Network Socket Contact Pin Routing for Crosstalk Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network sockets, particularly those designed for Cat5 standards, face challenges with signal crosstalk at high transmission frequencies, leading to interference and reduced signal quality, which conventional solutions attempt to mitigate using printed circuit boards.

Innovation Solution

A network socket design featuring contact pins divided into subgroups with distinct geometric shapes and orientations, eliminating the need for printed circuit boards by ensuring spatial separation and improved signal routing, thereby reducing crosstalk and enhancing signal transmission efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional network sockets use printed circuit boards for routing electrical signals, then electrical connection quality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the printed circuit board from the network socket structure. Instead of using a PCB to route electrical signals between contact pins, the invention uses direct spatial arrangement and routing of the contact pins themselves to achieve signal transmission, thereby removing the complex PCB component while maintaining electrical connection quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the contact pins and the routing structure. The contact pins are designed to both make electrical contact and simultaneously serve as the routing path for electrical signals, eliminating the need for a separate PCB routing layer. This integration simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliable electrical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If electrical signals are routed through conventional PCB paths, then signal transmission is achieved, but signal crosstalk increases at high frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidsignal crosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the contact pins into different spatial groups or layers, arranging them in a configuration that separates signal paths. This segmentation allows electrical signals to be routed through distinct spatial zones, reducing electromagnetic interference and crosstalk between adjacent signals while maintaining effective signal transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional PCB routing to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement of contact pins. By utilizing vertical and lateral spacing in multiple dimensions, the design creates greater separation between signal paths, reducing crosstalk at high frequencies while maintaining compact overall dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If printed circuit boards are used for signal routing, then electrical connection is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the printed circuit board component entirely from the network socket assembly. The electrical connection function previously performed by the PCB is replaced by a simplified structure using directly arranged contact pins with integrated routing, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact pins are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: making electrical contact, providing mechanical support, and routing electrical signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate PCB routing structures, simplifying manufacturing and reducing overall production costs while ensuring reliable electrical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3223376B1Network jack and method for holding and electrically contacting a network connector
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3223376B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3223376B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3223376B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A network socket (1) has a plug receptacle (3) arranged at one insertion end (E) of the network socket (1) for receiving and electrically connecting a network plug with at least eight electrical pins. The network socket (1) has at least eight contact pins (P1 to P8), each with a contact area (K1 to K8) arranged at one contact end of the respective contact pin (P1 to P8) for electrically connecting one of the at least eight electrical pins of the network plug, and with a connection area (A1 to A8) on one connection side (A) of the network socket (1) for electrically connecting the network socket (1).The contact ends of a first subgroup of contact pins are arranged at an end of the respective contact areas facing away from the insertion end (E) of the network socket (1), and the contact ends of a second subgroup of contact pins are arranged at an end of the respective contact areas facing the insertion end (E) of the network socket (1).