Shield Connection Element for PCBs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for connecting shielded lines to printed circuit boards are complex, expensive, and face challenges with tolerance issues and space constraints, making them difficult to assemble and adapt to various applications.

Innovation Solution

A shield connection element with a central flat soldering section and adjacent crimp sections, allowing for a 360° connection of the cable shield, enabling easy assembly and universal compatibility with different printed circuit boards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If shielded lines are connected directly to printed circuit board using existing solutions, then electromagnetic shielding is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shield contact function and signal conductor connection into a single integrated contact part. The contact part includes a shield contact section for contacting the cable shield and a signal contact section for contacting signal conductors, eliminating the need for separate connectors and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining electromagnetic shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact part is designed with universal applicability to connect to different types of printed circuit boards through various mounting methods (soldering, clipping, pressing). The flat mounting surface can be adapted to different board types, and the contact part can accommodate different cable configurations, making it a multi-functional solution that reduces the need for multiple specialized connectors.

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

2Reliability

If existing connector solutions are used for shield connection, then shielding is achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshield connectionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (shield contact, signal contact, mechanical connection, electrical connection) into a single contact part that can be directly attached to the printed circuit board. This eliminates the need for separate housing, shield contact, and contact carrier components, significantly reducing production cost while maintaining reliable shield connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact part is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The flat mounting surface and straightforward attachment methods (soldering, clipping, or pressing) enable cost-effective production and assembly, making it suitable for mass production applications where cost efficiency is critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If cable shield is connected directly to printed circuit board, then shielding is achieved, but assembly becomes difficult due to space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshield contactVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The contact part is pre-configured with the shield contact section and signal contact section in fixed spatial relationships. The cable can be unraveled and positioned beforehand, allowing the shield to be attached to the shield contact section before final assembly to the printed circuit board. This preliminary preparation simplifies the assembly process by eliminating complex sequential connection steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The contact part extends in multiple dimensions with the shield contact section positioned to receive the cable shield from one direction while the signal contact section contacts signal conductors from another direction. This three-dimensional arrangement allows simultaneous or sequential connection of both shield and signal conductors without space constraints, as the contact parts are distributed in different spatial dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If multiple separate connections are made for shield and signal lines, then complete electrical connection is achieved, but tolerance problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidtolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The shield contact section and signal contact section are integrated into a single contact part with fixed relative positions. This ensures that both connections are made simultaneously with consistent tolerance, eliminating the cumulative tolerance errors that would occur with separate connection steps. The single contact part acts as one rigid unit, maintaining precise geometric relationships between all contact points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simple, cost-effective, and reliable method for connecting shielded cables to printed circuit boards, ensuring efficient electromagnetic shielding and preventing damage to the dielectric and board.

Implementation Method 1

a contact part with a central flat soldering section, with which the contact part is soldered directly and electrically contacting to the printed circuit board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Implementation Method 2

two adjacent crimp sections, at least one of which is designed for connection to a cable shield of a cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrimping: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3424107B1Printed circuit board with a shield connection element
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 AMPHENOL TUCHEL ELECTRONICS
  • EP3424107B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3424107B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a shield connection element for a printed circuit board, comprising a contact part with a central flat soldering section for soldering onto a printed circuit board, and two crimping sections adjacent thereto, of which at least one is designed for connection to a cable shield of a cable.