Shield Transfer Elements for Modular Industrial Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular industrial connectors face challenges in providing reliable and cost-effective solutions for signal and energy transmission, particularly in heavy-duty applications, where high-frequency signals can be adversely affected and metallic housings are expensive due to complex production processes.
Innovation Solution
The system comprises two connector modules with metallic shield transfer elements that make electrical contact and are designed for easy production, featuring a wavy shape with slots for reliable plugging and a T-shape with hose clamps for braided cable connection, providing effective shielding and current transmission capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If metallic connector housings are used for shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is segmented from the connector housing and implemented separately through shield transfer elements that can be added to modular connector modules. This allows the housing to remain simple while providing shielding where needed through separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding functionality is extracted from the metallic housing and implemented through separate shield transfer elements made of conductive material. This extraction allows the housing to be made of simpler, less expensive materials while maintaining shielding effectiveness through the dedicated shield components.
2Speed
If high-frequency signal transmission is required, then data transmission capability is improved, but susceptibility to interference from adjacent high-current modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
Shielding is applied locally to specific connector modules that require high-frequency signal transmission. The shield transfer elements are selectively positioned on modules needing protection, providing localized electromagnetic shielding without requiring all modules to be shielded, thus addressing interference issues where they occur.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular connector system with mixed modules (high current and high-frequency) is created, then versatility is improved, but mutual interference between modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield transfer elements act as intermediary components between adjacent connector modules. When positioned between a high-current module and a high-frequency module, they serve as a barrier that prevents electromagnetic interference while allowing both module types to coexist in the same modular system.
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
This configuration significantly reduces characteristic impedance, achieves reliable and efficient signal transmission, and offers cost-effective shielding and high current transmission capabilities, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Implementation Method 1
Both connector modules 2, 3 each have a shield transfer element 5, 6 made of a metallic material with particularly good electrical conductivity... The shield transfer elements 5, 6 can be connected to a cable... On the plugging side, the first and second shield transfer elements 5, 6 are electrically contacted with one another... The shield transfer elements allow the wave resistance, also called wave impedance, to be significantly reduced
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a system consisting of a first plug connector module (2) and a second plug connector module (3), each of which is to be used in a modular industrial plug connector. The first plug connector module (2) has a first shield transfer element (5), and the second plug connector module (3) has a second shield transfer element (6). A cable connected to the plug connector module (2, 3) can be secured on a connection side (A) of each shield transfer element (5, 6), and the shield transfer elements (5, 6) can be brought into electric contact with each other on the plug side.