Self-Shorting Connector Static Discharge Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical connectors are susceptible to static discharge damage during the mating process, leading to intermittent or complete failure, and existing solutions fail to adequately minimize this risk.

Innovation Solution

A self-shorting connector system with insulated bodies and self-shorting contacts featuring a contact tail, contact blade, and a shorting beam with a curved and bent tip, which ensures contact and separation to protect against static discharge by using a combination of alignment tabs and interrupting walls during the mating process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrical connectors are used during mating process, then connection is established, but static discharge damage occurs to the contacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against static discharge damageVSAvoidstatic discharge damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shorting beam establishes an equipotential connection between adjacent contacts before the contact blades make actual electrical contact during mating. This preliminary action equalizes the electrical potential between contacts, preventing static discharge damage when the contacts engage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shorting beam acts as an intermediary conductive path that connects adjacent contacts together before the contact blades engage. This intermediary structure allows charge to redistribute and equalize between contacts, preventing harmful static discharge at the contact interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If contact blades are designed to engage directly, then electrical connection is made, but misalignment and damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemating processVSAvoidcontact alignment and protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shorting beam engages and establishes equipotential connection before the contact blades make final contact. This preliminary engagement guides the mating process and ensures proper alignment, reducing the risk of misalignment damage while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shorting beam provides a protective cushioning effect by establishing electrical connection and equalizing potential before the contact blades engage. This prevents sudden discharge or misalignment damage, cushioning the mating process against harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10944225B2Self shorting connector

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 KYOCERA AVX COMPONENTS CORP

AI summary

A system including an electrical header connector assembly is provided. The electrical header connector assembly includes an insulated body with a mating body portion and a strain relief portion, a first self-shorting contact and a second self-shorting contact. Each self-shorting contact includes a contact tail with a wire receiving recess and a contact blade extending opposite and substantially parallel to the contact tail. Each self-shorting contact further includes a shorting beam extending opposite the contact tail. The shorting beam includes a curved portion extending away from the contact blade and a bent tip portion extending toward the contact blade. The shorting beam of the first self-shorting contact is configured to touch the shorting beam of the second self-shorting contact when the electrical header is in a neutral position.