Ribbon Cable Connector Shielding Contact Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ribbon cable plug-in connectors lack a simple method for making contact with the shielding of a ribbon cable, leading to inefficient assembly and reduced shielding effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A resilient clamping element is used to securely fix the ribbon cable shielding, allowing for full-surface contact and maintaining shielding functionality, even when the shielding is partially removed, thereby enhancing assembly ease and shielding efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ribbon cable shielding is lifted off and twisted for soldering connection, then contact with the shielding can be established, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with self-aligning and self-fixing features where the shielding contact element automatically positions itself and the clamping element secures the shielding without requiring manual manipulation, twisting, or soldering operations
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding contact function is extracted as a separate integrated element within the connector, allowing the shielding to be contacted and fixed independently from the signal contacts, eliminating the need for complex manual shielding connection procedures
2Ease of operation
If the ribbon cable shielding is lifted off and soldered to an external contact, then contact can be established, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding contact element and signal contact elements are merged into a single integrated connector body, and the clamping element is integrated into the same structure, eliminating the need for separate external shielding contacts and reducing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector elements are designed to perform multiple functions: the shielding contact element both contacts the shielding and provides positioning, while the clamping element both secures the shielding and maintains contact pressure, reducing the number of separate components needed
3Reliability
If full-surface contact with the shielding is achieved using a resilient clamping element, then shielding effectiveness and low inductance are improved, but the contact element structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is designed with resilient properties that allow it to dynamically adapt to the shielding position and maintain optimal contact pressure, ensuring reliable full-surface contact while compensating for manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is segmented into distinct functional zones: a shielding contact region for full-surface contact with the shielding, and separate signal contact regions, allowing each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural efficiency
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 enables reliable and efficient contact with the ribbon cable shielding, providing high shielding levels and low inductance, ensuring low impedance even at higher frequencies, and increasing the strain loading capacity of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one clamping element of the ribbon cable plug-in connector according to the invention is given a resilient configuration. The at least one clamping element is bent out of and lifted away from the plane of the first contact element. The lifting overcomes the resilient force provided by the resilient configuration of the at least one clamping element.
Data Source
AI summary
A ribbon cable plug-in connector (10) for connecting electronic components includes a plurality of plug-in contacts (14a, 14b) arranged in a plug-in connector element (11). A contact element (12a, 12b) arranged on the plug-in connector element (11) is provided for full-surface contact-making with an electrically conductive ribbon cable shielding (17, 17a, 17b) which encloses the ribbon cable (16) on its outside. For fixing the ribbon cable shielding (17, 17a, 17b) on the contact element (12a, 12b) there is preferably provided at least one clamping element (15a, 15b), which is given a resilient configuration. The ribbon cable plug-in connector (10) according to the invention allows contact between the ribbon cable shielding (17, 17a, 17b) and the ribbon cable plug-in connector (10) to be easily established and ensures a high shielding level.