Segmented Shell Connector Assembly for Low-Height Signal Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems face challenges in achieving high signal transmission characteristics with low height and reduced interference, particularly in applications where connectors need to be close to circuit elements on a circuit board while minimizing interference with heat sinks.
Innovation Solution
The connector system includes a first connector with signal contacts and shells that are individually optimized, allowing for reduced height and improved signal transmission characteristics by providing a conductive shell for each signal contact, which surrounds the contact about an axis parallel to the circuit board, and a second connector with a base unit and shells that complement the housing, ensuring precise alignment and reduced overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ground contact plate is used to surround the signal contact mold-in component, then the connector structure is simplified, but signal transmission characteristics deteriorate due to increased interference and signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single ground contact plate into multiple separate ground contacts, each corresponding to individual signal contacts. This segmentation allows each signal contact to have its own dedicated ground reference, reducing electromagnetic interference and improving signal integrity while maintaining a relatively simple overall connector structure
2Length of moving object
If the connector height is reduced to place it closer to circuit elements, then space is saved and placement flexibility is improved, but signal transmission characteristics worsen due to increased interference with heat sinks and other components
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ground contact system into multiple separate ground contacts rather than using a single large plate, the patent enables better spatial arrangement and optimization of each ground contact's position and shape. This allows the connector to achieve reduced height while maintaining effective ground shielding for each signal path, preventing interference with heat sinks and other components
3Reliability
If individual shells are provided for each signal contact, then signal transmission characteristics are improved through reduced interference, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by providing separate ground contacts for each signal contact, which effectively reduces electromagnetic interference and improves signal integrity. While this does increase structural complexity compared to a single ground plate, the segmented approach enables optimized signal transmission characteristics through dedicated grounding for each signal path
Data Source
AI summary
A connector connected to a first cable including a first signal conductor and a second cable including a second signal conductor, include: a connector base including a facing surface configured to face an outer periphery of the first cable and an outer periphery of the second cable; an insulating first housing and an insulating second housing held by the connector base to be aligned along an arrangement orientation substantially parallel to the facing surface, and protrude from the connector base toward protruding direction along a fitting orientation intersecting the arrangement orientation; a base unit including: a conductive first signal contact held by the first housing and configured to be electrically connected to the first signal conductor; a conductive second signal contact held by the second housing and configured to be electrically connected to the second signal conductor; a conductive first shell fixed to the connector base to surround the first housing about an axis along the fitting orientation; and a conductive second shell fixed to the connector base to surround the second housing about an axis along the fitting orientation.