PCB Connector Shielding Element Segmentation for Assembly Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printed circuit board (PCB) connectors face challenges with high assembly forces and suboptimal electrical conductance due to the use of spiral springs and open spring rings, which result in inefficient shielding connections and mechanical instability during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A PCB connector design featuring an insulating body with a cylindrical plug-in area divided by slots, a shielding element with inward and outward spring-elastic tabs, and a circumferential step between plug-in and connection areas, allowing for easy assembly and enhanced electrical conductivity between the connector housing and shielding cross.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spiral spring is used to connect the connector housing with the shielding cross, then electrical contact is established, but high assembly forces are required and electrical conductance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding element is segmented into multiple spring-elastic tabs (at least two tabs) that extend from the ring, with each tab making contact with the shielding cross. This segmentation distributes the contact force across multiple points, reducing the overall assembly force required while maintaining reliable electrical conductance.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding element transitions from a one-dimensional spiral spring to a two-dimensional structure with a ring and multiple radially extending tabs. This dimensional change allows simultaneous contact with both the connector housing (via the ring) and the shielding cross (via multiple tabs), improving electrical conductance without requiring high assembly forces.
2Ease of operation
If an open spring ring is used to connect the connector housing with the shielding cross, then assembly is simplified, but the spring ring cants and effective contact area is small
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous spring ring is segmented into discrete tabs that extend radially from the ring. This segmentation prevents the canted positioning issue of continuous rings while maintaining assembly simplicity, and increases the effective contact area with the shielding cross through multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are pre-formed with spring elasticity during manufacturing, allowing them to automatically deflect inward upon assembly to make contact with the shielding cross. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly operations while ensuring reliable electrical contact.
3Reliability
If a circumferential annular groove is created on the round body for spiral spring insertion, then shielding connection is established, but stability is reduced and space for other structural details is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding element uses a ring structure that sits on the peripheral step rather than requiring a circumferential groove within the round body. This dimensional relocation eliminates the groove while maintaining shielding connection stability and preserving space for other structural details on the round body.
4Reliability
If the spring ring is designed to contact both housing and shield cross, then electrical connection is achieved, but contact area is small and conductance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tabs extend from the ring, creating multiple contact points with the shielding cross. This segmentation distributes and expands the total contact area, improving electrical conductance while maintaining a compact structure that does not require high assembly forces.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, easily mountable, and highly conductive shield connection with reduced assembly forces and improved electrical conductance, minimizing mechanical stresses and enhancing high-frequency signal derivation.
Implementation Method 1
on the one hand with spring-elastic tabs 11, 12 that are formed on the ring 13, said tabs 11, 12 being formed of an electrically conductive material, said tabs 11, 12 being elastically deformable
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to the arrangement of an annular shielding element (1), comprising inwardly and outwardly pointing tabs (11, 12), on the insulating body (2) of a printed circuit board connector, for improving the electrical conductivity of both the earth connection between a plug connector housing (4) / device housing and a cruciform shield (31) of the insulating body (2) / a printed circuit board (5) associated therewith. The shielding element (1) can be designed as a stamped and bent part and can be formed from a resilient metal sheet. The invention significantly reduces the amount of force required to plug on the plug connector housing (4). This is very important in particular when constructing electrical devices because, here, printed circuit boards (5) comprise a plurality of mounted insulating bodies (2) which are simultaneously inserted into the plug connector housing (4) of a housing wall (6) of the device housing.