Multi-Finger Grounding Bar for High-Speed Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with single-point grounding contacts fail to meet high-speed transmission requirements due to inadequate contact points between the grounding bar and grounding contacts.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly features a plug connector and receptacle connector with a grounding bar that includes multiple fingers and tangs to establish multiple contact points with corresponding grounding contacts, enhancing mechanical and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-point contact between grounding bar and grounding contact is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the grounding effectiveness and impedance consistency deteriorate for high-speed transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding bar is segmented into multiple contact points including first fingers, second fingers, third fingers, first tangs, and second tangs that contact different positions of the grounding contacts. This segmentation transforms a single-point contact into a multi-point contact system, improving grounding effectiveness and impedance consistency without significantly increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding bar extends in multiple dimensions to create contact points at different positions along the grounding contacts. The fingers and tangs are positioned at different locations (first position, second position, third position) to establish multi-dimensional contact, enhancing grounding performance while maintaining a compact structure
2Reliability
If multiple contact points are established between grounding bar and grounding contacts, then grounding effectiveness and impedance consistency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple grounding functions are merged into a single grounding bar structure that integrates first fingers, second fingers, third fingers, first tangs, and second tangs. This consolidation achieves multi-point contact and improved impedance consistency while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate grounding components
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding bar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, establishes electrical contact at multiple positions, ensures impedance consistency, and anchors the signal contacts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving reliable grounding
3Strength
If multiple fingers and tangs are used in the grounding bar, then the mechanical connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding bar is segmented into functional sections (fingers and tangs) that can be formed through sequential stamping or molding operations. Each segment serves a specific contact function, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes that maintain strength while controlling production complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding bar utilizes elastic deformation parameters to create flexible fingers and tangs that can deflect during assembly. This elasticity allows for simpler manufacturing without precision welding or complex joining, as the segments can be formed and assembled through controlled bending and spring-back mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes a plug connector and a receptacle connector each equipped with a grounding bar. The plug connector includes an insulative plug housing with a mating tongue, and a plurality of stationary plug contacts retained in the plug housing. The plug contacts include a plurality of signal contacts and a plurality of grounding contacts. The grounding bar forms a set of first fingers, a set of second fingers and a set pf third fingers respectively located at different positions, to respectively contact the different three positions of the respective grounding contacts.