electrical connection distance to the enclosure for EMC performance
Solution Approach 2:
The connector mating portion uses a composite structure combining resin and metal materials. The outer wall is made of resin material (can be colored) while the inner wall is made of metal material (electrically conductive). This composite approach allows the connector to simultaneously achieve visibility improvement through colored resin and EMC performance through conductive metal, resolving the technical contradiction between these two requirements
2Ease of manufacture
If the connector mating portion is made of resin material to improve visibility, then the visibility is improved, but the electrical connection distance increases, worsening the shielding effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two distinct parts: a resin outer wall portion that provides visibility and a metal inner wall portion that ensures electrical connection. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other - the resin outer wall can be colored for keying determination while the metal inner wall maintains short electrical connection distance to the enclosure for EMC performance
Solution Approach 2:
The connector mating portion uses a composite structure combining resin and metal materials. The outer wall is made of resin material (can be colored) while the inner wall is made of metal material (electrically conductive). This composite approach allows the connector to simultaneously achieve visibility improvement through colored resin and EMC performance through conductive metal, resolving the technical contradiction between these two requirements
3Ease of manufacture
If a colored resin member is added to improve visibility, then the visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the visibility function and the structural function into a single integrated outer wall component. The colored resin outer wall serves both as the visible identification element and as part of the connector's structural body, eliminating the need for separate visibility-enhancing components and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The resin outer wall is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as part of the connector body, enables visibility for keying determination through coloring, and works in conjunction with the metal inner wall to maintain proper electrical connection characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes an electrically conductive base body and a keying member. The electrically conductive base body defines a mating opening and a connector mating portion adapted to receive a mating connector inserted through the mating opening. The keying member is removably inserted into the connector mating portion. The keying member is adapted to permit a correspondingly shaped mating connector to be inserted into the connector mating portion.