Modular Electrical Connector for High-Speed Signal Data Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors struggle to handle increasing signal data rates, such as Gigabit Ethernet and 10GbE, while maintaining power connections, often requiring additional components that increase weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design of an electrical connector with a modular signal module that is separably mounted to the connector housing, allowing for interchangeable signal modules to handle high-speed signal data rates without adding extra components, and incorporating an electrically conductive shield to protect against electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing connectors are used to provide power connections, then power transmission is adequate, but signal data rates cannot handle increased speeds such as Gigabit Ethernet and 10GbE
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional modules: a housing module that provides power connections and a plug module that provides signal connections. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently - the housing module for power transmission and the plug module for high-speed signal transmission, resolving the contradiction between maintaining power connection reliability and achieving high signal data rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system achieves multi-functionality by combining power transmission and high-speed signal transmission capabilities in a unified system. The housing module with power contacts and the plug module with signal contacts work together to provide both power and high-speed data connectivity, eliminating the need for separate connectors and enabling the system to handle both functions simultaneously.
2Speed
If a separate second connector is added to handle higher speed signal connections, then signal data rate capability is improved, but weight and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges power connection functionality and high-speed signal connection functionality into a single integrated connector assembly. The housing module containing power contacts and the plug module containing signal contacts are combined into one unified structure that mates with a corresponding socket assembly, eliminating the need for separate connectors and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified connector system performs multiple functions simultaneously - both power transmission and high-speed signal transmission - within a single connector assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate connectors, thereby reducing the total number of components and the overall weight of the system.
3Speed
If a separate second connector is added to handle higher speed signal connections, then signal data rate capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into modular components - a housing module with power contacts and a plug module with signal contacts - that can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall system complexity by allowing each module to be optimized and tested separately before integration, making the complex multi-functional connector more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging power connection and signal connection functionalities into a single integrated connector assembly, the invention reduces device complexity compared to using separate connectors. The unified structure with standardized mating interfaces simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces the number of connection points and potential failure modes.
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 solution enables the electrical connector to efficiently manage high-speed signal data rates while maintaining power connections within a single, lightweight, and compact system, reducing the need for additional components and enhancing signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating an electrically conductive shield to protect against electromagnetic interference
Implementation Method 2
The signal contacts electrically connect to corresponding signal contacts or signal conductors of the electrical components to provide a signal path between the components
Implementation Method 3
the power contacts electrically connect to corresponding power contacts or power conductors of the electrical components to provide an electrical power path between the components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An electrical connector (10) includes a connector housing (12) having at least one contact cavity (18) and an interchange port (36). A power contact (14) is held by the connector housing (12) within the contact cavity (18). The power contact (14) is configured to conduct electrical power. An interchangeable signal module (16) is separably mounted to the connector housing (12) such that at least a portion of the signal module (16) is held within the interchange port (36) of the connector housing (12). The signal module (16) includes an insulator (40) holding a signal contact that is configured to conduct electrical data signals.