PCB Shield Connector Loop Design for Reliable Grounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printed circuit board connectors face challenges in maintaining a reliable and highly conductive ground connection over a large mechanical tolerance range between the device housing and the printed circuit board, with previous designs experiencing reduced contact pressure and conductivity due to material deformation over time and high assembly stresses.

Innovation Solution

A printed circuit board connector with a shield connection element featuring a flat deformation section made from spring-elastic sheet metal, which elastically deforms to apply a restoring force for electrical contact with the connector installation housing, ensuring a strong and consistent ground connection across a defined tolerance range without irreversible deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If tabs are used to contact the connector installation housing, then the mechanical tolerance range can be increased, but the contact pressure decreases and material deformation occurs over time reducing electrical conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical tolerance rangeVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the shield connection element by transitioning from tab-like protrusions to a continuous loop configuration with optimized curvature radius. This parameter change allows the element to maintain contact pressure over time while accommodating mechanical tolerances, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The loop configuration with optimized curvature radius enables dynamic adaptation to mechanical tolerances while maintaining continuous contact pressure. The curved geometry allows the shield connection element to flex and conform to variations in positioning without losing electrical conductivity, thus achieving both adaptability and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If high contact force is applied to ensure reliable ground connection, then electrical conductivity improves, but mechanical stresses on the printed circuit board increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground connectionVSAvoidmechanical stress on printed circuit board

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The shield connection element uses a flexible loop configuration that can deform elastically to establish contact. This flexible geometry distributes mechanical stresses along the curved path rather than concentrating them at discrete contact points, reducing stress on the printed circuit board while maintaining reliable ground connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The optimized curvature radius of the loop is designed to provide inherent cushioning effect, absorbing mechanical stresses before they reach the printed circuit board. The curved geometry acts as a stress buffer that maintains contact force while protecting the circuit board from excessive mechanical loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If tabs press against the connector installation housing, then electrical contact is established, but slight deformation occurs over time reducing contact pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contactVSAvoidcontact pressure stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The loop configuration provides dynamic contact capability, allowing the shield connection element to continuously adapt to minor dimensional changes and maintain stable contact pressure over time. The curved geometry enables elastic deformation that compensates for wear and settling, ensuring long-term electrical contact reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing from discrete tabs to a continuous loop with optimized curvature radius, the patent creates a contact mechanism that distributes pressure more evenly and maintains stability over time. The geometric parameters of the loop are optimized to prevent deformation while ensuring reliable electrical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reliable and highly conductive ground connection with adjustable contact force and elasticity, reducing mechanical stresses on the printed circuit board and maintaining conductivity over a larger tolerance range compared to prior art, while being cost-effective and easy to produce.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3756245B1Printed circuit board plug-in connector comprising a shielding connection element

Publication Date: 2022.07.06 HARTING ELECTRIC GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a printed circuit board plug-in connector comprising a connector installation housing (3), an insulating body (2) and a shielding connection element (1), for the shielding connection of a plug-in connector installation housing (3) to a printed circuit board, The shielding connection element (1) is flat or has at least one flat deformation section which is arranged, in the plug-in direction, in a through-slit (24) of an insulating body (2) mounted on the printed circuit board, and protrudes out of the insulating body (2) with two contact regions (111) in order to electrically contact the metal plug-in connector installation housing (3).