Sheet Metal Shielding Member for Network Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
High data rate network connectors in automotive applications face issues with cross-talk and reduced electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) due to the need for extensive electrical shielding, which increases manufacturing costs and is prone to damage during assembly, and requires complex alignment of shielding members and fixation sleeves.
Innovation Solution
An electrical shielding member made from bent and cut sheet metal, providing a secure fixation within the connector housing and a reliable mechanical and electrical connection to the cable, with a receiving portion that encloses the cable end and features engagement elements for increased retention force, reducing the number of separate shielding members and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical shielding members entirely surround the connector housing to provide good shielding performance, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding member is divided into a housing shielding member and a cable shielding member that are separately manufactured and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the complexity and cost of manufacturing a single complete shielding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing shielding member and cable shielding member are combined through assembly to form a complete shielding system. The cable shielding member is inserted into the housing shielding member and electrically connected, merging the two separate components into a functional unity that provides comprehensive shielding.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate electrical shielding members are used for housing and cable to improve shielding performance, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding system is segmented into two distinct members: a housing shielding member integrated with the connector housing and a cable shielding member attached to the cable. This segmentation allows for simplified individual components that are easier to manufacture and assemble compared to a single complex shielding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable shielding member serves multiple functions: it provides shielding for the cable, acts as a contact beam for electrical connection, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If contact beams protrude from connector to establish electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is improved, but reliability decreases due to kinking damage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having contact beams protrude outward from the connector housing, the contact beams are integrated into the cable shielding member and extend inward toward the housing. This inversion protects the contact beams from external mechanical damage during storage, transport, and handling while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact beam function is merged with the cable shielding member, eliminating the need for separate protruding contact beams. The cable shielding member itself serves as the contact beam, providing both shielding and electrical connection functions in a single integrated component that is more durable.
4Reliability
If fixation sleeve and electrical shielding member require alignment for assembly, then secure fixation is achieved, but ease of assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable shielding member is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electromagnetic shielding, acts as a contact beam for electrical connection, and provides mechanical fixation through its integration with the housing shielding member. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment procedures between fixation sleeve and shielding member, simplifying assembly while maintaining secure fixation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical shielding member 100 for a network connector 10, wherein the electrical shielding member is made from bend and cut sheet metal. The electrical shielding member comprises a receiving portion 110 for receiving a cable end of a shielded cable 400 at least partially, wherein the receiving portion 110 is adapted to be in contact with a shielding 410 of the cable 400, and wherein the receiving portion 110 comprises at least one coupling element 116a, 116b, protruding outwardly from the receiving portion. The coupling element 116a, 116b is adapted to be coupled to a corresponding coupling element 316, 316b of a network connector housing 300. The electrical shielding member further comprises an engagement element, protruding inwardly into the receiving portion, wherein the engagement element 112 is adapted to be engaged with the cable. The electrical shielding member further comprises at least one contact beam 130; 150, extending from the receiving portion 110, wherein the contact beam 130; 150 is adapted to be electrically connected to a counter electrical shielding member of a counter connector.