Molded Electrical Connector With Conductive Plastic Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require multiple components for direct cable connection, leading to inefficiencies and potential signal interference.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a unitary insulative housing with exposed terminals and a conductive plastic member molded within the cavity, directly contacting ground terminals, enhancing signal integrity and reducing the need for multiple connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple connectors are used for direct cable connection, then electrical connections can be established, but device complexity increases and signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector functions into a single integrated electrical connector assembly. The housing integrates signal terminal rows, ground terminal rows, and cable connection features into one unified structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors and improving signal integrity through reduced interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector performs multiple functions within a single device: it provides signal transmission through signal terminals, ground connection through ground terminals, cable attachment through the cavity structure, and shielding through the conductive plastic member. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed.
2Reliability
If conventional terminal arrangement is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but signal integrity and electrical performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal structure is segmented into distinct signal terminal rows and ground terminal rows with specific exposure patterns. The signal terminals expose to one surface while ground terminals expose to the cavity, allowing optimized electrical performance for each terminal type while maintaining manufacturability through systematic arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the housing have different terminal exposure characteristics: signal terminals are positioned to expose to external surfaces for connection, while ground terminals are positioned to expose to the cavity for internal grounding. The conductive plastic member is selectively placed in specific cavity regions to provide shielding where needed, optimizing electrical performance locally.
3Reliability
If taller connector structure is used, then adequate shielding and grounding can be provided, but mating height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive plastic member is nested within the housing cavity, and the ground terminals are nested within the housing structure. This nested arrangement provides effective shielding and grounding within a compact height, as the shielding elements are contained within the existing housing volume rather than extending outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding and shielding functions are achieved by utilizing the cavity dimension rather than increasing the external height. The conductive plastic member is positioned within the cavity space to provide shielding, and ground terminals are arranged within the housing to provide grounding paths, effectively using internal volume to achieve shielding without increasing mating height.
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 design improves signal integrity and reduces mating height while maintaining effective electrical connections through the use of conductive plastic, providing a more efficient and compact connector solution.
Implementation Method 1
a member made from conductive plastic and/or liquid metal ink or conductive ink molded in the cavity to be in contact with the plurality of ground terminals
Implementation Method 2
molding two rows of terminals with an insulative housing while exposing the two rows of terminals to a tongue of the insulative housing and at least some of the two rows of terminals to a cavity of the insulative housing; and molding a conductive plastic member in the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: a unitary insulative housing having a tongue and a cavity; two rows of terminals molded in the insulative housing while exposing to two opposite surfaces of the tongue, respectively, each row of terminals including plural signal terminals and plural ground terminals, the ground terminals being exposed to the cavity; and a conductive plastic member molded in the cavity to be in contact with the ground terminals.