Network Connector Shielding Member for Automotive EMC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network connectors face challenges with high cross-talk levels and reduced electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) at high data rates, leading to increased manufacturing costs and susceptibility to damage during assembly and mating, particularly in automotive applications where data rates exceed 100 Mbits/s and 1 Gbit/s.

Innovation Solution

An electrical shielding member made from bent and cut sheet metal, which can be crimped or wrapped around a cable end, providing a fully shielded connection with reduced contact points and pre-load force, and featuring multiple contact points for improved conductivity and resistance to damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If shielding members entirely surround the connector housing to provide good shielding performance, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding member is divided into a housing shielding member and a contact beam shielding member as separate segments. The contact beam shielding member is integrated with the contact beam and can be separately manufactured and then assembled to the housing shielding member, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining shielding effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding function is merged with the contact beam structure. The contact beam shielding member is integrated directly with the contact beam, combining the electrical contact function and electromagnetic shielding function into a single component, thereby reducing the number of separate parts and manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple contact points are provided on contact beams to achieve continuous shielding, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but the contact beams become more prone to damage during storage and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous shieldingVSAvoiddamage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The contact beam shielding member is designed as a separate integrated component that can be assembled to the housing shielding member after the contact beam is installed. This segmentation allows the shielding function to be added without compromising the structural integrity of the contact beam during storage and transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If contact beams are made flexible to reduce mating forces, then ease of assembly is improved, but the contact beams become more prone to being knicked off or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemating forceVSAvoiddamage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The contact beam shielding member is designed as a separate integrated component that attaches to the contact beam after assembly. This allows the contact beam itself to maintain optimal structural properties for strength, while the shielding member provides the necessary flexibility and shielding function separately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact beam shielding member is pre-assembled to the contact beam before final installation into the housing. This preliminary assembly allows the shielding member to be properly positioned and secured, reducing the risk of damage during subsequent handling and installation processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If shielding members are crimped to cable and inserted subsequently in connector housing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but rotational displacement of shielding member may occur during mating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidshielding member position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The contact beam shielding member is integrated with the contact beam structure, merging the shielding function with the mechanical contact component. This integration ensures that the shielding member moves with the contact beam as a unified structure, preventing rotational displacement during mating while maintaining ease of assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact beam shielding member is pre-assembled to the contact beam before final installation. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and securing of the shielding member, preventing rotational displacement during subsequent mating operations while maintaining manufacturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3528348B1Electrical shielding member for a network connector

Publication Date: 2021.12.08 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrical shielding member 100 for a network connector 10 comprising a receiving portion 110 for receiving a cable end of a shielded cable 300, and at least one contact beam 120, extending from the receiving portion 110, wherein the contact beam 120 comprises a first contact point 127 for electrically connecting the electrical shielding member 100 to a counter shielding member 600 of a counter network connector, and a coupling portion 125, provided at a distal end 126 of the contact beam, wherein the coupling portion 125 is adapted to be coupled to a corresponding coupling portion 225 of a network connector housing.