Optical Connector Shield Cover for Noise Leakage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical connectors in high data transfer rate applications face deteriorated shielding performance due to slits formed for plate spring portions and terminal contact prevention gaps, which compromise noise shielding.

Innovation Solution

A shield cover is introduced to cover gaps in the shield case, including slits and locking slits, and is fixed to the circuit board with compliant pins, enhancing shielding performance without altering the housing or shield case, and an extension portion covers the gap between the shield case and circuit board to prevent noise leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a plate spring portion is formed on the shield case by cutting and raising, then the electronic component can be held, but a slit is formed around the plate spring portion which deteriorates shielding performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding of electronic componentVSAvoidshielding performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shield cover is introduced as an intermediary component to cover the slits and gaps in the shield case. The shield cover is fixed to the circuit board and overlaps with the shield case to prevent noise from leaking through the slits created by the plate spring portion, thus maintaining shielding performance while allowing the plate spring to hold the electronic component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a terminal contact prevention gap is provided between the circuit board and the shield case, then terminal contact can be avoided, but shielding performance is further deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal contact preventionVSAvoidshielding performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shield cover acts as a mediator that covers both the terminal contact prevention gap and the slits in the shield case. By extending over these gaps, the shield cover maintains the necessary clearance to prevent terminal contact while simultaneously preventing noise leakage, thus resolving the shielding performance deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the shield case is fixed to the circuit board with slits and gaps, then manufacturing is simplified, but noise leakage occurs reducing shielding effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshield case fabricationVSAvoidnoise leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shield cover serves as an additional intermediary layer that seals the gaps and slits in the shield case without requiring modification to the manufacturing process of the shield case itself. This maintains the ease of manufacture while effectively preventing noise leakage through the previously problematic gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3745176B1Optical connector

Publication Date: 2023.06.14 YAZAKI CORP

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AI summary

An optical connector includes a housing provided on a circuit board, a FOT housed in the housing and having a terminal electrically connected to the circuit board, a shield case covering the housing and fixed to the circuit board, and a shield cover covering at least a slit for cutting and raising formed in the shield case and fixed to the circuit board.