Receptacle Shell and Cage Heat Transfer Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector assemblies face variability in heat-transfer properties due to inconsistent contact between the shell and cage, leading to potential damage of internal modules from excessive heat.

Innovation Solution

A receptacle design with a shell and cage configured for secure contact, utilizing metal terminals and additional contact portions to create an efficient heat-transfer path from the board to the case, reducing heat impact on internal modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the internal module is accommodated in the receptacle, then the compactness is improved, but the heat damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidheat damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A heat dissipation member is introduced as an intermediary between the board and the internal module. This member has high thermal conductivity to conduct heat away from the internal module, and high specific heat capacity to absorb heat, thereby protecting the internal module from heat damage while maintaining the compact structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat generated by the board, which would normally be harmful to the internal module, is converted into a beneficial effect by using the heat dissipation member to conduct and dissipate this heat away from the internal module, turning the harmful thermal energy into a controlled heat flow that protects rather than damages the module

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Ease of manufacture

If the shell and cage are assembled with tolerance variation, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the heat transfer consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly toleranceVSAvoidheat transfer consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation member is designed to automatically maintain consistent thermal contact with the internal module through its own elastic deformation. The elastic portion deforms to fill gaps caused by assembly tolerances, ensuring reliable thermal contact without requiring precise manufacturing or additional adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The heat dissipation member utilizes changes in its physical parameters - specifically elastic deformation - to adapt to assembly variations. By incorporating an elastic portion that can deform, the structure compensates for dimensional variations in assembly, maintaining consistent thermal contact pressure and heat transfer performance

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 design effectively transfers heat away from internal modules, enhancing heat-transfer efficiency and preventing damage, while allowing the internal module to be accommodated in either the plug or receptacle.

Implementation Method 1

heat generated in the board is transferred to the shell and the case each having large heat capacity through the terminal made of metal, the cage formed of metal plate and the contact portion made of metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3719939B1receptacle
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS IND LTD
  • EP3719939B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3719939B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3719939B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A receptacle comprises a shell made of metal and a cage formed of one or more metal plates. The shell is attachable to a case made of metal. The cage is mountable on a board arranged in the case. The cage receives an internal module under a mated state where the receptacle is mated with a plug. The cage has a cage rear plate and is provided with a terminal made of metal and a contact portion made of metal. The terminal extends downward from the cage rear plate. The contact portion is nearer to the cage rear plate than to the front end of the cage in a front-rear direction. When the cage is mounted on the board and the shell is attached to the case, the shell covers the cage, the terminal is fixed to the board, and the contact portion is pressed against the shell.