Shield Assembly With Spring Contact For EMI Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of multiple electronic components in portable devices poses challenges in maintaining optimum performance due to electromagnetic interference, especially as devices become thinner and smaller, making it difficult to effectively shield components like cameras from electric fields that can interfere with other components.

Innovation Solution

A shield assembly is implemented, comprising a conductive chassis and a covering with retention features that provide mechanical and electrical coupling, using a spring contact between tabs and a conductive rail to maintain grounding and reduce electromagnetic interference while maintaining a thin device structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional electronic components are integrated into portable devices, then functionality is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shield assembly segments the device into shielded and unshielded zones by introducing a conductive partition structure. This conductive shield divides the internal space, creating separate electromagnetic environments that prevent interference between adjacent electronic components while allowing each component to function independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive shield acts as an intermediary element between electronic components. It provides a controlled electromagnetic interface that blocks harmful fields from propagating to sensitive components while maintaining proper grounding through the conductive rail system, thus mediating the electromagnetic interaction between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If device thickness is reduced, then portability is improved, but shielding effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shield assembly employs thin conductive shield elements and flexible conductive rails that can be effectively integrated within the reduced thickness of modern portable devices. These thin film-like conductive structures provide adequate electromagnetic shielding performance while maintaining a compact profile that fits within thin device constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The shield assembly utilizes a three-dimensional configuration with conductive rails extending in multiple directions and shield elements positioned at strategic locations. This spatial arrangement creates effective electromagnetic barriers without requiring increased thickness, as the shielding effect is achieved through strategic positioning rather than sheer mass or thickness.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conductive shielding is added, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidshielding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive rail serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electromagnetic shielding, establishes electrical grounding connections, and offers mechanical support for the shield elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall structure despite the added shielding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield assembly merges the shielding function with the grounding system by integrating conductive shield elements directly with conductive rails that are already part of the device's grounding infrastructure. This combination eliminates the need for separate grounding wires and simplifies the assembly process, reducing overall structural complexity.

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 shield assembly effectively mitigates electromagnetic field interference, ensuring the performance of electronic components like cameras and other nearby components by providing a grounded shielding solution within the constrained thickness of portable electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

The spring contact can be disposed between a pair of tabs and can be configured to contact a conductive rail when the tabs are inserted into a mounting fixture... the spring contact can provide for a mechanically robust way to maintain electrical coupling contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The shield assembly can include a covering mounted to a conductive chassis and mounted over the electronic component... to shield an electronic component, such as a camera, to block or reduce electric fields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS10701845B2Shield assembly for an electronic component
Publication Date: 2020.06.30 APPLE INC
  • US10701845B2 patent drawing
  • US10701845B2 patent drawing
  • US10701845B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shield assembly can enclose an electronic component in a chamber of a mobile communication device. The shield assembly can include a chassis having a slot and a conductive rail adjacent to the slot. A covering can be mounted over the electronic component and coupled to the chassis via a spring contact disposed in the slot. The covering can include a shield element configured to cover a chamber enclosing the electronic component. The covering can further include a first tab connected to the shield element, and a second tab connected to the shield element and spaced apart from the first tab by a gap. A spring contact can be disposed in the gap and electrically connected to the shield element via at least one of the first tab and the second tab.