PCB Plug Connector Shielding With Elastic Lateral Ground Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printed circuit board plug connectors face challenges in manufacturing and assembly due to complex outer conductor attachments, particularly in high-frequency technology, which complicates mass production and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A printed circuit board plug connector design featuring a conductive outer housing, an insulating contact carrier, and an outer conductor connection element with elastic lateral contacts, allowing for a simple and reliable attachment to the electrical printed circuit board, utilizing a one-piece component that facilitates easy assembly and electromagnetic shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate elastic connection element with pin-shaped earth contact is used to attach the outer conductor to the PCB, then reliable electromagnetic shielding is achieved, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the outer conductor connection element with the contact carrier into a single integrated component. The connection element is formed as one piece with the contact carrier, eliminating the need for separate elastic connection elements and pin-shaped earth contacts. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies both manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining reliable electromagnetic shielding through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connection element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the contact carrier, establishes electrical connection to the PCB ground, and ensures electromagnetic shielding. By combining these functions into a single component, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate parts while achieving the same or better performance.
2Reliability
If complex outer conductor attachments are used to ensure reliable earth connection, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but economic manufacturability in mass production deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is manufactured as a single integrated piece with the contact carrier, reducing the total component count and simplifying assembly operations. This integration is particularly beneficial for mass production as it reduces the number of assembly steps, lowers labor costs, and improves manufacturing efficiency while maintaining reliable earth connection through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the connection element to achieve both reliability and manufacturability. The L-shaped configuration with specific leg lengths and the integrated design allow for simplified manufacturing processes while ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connection to the PCB ground, making the component suitable for high-volume production.
3Device complexity
If simple attachment methods are used for the outer conductor, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the ability to compensate for tolerances and vibrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element incorporates elastic properties that allow it to dynamically adapt to manufacturing tolerances and vibrations. The material selection and geometric design provide flexibility that enables the component to compensate for dimensional variations and mechanical stresses while maintaining reliable electrical connection, all within a simple integrated structure.
4Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for outer conductor attachment, then connection reliability is improved, but the number of assembly steps and time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the connection element with the contact carrier into a single component dramatically reduces the number of assembly steps. Instead of assembling multiple separate parts (elastic connection element, pin-shaped earth contact, contact carrier), the integrated design allows for a single assembly operation, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining connection stability through the unified structure.
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 efficient, economical, and vibration-stable outer conductor attachment, compensating for tolerances and vibrations, while ensuring reliable electromagnetic shielding without the need for complex components like wave springs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one second contacting portion, which is elastic in the lateral direction, for making electrical and mechanical contact with an inner lateral surface of the outer housing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a printed circuit board plug connector with a first interface for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical printed circuit board, having an electrically conductive outer housing, an electrically insulating contact carrier for at least one electrical contact element, which contact carrier is accommodated at least in portions in the outer housing, and at least one outer conductor connection element fastened to the contact carrier. For electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical printed circuit board, the outer conductor connection element has at least one first contacting portion arranged in the first interface and at least one second contacting portion, which is elastic in the lateral direction (y), for electrical and mechanical contacting of an inner lateral surface of the outer housing.