Segmented Grounding Gasket for Right-Angle Micro-D Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors, such as right-angle micro-D connectors, lack built-in mechanisms for grounding their metal bodies to printed circuit boards, leading to unreliable grounding methods like thick conductive gaskets that deteriorate over time or introduce debris.
Innovation Solution
A conductive gasket with a deformable contact region and fastener region that provides compressive contact between the connector and PCB, featuring a keep-out zone for pins and secure fastening, made from materials like stainless steel or Be-Cu alloys for reliable electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive polymeric pastes or gaskets are used to ground the connector body to the PCB, then electrical continuity is established, but the gaskets become undesirably thick and require pressure-sensitive adhesive that deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is segmented into three distinct regions: a deformable contact region for electrical contact, a fastener region for mechanical attachment, and a keep-out zone to prevent short circuits. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently, enabling thin profile while maintaining grounding reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the gasket have different properties tailored to their specific functions. The deformable contact region has high conductivity and compliance for reliable electrical contact, the fastener region provides mechanical strength for attachment, and the keep-out zone provides insulation. This local differentiation eliminates the need for uniformly thick gaskets.
2Ease of manufacture
If pressure-sensitive adhesive is used to keep the gasket in place, then the gasket is easily installed, but the adhesive deteriorates over time leading to unreliable grounding
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket combines mechanical fastening functionality with electrical grounding functionality in a single integrated component. The fastener region provides reliable mechanical attachment without requiring separate adhesives, while the deformable contact region provides electrical continuity. This merger eliminates the deterioration issues associated with pressure-sensitive adhesives.
3Reliability
If conductive paste is used to ground the connector, then electrical continuity is achieved, but the paste may crack or chip away introducing debris into the system
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable contact region is designed as a solid, monolithic structure that is more durable than conductive paste. While it may eventually wear, it does so without cracking or chipping like paste, and can be replaced as a single unit. This approach trades the initial cost of a more substantial component for long-term reliability and absence of debris generation.
4Length of stationary object
If a thin gasket is used to establish ground path, then installation space is reduced, but the gasket may not provide sufficient compressive contact for reliable grounding
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable contact region is designed to be compliant and deformable, allowing it to dynamically adapt to surface irregularities and maintain reliable electrical contact even at thin profiles. This dynamic compliance compensates for the reduced thickness, ensuring sufficient compressive contact for grounding reliability.
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 gasket ensures a reliable and durable ground path between connectors and PCBs, preventing debris introduction and maintaining connectivity over time.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable contact region configured to provide compressive contact between the mounting surface of the connector and a grounded surface of the substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
A conductive gasket includes a deformable contact region configured to provide compressive contact between the mounting surface of a connector (e.g., a right-angle micro-D connector) and a grounded surface of the substrate (e.g., PCB). A fastener region extends from the deformable contact region and is configured to align with a mounting region of the connector. A keep-out zone is provided adjacent to the deformable contact region and the fastener region and is configured to allow the pins of the connector to pass therethrough.