Integrated Molded Connecting Element for Data Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting elements for data lines in high-speed applications are costly and unreliable, as they require standalone repeater apparatuses for signal amplification and equalization, which are not efficiently integrated with data cables.

Innovation Solution

A connecting element made of molded material with recesses and a plate section, designed to securely receive and guide data lines, providing improved electrical connections and electromagnetic shielding, allowing for integration within the cable without increasing its diameter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standalone repeater apparatuses are used for signal amplification, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the repeater apparatus with the connecting element by integrating the housing of the connecting element to form the housing of the repeater apparatus. The data lines are connected directly to the repeater apparatus through integrated conductors within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate standalone repeater boxes and external cable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If molded material is used for the connecting element, then manufacturing precision and integration are improved, but ease of manufacture may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration precisionVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element and repeater apparatus are manufactured as a single integrated molded component. The housing of the connecting element forms part of the housing of the repeater apparatus, and the plate section is integrated into the molded structure, allowing both functions to be produced in one manufacturing process rather than assembled from separate parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses molded material (such as plastic or polymer) to create the connecting element housing and structural components. This molded material integrates mechanical support, electrical insulation, and structural housing functions into a single material system, enabling precise integration of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If recesses are added to guide data lines, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses are integrated directly into the molded structure of the connecting element. The plate section with its recesses is formed as part of the molded housing, combining the structural support function with the wire guidance and electrical connection function in a single integrated component rather than separate mechanical guides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If the connecting element is integrated within the cable, then cable structure is simplified, but the connecting element size is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable structureVSAvoidconnecting element volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is nested within the cable structure. The housing of the connecting element is integrated into the cable housing, and the plate section with conductors is positioned within the cable cross-section. The recesses are arranged to accommodate data lines that pass through the cable, allowing the connecting element to function within the constrained cable volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The solution enhances the reliability and cost-effectiveness of data line connections by improving signal transmission rates and maintaining electromagnetic shielding, while maintaining the cable's basic structure and size.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting element is made of molded material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolded material formation:

Implementation Method 2

The recesses improve the guiding of the data lines and improve a fixing of the data lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical guiding:

Implementation Method 3

the wires of the data lines are arranged in the recesses and electrically connected with the conductors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 4

the element is covered by an electromagnetic shielding, whereby the shielding is connected with a further electromagnetic shielding of the cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS8814593B2Connecting element for data lines
Publication Date: 2014.08.26 TYCO ELECTRONICS BELGIUM EC
  • US8814593B2 patent drawing
  • US8814593B2 patent drawing
  • US8814593B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Connecting element for data lines with a body with a receiving section with recesses for receiving wires of the data lines, whereby electrical conductors are disposed on the body, whereby the conductors are guided from the recesses to a contact area, whereby the electronic circuit is connected with the conductors, whereby the element is made of molded material.