Modular Sub-Connector Shielding for Repairable Connector Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors require replacement of the entire unit when terminals are damaged, leading to higher costs, and lack effective shielding to prevent signal interference between terminals.

Innovation Solution

A sub connector design featuring a detachable sub housing with a shielding shell that encloses a terminal, allowing individual replacement of damaged components and separate shielding for each terminal to prevent interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If all terminals are received in the same shielding shell, then the connector structure is simplified, but signal interference between terminals cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structureVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple independent sub-connector units, each containing its own shielding shell and terminal. This segmentation allows each terminal to be individually shielded while maintaining overall connector functionality, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and interference prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each sub-connector unit is equipped with its own localized shielding shell that specifically protects its terminal. This local quality approach ensures that shielding is applied precisely where needed (at each terminal level) rather than requiring a complex global shielding structure, preventing signal interference while keeping the overall design manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the entire connector is replaced when terminals are damaged, then reliability is restored, but maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector functionalityVSAvoidmaintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed as a modular assembly of independent sub-connector units. When a terminal is damaged, only the specific sub-connector unit needs to be replaced rather than the entire connector. This segmentation enables cost-effective maintenance while ensuring reliability is restored by replacing only the faulty component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular sub-connector design allows damaged units to be discarded and replaced individually, while the functional sub-connectors are retained and recovered for continued use. This approach reduces waste and maintenance costs compared to replacing the entire connector assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP4312316B1Sub connector, connector, and connector assembly
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 TYCO ELECTRONICS (SUZHOU) CO LTD
  • EP4312316B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4312316B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4312316B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a sub connector, a connector, and a connector assembly. The sub connector comprises of: a sub housing (21); a first terminal (22) fixed in the sub housing (21); and a shielding shell (23) fixed to the sub housing (21) and at least partially enclosing the first terminal (22). The sub connector (2) is adapted to be detachably inserted into a mother housing (11) to form a connector (1) with the mother housing (11). The sub connector (2) has a sub connecting end (201) for electrically connecting with an electrical component (3) and a sub mating end (202) for electrically mating with a mating connector. In the present invention, when the terminal in the sub connector is damaged, the sub connector can be replaced separately without the need to replace the entire connector, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the connector.