PCB Connector Outer Conductor Segmentation for Compact Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printed circuit board connectors require a large installation space, which is inefficient for compact applications.
Innovation Solution
A printed circuit board connector design featuring an outer conductor with a sleeve section and a wing section, where the sleeve section is predominantly closed and the wing section is partially open, allowing for resilient movement and reduced size, combined with an insulator that includes double latching wings and a closure section for enhanced shielding and interference immunity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional connectors are used with complete shielding and standard insulation structures, then electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but installation volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer conductor is segmented into a sleeve section and a wing section, with the wing section being partially open in the circumferential direction. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain necessary shielding functionality while reducing material usage and installation volume by eliminating complete circumferential shielding where it is not critical for signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding structure transitions from uniform complete shielding to localized selective shielding. The sleeve section maintains predominant closure for EMI protection, while the wing section is partially open to reduce volume. This local quality differentiation optimizes the balance between electromagnetic interference protection and compact size by applying shielding only where necessary.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer conductor is completely closed in the circumferential direction, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer conductor is divided into functionally distinct sleeve and wing sections with different closure characteristics. The sleeve section provides predominant closure for EMI shielding, while the wing section is partially open, simplifying the overall structure by eliminating the need for complete circumferential closure throughout the entire connector length.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the outer conductor have different closure qualities - the sleeve section is predominantly closed for shielding effectiveness, while the wing section is partially open for simplified manufacturing and reduced complexity. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between shielding effectiveness and structural simplicity.
3Volume of stationary object
If resilient wing sections are implemented for compact installation, then installation volume is reduced, but locking reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The wing section is designed with resilient properties allowing it to flex and adapt during insertion, enabling compact installation. The dynamic nature of the resilient wing section allows it to deform during the locking process and then maintain a stable locked position, ensuring reliability despite the reduced structural rigidity from the partial opening.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the outer conductor into a rigid sleeve section and a resilient wing section, the design allows the wing section to provide flexible locking action for reliable connection while the sleeve section maintains structural integrity. This segmentation enables both compact installation through resilience and reliable locking through the interplay of rigid and flexible sections.
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 achieves a compact form factor while maintaining high data transmission rates at low signal levels, reducing the need for additional shielding and preventing the connector from being pulled out or rotated, thus requiring less installation volume.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeve section and the wing section are spaced apart from one another in a partial peripheral region by an intermediate space or slot or gap, as a result of which the two outer conductor wings have resilient properties.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A printed circuit board connector (1) comprises an outer conductor (2), an insulator (3), and an inner conductor assembly (4) with at least one contact pin (5). The outer conductor (2) is divided into at least one sleeve section (2a) and a wing section (2b), which are connected to each other via a connecting section (7). The sleeve section (2a) extends along a first partial length (T1) of the outer conductor (2) and has a first wall (8a) that is predominantly closed in the circumferential direction and that encloses a receiving space (9) in which a portion of the insulator (3) is arranged. The wing section (2b) extends along a second partial length (T2) of the outer conductor (2) and has a second wall (8b) that is at least partially open in the circumferential direction, the second wall (8b) being divided by the opening (10) into a first outer conductor wing (11a) and an opposing second outer conductor wing (11b).The sleeve section (2a) and the wing section (2b) are spaced apart by a gap (12), giving the outer conductor wings (11a, 11b) spring properties.