Sheet-Metal EMI Shield Housing With Press-Fit PCB Grounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic shielding solutions for high-speed data transmission in the automotive industry are costly and limited in shape flexibility due to die-casting processes, making it difficult to assemble conductive elements like signal lines efficiently and inexpensively.

Innovation Solution

A shielding device made from stamped and bent sheet-metal with integrated press-fit/compliant pins for PCB connection, allowing for flexible and cost-effective production, complete signal line enclosure, and 90° configuration, which reduces the need for complex assembly and increases structural stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If die-casting process is used for shielding housing, then manufacturing reliability is improved, but production cost increases and shape flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost and shape flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the manufacturing method from die-casting to stamping and bending processes, altering the production parameters to achieve both cost reduction and shape flexibility while maintaining manufacturing reliability through standardized sheet metal processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses sheet metal with integrated circumferential flanges that can be bent and folded to create the shielding housing structure, providing both flexibility in shape design and structural integrity through the thin metal construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If die-casting process is used for shielding housing, then structural integrity is improved, but assembly complexity of conductive elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the sheet metal housing structure: the circumferential flanges serve both as structural reinforcement and as integrated mounting surfaces for conductive elements, eliminating separate assembly steps and reducing overall assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the sheet metal housing into distinct functional zones with integrated flanges at specific locations, allowing independent assembly of conductive elements without compromising the overall structural integrity of the shielding housing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If sheet-metal housing is used, then production cost is reduced and shape flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction cost and shape flexibilityVSAvoidhousing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates the circumferential flanges during the initial stamping process rather than adding them as separate components later, ensuring precise positioning and consistent dimensions are achieved in the primary manufacturing step, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling cost-effective production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4485700A1Shielding device for electromagnetic shielding
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4485700A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4485700A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4485700A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a shielding device (i) for electromagnetic shielding of a data transmission arrangement (3). The device comprised a housing (2) made from bent and stamped sheet-metal comprising at least one press-fit/ compliant pin (4) adapted for connecting the housing with a PCB (210). Further, a pair of signal lines (5, 6) is arranged inside the housing (2), so as to be electromagnetically shielded.