PCB Connector Shielding With Identical Elements for Full EMC Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printed circuit board connectors with shielding elements require multiple complementary sheet metal frames, which are costly and impractical for efficient data transmission, especially in digital environments.

Innovation Solution

A cost-effective and space-saving shielding solution using identical, hermaphroditic shielding elements with shield contact receptacles and elements, designed for all-around coverage, featuring a formed area connecting two side elements and fastening features for easy assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple complementary sheet metal frames are used for shielding, then electromagnetic shielding coverage is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidnumber of shielding components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding is divided into two identical L-shaped shielding elements instead of using multiple complementary sheet metal frames. Each L-shaped element covers a quadrant of the connector, and together they form complete circumferential shielding. This segmentation into identical modular units simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining full shielding coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding elements are designed to be universal and identical for all four quadrants of the connector. The same L-shaped shielding element design can be used repeatedly across different positions, eliminating the need for multiple different complementary frames. This universality reduces part numbers, simplifies inventory, and lowers manufacturing complexity.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple complementary sheet metal frames are used for shielding, then electromagnetic shielding coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding is divided into two identical L-shaped shielding elements instead of using multiple complementary sheet metal frames. Each L-shaped element covers a quadrant of the connector, and together they form complete circumferential shielding. This segmentation into identical modular units simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining full shielding coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs identical shielding element designs that can be mass-produced using the same manufacturing processes and materials. This standardization allows for economies of scale in production, reducing per-unit costs compared to custom-complementary frames that would require different manufacturing setups and higher tooling costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If outer contact elements are connected to protective conductor for shielding, then electromagnetic shielding is achieved, but data transmission capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoiddata transmission rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding is divided into two identical L-shaped shielding elements instead of using multiple complementary sheet metal frames. Each L-shaped element covers a quadrant of the connector, and together they form complete circumferential shielding. This segmentation into identical modular units simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining full shielding coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The L-shaped shielding elements act as intermediary structures that provide electromagnetic shielding without interfering with the contact elements. The shielding elements are positioned around the contact elements rather than using the contact elements themselves for shielding, allowing both data transmission and electromagnetic protection to function simultaneously without conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient, all-around shielding of printed circuit board connectors, improving electromagnetic compatibility and data transmission rates while minimizing material and space usage.

Implementation Method 1

The shielding according to the invention is made of an electrically conductive material... A shielding element can significantly improve electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), thereby stabilizing and/or increasing the data transmission rate.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP4302366B1Electromagnetic shielding for a printed circuit board connector
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 HARTING ELECTRIC STIFTUNG & CO KG
  • EP4302366B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4302366B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4302366B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to shielding (1) consisting of an electrically conductive material for use in a printed circuit board connector (10), wherein the shielding is formed of at least two shield elements (2) which each have at least two shield contact receptacles (6), at least two shield contact elements (7) and at least one fastening structure (5) for connection to a housing (11) of the printed circuit board connector (10), and at least one printed circuit board contact (4) for establishing an electrical connection to the printed circuit board (9) to be contacted, and wherein the shield elements (2) each have at least a first side element (20) and a second side element (21) which are interconnected by at least one intersection region (3).