Shape Memory Attachment Ring for Low-Profile Cable Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment rings for cable shields increase the outer diameter of electrical connectors, requiring larger openings, and do not provide a low-profile solution for attaching shields to backshells, which can lead to space and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
An attachment ring with a shape memory material that changes from a compressed state to an expanded state, allowing it to be positioned inside the shield and fitting, pressing the shield outward against the fitting's inner surface for secure attachment, while also being thermally adjustable to facilitate assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an attachment ring is positioned around the outside of the shield end to secure the shield to the backshell, then the shield attachment is secured, but the outer diameter of the electrical connector increases, requiring larger openings for routing
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment ring is positioned inside the shield end rather than around its outer circumference. The ring is inserted through the shield end and engages with the fitting from the interior side, nesting the attachment mechanism within the existing cable structure. This eliminates the need for external attachment rings that increase outer diameter, while still providing secure shield attachment to the backshell fitting.
2Reliability
If a traditional attachment ring is used to clamp the shield to the backshell, then the shield is securely attached, but larger openings or spaces are required to route the cable and electrical connector
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment ring is inserted through the shield end and positioned inside the shield structure, nesting the attachment mechanism within the cable assembly rather than adding external bulk. This allows the cable and connector to maintain smaller routing openings since the attachment ring does not protrude outward from the shield circumference.
3Length of stationary object
If the attachment ring is positioned inside the shield and fitting, then the outer diameter is reduced, but the attachment ring must be compressed to fit and then expanded to secure the shield
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment ring is made from a shape memory material that changes its physical parameters (dimensions, flexibility) in response to temperature changes. The ring can be heated to become more flexible and expandable for insertion, then cooled to become rigid and maintain its expanded secured state. This parameter change allows simple insertion and secure attachment without complex mechanical assembly mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory material undergoes a phase transition between austenite (high temperature, expanded state) and martensite (low temperature, compressed state). During assembly, the ring is heated to austenite phase for easy insertion and expansion, then cooled to martensite phase to lock in the expanded position and securely attach the shield. This phase transition provides a simple thermal mechanism for the complex expansion-contraction cycle.
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
This solution reduces the overall size of the cable end, provides effective EMI shielding, minimizes direct current resistance, and allows for easy braid attachment with minimal shield deformation, addressing the need for a low-profile and efficient attachment method.
Implementation Method 1
An attachment ring with a shape memory material that changes from a compressed state to an expanded state, allowing it to be positioned inside the shield and fitting, pressing the shield outward against the fitting's inner surface for secure attachment
Implementation Method 2
The attachment ring may be movable between the compressed state and the expanded state based on a temperature of the attachment ring. During assembly, the attachment ring may be cooled to the compressed state and the fitting may be heated to the expanded state such that the attachment ring may be positioned inside the fitting. The attachment ring may be heated to the expanded state and the fitting may be cooled to the compressed state after the attachment ring is positioned inside the fitting
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a cable having a shield, a shell and an attachment ring for attaching the shield to the fitting. The shell extends between a mating end and a cable end. The shell has a fitting at the cable end. The shell has a cavity receiving an end of the cable through the fitting. The attachment ring is received inside the shield and the fitting. The attachment ring presses the shield outward against an inner surface of the fitting. The shield may be positioned radially inside of the fitting and the attachment ring may be positioned radially inside of the shield. A radially outer edge of the attachment ring may impart an outward radial load onto the shield.