Shield Terminal Structure for Compact Multi-Row Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shield terminals increase in size when multiple terminals are aligned laterally due to the need for recessed portions between accommodation grooves, leading to an increase in connector size.

Innovation Solution

A shield terminal design where the engaging portion protrudes in a direction intersecting the front-and-rear direction, with the engaging portion formed on the outer conductor's base portion, allowing it to engage with the housing without increasing the connector's width, and featuring a reinforcing portion to prevent deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shield terminal is provided with an engaging portion protruding laterally from the barrel portion to engage with the housing, then the shield terminal can be properly attached to the housing, but the pitch between accommodation grooves increases due to the recessed portion being positioned between adjacent terminals, resulting in an increased connector size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidconnector size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging portion is inverted from the conventional lateral protrusion design to a downward protrusion from the front surface of the base portion. This inversion allows the engaging portion to extend into the accommodation groove from the front direction rather than from the lateral direction, eliminating the need for additional recessed portions between adjacent terminals and thereby reducing the overall connector width

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The engaging portion is repositioned from the lateral dimension to the front-rear dimension by making it protrude downward from the front surface of the base portion. This dimensional change allows the engaging portion to utilize the depth direction of the accommodation groove, enabling proper engagement without increasing the lateral pitch between adjacent terminals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the engaging portion is made thin to fit into the housing, then the connector size is reduced, but the engaging portion becomes prone to deformation during attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidengaging portion strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A reinforcing portion is added locally to the base portion at the root of the engaging portion. This local reinforcement provides structural support and rigidity to the engaging portion without increasing the overall connector size, preventing deformation during the attachment process while maintaining the thin profile of the engaging portion itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12401161B2Shield terminal and electrical connection structure including the same

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD

AI summary

Provided are a connector and a shield terminal with which an increase in the size of the connector can be avoided. A shield terminal 30 is attached to a housing 20 from one direction that intersects a front-and-rear direction. The shield terminal 30 includes outer conductors 32 and 33 that constitute an outer shell. The outer conductors 32 and 33 include an engaging portion 43 that protrudes in the one direction from a surface thereof oriented in the one direction, and that can engage with the housing 20.