PCB Connector Assembly With Elastic Shield Contacting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printed circuit board connectors face challenges in manufacturing and assembly complexity, particularly for outer conductor connections, which are crucial for reliable electromagnetic shielding, especially in high-frequency applications.

Innovation Solution

A printed circuit board connector design featuring a conductive outer housing, an insulating contact carrier, and a one-piece outer conductor connecting element with elastic sections for easy assembly, allowing direct connections to the circuit board and housing, simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate elastic connecting elements are used for outer conductor connections, then reliable electromagnetic shielding is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the outer conductor connecting element directly into the contact carrier, merging previously separate components (elastic connecting element and ground contact) into a single integrated structure. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining reliable electromagnetic shielding through the integrated elastic contact sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact carrier is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds the signal contacts and simultaneously provides the outer conductor connection through integrated elastic connecting sections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate elastic connecting elements, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring reliable shielding.

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

2Reliability

If complex outer conductor connections are used, then reliable electromagnetic shielding is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the outer conductor connecting element with the contact carrier into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the total part count and simplifies manufacturing processes. This integration maintains reliable electromagnetic shielding while lowering manufacturing costs through reduced material usage and simplified production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs elastic sections with specific lateral elasticity to achieve reliable outer conductor connections. By optimizing the elastic properties and geometric parameters of these integrated sections, the design achieves effective electromagnetic shielding with simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing compared to traditional complex rigid connection structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid outer conductor connections are used, then structural stability is achieved, but tolerance compensation and vibration resistance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidvibration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates elastic sections within the integrated contact carrier that provide lateral elasticity. These dynamic elements allow the structure to adapt to tolerances and absorb vibrations, maintaining reliable outer conductor connections under varying mechanical conditions while preserving overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By designing the integrated outer conductor connecting element with specific elastic properties, the patent enables the structure to dynamically adjust to mechanical tolerances and vibrations. The elastic parameters are optimized to provide both structural stability and vibration resistance, overcoming the limitations of purely rigid connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables reliable, cost-effective, and vibration-stable outer conductor connections, reducing complexity and enhancing electromagnetic shielding, while compensating for tolerances and vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one second contacting section (14) which is elastic in the lateral direction for electrical and mechanical contact with an inner surface (15) of the outer housing (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4636960A1Circuit board connector, circuit board assembly and method for assembling a circuit board connector
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4636960A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4636960A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4636960A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a printed circuit board connector (1) with a first interface (2) for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical circuit board (3), comprising an electrically conductive outer housing (10), an electrically insulating contact carrier (8) for at least one electrical contact element (5), which is accommodated at least in sections in the outer housing (10), and at least one outer conductor connecting element (7) fastened to the contact carrier (8). For electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical circuit board (3), the outer conductor connecting element (7) has at least one first contacting section (6) arranged in the first interface (2), as well as at least one second contacting section (14) which is elastic in the lateral direction (y) and which is used for electrical and mechanical contacting of an inner circumferential surface (15) of the outer housing (10).