Low-Profile Cable Connector With Integrated Ground Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug/cable connectors for upstanding receptacle connectors lack a low profile design that efficiently integrates differential-pair and grounding contacts while providing effective shielding and mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector design featuring an insulative housing with alternating rows of differential-pair and grounding contacts, where the connecting sections of both rows are at the same level, and metallic grounding brackets with bulged sections and tails that sandwich the braiding layers between the housing and the wires, ensuring mechanical and electrical connections, and a low profile structure that maintains a total height of 11.03 mm above the PCB when mated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional electrical connector designs are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the connector height becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorganizes the connector structure by stacking differential-pair contacts and grounding contacts in alternating rows along the longitudinal direction, with connecting sections positioned at the same level. This dimensional reorganization allows for a lower profile while maintaining all necessary electrical connection paths, reducing connector height without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified structures: the grounding brackets serve both as shielding elements and as mechanical support structures that hold wires in position. The alternating arrangement of differential-pair and grounding contacts merges signal and ground functions in a compact configuration, achieving reliable electrical connection with reduced height.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding structures are added to protect signal wires, then electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding brackets are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electromagnetic shielding by surrounding the signal wires, serve as mechanical support structures to hold wires in position, and establish electrical connection to ground through the grounding contacts. This merging of functions provides EMI protection without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding brackets are universal elements that combine shielding, support, and grounding functions in a single component. This multi-functionality approach protects against electromagnetic interference while avoiding the need for separate shielding structures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If alternating rows of differential-pair and grounding contacts are used, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into alternating rows of differential-pair contacts and grounding contacts, with each row independently positioned on the insulative housing. The connecting sections of both rows are positioned at the same level, allowing for modular assembly and reducing the cumulative precision requirements compared to a fully integrated single-layer design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different regions: the differential-pair contacts have insulation displacement connectors for signal transmission, while the grounding contacts have simplified structures optimized for ground connection. The grounding brackets have localized bulged sections that provide mechanical support only where needed. This local optimization allows efficient space utilization while managing manufacturing precision requirements through functional differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector includes a base and a mating portion extending downwardly from a lower side of the base, and an upper and a lower platform around an upper side of the base. First and second rows of contacts include connecting sections. The connecting sections of the first row are exposed upon the lower platform and the connecting sections of the second row are exposed upon the upper platform. Upper and lower rows of wires are located above the housing. Two grounding brackets are mounted upon the upper and lower platforms. Each bracket includes bulged sections and tails. Inner conductors of the wires are connected to the connecting sections of the differential-pair contacts, the braiding layers of the wires are sandwiched between the bulged sections and the housing in the vertical direction, and the tails are connected to the connecting sections of the grounding contacts.