Shell-Less USB-C Receptacle with Local EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB-C receptacle connectors are difficult to align due to fixed positioning, have visible metal shells that are undesirable in industrial design, and require costly redesigns for new device openings, while removing the metal shell compromises EMI shielding and signal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A shell-less USB-C receptacle connector design with EMI shielding brackets adjacent to electrical contacts and coaxial cables, allowing flexible mounting and maintaining signal integrity without an outer metal shell, which reduces visibility and development costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional USB-C receptacle connector with an outer metal shell is used, then EMI shielding and mechanical support are provided, but the metal shell is visible from the outside which is undesirable in terms of industrial design and alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the EMI shielding function from the structural support function. The EMI shielding is provided by separate shielding elements (such as shielding brackets or shields) that are positioned adjacent to the electrical contacts, while the structural support is provided by the receptacle body and mounting features. This segmentation allows the EMI shielding to be optimized independently from the mechanical alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the outer metal shell from the conventional USB-C receptacle design. By removing the visible metal shell while retaining essential EMI shielding through separate shielding elements positioned near the contacts, the design achieves better industrial aesthetics and easier alignment while maintaining electromagnetic interference protection.
2Device complexity
If the outer metal shell is removed to improve industrial design, then visibility is reduced, but EMI shielding and signal integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies EMI shielding locally rather than through a complete outer shell. Shielding elements are positioned specifically adjacent to the electrical contacts where EMI protection is most critical for signal integrity. This localized approach provides adequate EMI shielding while maintaining industrial design aesthetics and reducing visibility of protective elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces separate shielding elements as intermediary components between the electrical contacts and the external environment. These shielding brackets or shields act as mediators that provide EMI protection without requiring a visible outer metal shell, thus resolving the conflict between industrial design and EMI shielding requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional USB-C receptacle connector with fixed positioning is used, then structural stability is provided, but alignment with device enclosure openings becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces adjustable or flexible positioning mechanisms that allow the receptacle connector to be dynamically positioned during assembly. This enables alignment with various device enclosure opening configurations while maintaining structural stability once positioned, resolving the conflict between fixed structural stability and alignment flexibility.
4Strength
If the USB-C receptacle connector is soldered to a circuit board, then mechanical support is provided, but alignment with device enclosure openings becomes difficult and redesign costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the mechanical support function from the electrical connection function. The receptacle connector is provided with independent mounting features that enable mechanical support and positioning without requiring soldering to the circuit board. This segmentation allows the connector to be adapted to various mounting configurations and device enclosure designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention designs the receptacle connector with universal mounting features that can accommodate different device enclosure configurations. The mounting features provide mechanical support while allowing flexibility in alignment and positioning, making the connector adaptable to various designs without requiring costly redesigns or new tooling.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a receptacle connector having a tongue member with a surface extending between first and second tongue ends and having a shoulder extending from the surface adjacent to the second tongue end. The shoulder has a cross-sectional area within a receptacle opening size limit. The receptacle connector further includes a set of electrical contacts each extending through the shoulder between first and second contact ends on opposite sides of the shoulder. The electrical contacts at the first contact end are attached to the tongue surface at the first tongue end. The electrical contacts at the second contact end extend beyond the second tongue end. The receptacle connector further includes an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding bracket covering at least a portion of the set of electrical contacts between the first contact end and the shoulder. The disclosure further includes a method of making the electrical connector.