Integrated Shield Connector for Direct Cable-to-Unit Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle connectors for high-voltage cables require separate male and female connectors, increasing component count, production costs, and weight, which contradicts the trend towards weight reduction in vehicle design.
Innovation Solution
A shield connector design that allows direct connection of cable terminals to a terminal coupling portion within a unit, incorporating a fixing plate and sub-assembly with a shield plate and seals for effective shielding and sealing, eliminating the need for separate connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate male and female connectors are used to connect cables to the unit, then the connection reliability is improved, but the number of components increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the male and female connectors into a single integrated shield connector assembly that includes a fixing plate with cable through-holes, a shield plate with shielding portions, and a sub-assembly with terminal coupling portions. This merging eliminates the need for separate male and female connectors while maintaining reliable electrical connections and electromagnetic shielding functionality.
2Reliability
If separate male and female connectors are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (cable fixation, electromagnetic shielding, terminal coupling) into a single shield connector assembly, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation lowers production costs while maintaining reliable connections through the integrated terminal coupling portions.
3Reliability
If separate male and female connectors are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of cable fixation (fixing plate), electromagnetic shielding (shield plate with shielding portions), and terminal coupling (sub-assembly with terminal coupling portions) into a single integrated shield connector assembly, eliminating the need for separate male and female connectors and reducing overall system complexity.
4Device complexity
If a shield connector with integrated shielding and sealing is used, then the component count is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity of individual components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shield connector into distinct functional modules: a fixing plate for cable support and fixation, a shield plate with shielding portions for electromagnetic interference protection, and a sub-assembly with terminal coupling portions for electrical connections. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled separately while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing plate serves multiple functions: providing structural support, guiding cable insertion through cable through-holes, and anchoring the shield plate. The shield plate simultaneously provides electromagnetic shielding and structural framework. This multi-functionality reduces component count without significantly increasing individual component complexity.
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
Reduces component count and weight, lowers production costs, and enables flexible wire length adjustment while providing effective shielding and sealing.
Implementation Method 1
a unit-elastic contact portion having a spring shape that protrudes from the side surface-fixing plate
Implementation Method 2
a shield plate which is in contact with shield portions of each of the cables and has the outer circumference in contact with a shield part of the unit
Implementation Method 3
an inner seal which is fixed to the other surface of the shield plate-fixing plate and seals a contact surface with the unit; an outer seal which is positioned between the sub assembly and the fixing plate and seals a contact surface with the unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a shield connector for supporting cables such that terminals of the cables are directly connected to a terminal coupling portion inside a unit, the shield connector including: a fixing plate which includes fixing part-cable through-holes, through which the cables pass, and a holding fastening portion; and a sub assembly which includes movable part-cable through-holes, through which the cables pass, and has one surface supported by the fixing plate. The sub assembly includes: a shield plate which is in contact with shield portions of each of the cables and has the outer circumference in contact with a shield part of the unit; and a shield plate-fixing plate having one surface that fixes the shield plate. Therefore, the shield connector makes it possible to directly install the cable in the unit without the need for the separate male and female connectors.