Receptacle Connector Antenna Integration Ceramic Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional receptacle connectors with metal shells interfere with antenna functionality and limit design flexibility due to their size and material properties, especially when trying to maintain electrical reliability and substrate bonding.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle connector with a metal housing and a ceramic shell that includes an antenna pattern on its surface, allowing for reduced product size and improved antenna performance by eliminating the need for a separate antenna space and preventing performance deterioration from the metal housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal shell is used to protect the insulator and contacts, then electrical reliability and bonding strength are improved, but antenna functionality deteriorates due to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is divided into two distinct parts: a metal housing that provides structural support, electromagnetic shielding, and bonding strength, and a ceramic shell that covers the metal housing and provides a non-interfering surface for antenna patterns. This segmentation allows each material to fulfill its optimal function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs a composite structure combining metal and ceramic materials. The metal housing provides mechanical strength and electromagnetic shielding, while the ceramic shell provides electromagnetic transparency for antenna operation. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by utilizing the complementary properties of different materials.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate antenna is positioned apart from the receptacle connector, then antenna performance is improved, but product design flexibility and space utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna patterns are integrated directly onto the ceramic shell surface, merging the antenna function with the connector structure. This eliminates the need for separate antenna components and their associated mounting space, thereby improving space utilization and design flexibility while maintaining antenna performance through the ceramic material's electromagnetic properties.
3Strength
If the shell is made entirely of metal material, then structural strength and electromagnetic shielding are improved, but antenna functionality is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is segmented into a metal housing portion that provides structural strength and electromagnetic shielding, and a ceramic shell portion that provides electromagnetic transparency for antenna operation. The ceramic shell covers the metal housing where antenna patterns are located, allowing radio waves to pass through while the metal housing maintains structural integrity and shields other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the shell have different material properties optimized for their specific functions: the metal housing provides strength and shielding where needed, while the ceramic shell provides electromagnetic transparency in the regions where antenna patterns are located. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between structural requirements and antenna functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a receptacle connector that can be freely positioned and that has excellent space utilization. A receptacle connector having an antenna function according to an aspect of the present invention is a receptacle connector for electrically connecting a plug connector and a circuit board and comprises a metal housing, a contact assembly, and a ceramic shell. The metal housing has an open front surface and an interior formed in a hollow shape. The contact assembly is provided with a plurality of contacts installed inside the metal housing to relay electrical signals. The ceramic shell is coupled in a shape surrounding the housing. The top surface of the ceramic shell has an antenna pattern formed thereon.