Shield Contact Spring Segmentation for Cable Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug connections with shield contact springs lack durability and effective shielding, particularly for high-frequency signals, due to the simplicity and material inefficiency of the metal ring designs in prior art.

Innovation Solution

A shield contact spring with radially circumferential outer edges and connecting webs, featuring spring bars and gaps that enhance elasticity, contact force, and tolerance compensation, while reducing material usage and improving assembly simplicity through coaxial arrangement and stamping/bending production methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple metal ring is used for shield contact, then the structure is simple, but the durability and contacting reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcontacting reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shield contact spring is segmented into multiple connecting webs (at least three) radially distributed around the cable axis, replacing the simple metal ring with a segmented structure that provides both mechanical resilience and reliable electrical contact while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shield contact spring incorporates elastic resilience through its connecting webs and spring bars, transforming the static metal ring into a dynamic component that can adapt to assembly tolerances and maintain reliable contact under varying mechanical conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a continuous shield structure is used, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but material usage increases and manufacturing complexity rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous shield is segmented into discrete connecting webs with gaps between them, reducing material usage while maintaining shielding effectiveness through the strategic arrangement of these segments around the cable perimeter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shield contact spring applies shielding locally through radially distributed connecting webs that make contact at multiple points around the cable, providing effective shielding without requiring a complete continuous ring structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of substance

If gaps are introduced in the shield contact spring to reduce material, then material usage decreases, but shielding effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial reductionVSAvoidshielding effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shield contact spring transitions from a two-dimensional planar ring to a three-dimensional radially distributed structure with gaps, using the radial dimension to maintain shielding effectiveness while reducing material through strategic gap placement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield contact spring combines conducting material for electrical contact with non-conducting material for the web structure, creating a composite that provides both shielding functionality and mechanical resilience with reduced material usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Force

If spring bars are added to increase contact force, then contact force improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact forceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring bars are merged with the connecting webs to form an integrated shield contact spring structure, increasing contact force while avoiding the complexity of separate components through unified design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution provides improved durability, enhanced shielding effectiveness, and reduced material costs by ensuring high-frequency signal isolation and mechanical stability, while simplifying assembly and production.

Implementation Method 1

the shield contact spring has an elasticity which has an advantageous effect on the contacting of the two shields of the cables

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

high-frequency signals cannot pass through the gaps can enter or come out in the direction of the electrical conductors or from these to the outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP2771949B1Plug connection with a shield contact spring
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 HIRSCHMANN AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP2771949B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

Plug connection (1) with a shield contact spring (6), wherein the shield contact spring (6) is suitable and constructed to establish an electrical connection between a plug connector (2) and a mating plug connector (3) for shielding purposes, characterised in that the shield contact spring comprises a first and second (6) radially circumferential outer edge (9, 10), a plurality of connecting webs (8) being arranged between the edges (9, 10).