Shield Connection Structure Preventing Electrolytic Corrosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic shield components experience electrolytic corrosion when different metals are used for the flexible shield member, shield shell, and caulking ring, leading to potential disconnection and reduced shielding performance.

Innovation Solution

A shield connection structure where a flexible metal shield is electrically connected to a metal tube via a ring made of the same metal, preventing direct contact with the shield shell and caulking ring, thus suppressing electrolytic corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the flexible shield member and shield shell are made of different metals, then electrical connection between different metal components is achieved, but electrolytic corrosion occurs due to water adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidelectrolytic corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A ring component is introduced as an intermediary element between the flexible shield member and shield shell. The ring is made of the same metal type as the flexible shield member, creating a metal-to-same-metal interface that prevents galvanic corrosion while maintaining electrical connectivity. This intermediary structure eliminates direct contact between dissimilar metals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The ring is designed to be homogeneous in material composition with the flexible shield member (both made of the same metal type). This material homogeneity ensures that the interface between the flexible shield member and ring does not create galvanic corrosion conditions, as identical or similar metals do not exhibit galvanic effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

2Ease of manufacture

If the flexible shield member is directly connected to the shield shell and caulking ring, then assembly is simplified, but electrolytic corrosion occurs at multiple contact points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidelectrolytic corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ring serves as a protective intermediary that the flexible shield member contacts exclusively. By design, the flexible shield member does not directly contact the shield shell or caulking ring, thus eliminating corrosion risks at those interfaces. The ring mediates all electrical and mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The ring's material homogeneity with the flexible shield member creates corrosion-resistant interfaces. Since both components are made of the same metal type, the contact surface between them is immune to galvanic corrosion, even in the presence of moisture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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

Effectively prevents electrolytic corrosion on the flexible shield member, maintaining the shielding performance and reducing the risk of disconnection, while simplifying assembly and reducing the need for additional waterproofing.

Implementation Method 1

there has been a problem in that electrolytic corrosion (galvanic corrosion) will occur due to water adhering to the connecting portion between the flexible shield member and the shield shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolytic corrosion (galvanic corrosion):

Data Source

PatentUS10930413B2Shield connection structure and wire harness

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD

AI summary

A shield connection structure that includes a tube made of metal; a flexible shield made of metal; and a ring that includes an inner ring externally fitted onto the tube and an outer ring, the ring being made of a same type of metal as the flexible shield, wherein the flexible shield is electrically connected to the tube via the ring when sandwiched between the inner ring and the outer ring.