Shielded Connector Alignment Plate for High-Speed Signal Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed communication in in-vehicle devices leads to increased electromagnetic noise leakage from signal terminals, degrading communication quality, and existing connectors fail to effectively shield this noise.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a tubular shield portion, conductive alignment plate, and press-fit terminals, where the conductive alignment plate surrounds the connecting portions of the signal terminals with conductive rubber or resin, ensuring effective shielding and eliminating the need for solder connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If communication speed is increased to achieve high-speed communication (1 Gbps or faster), then communication performance is improved, but electromagnetic noise leakage from signal terminals increases degrading communication quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing shielding specifically at the signal terminal connecting portion where electromagnetic noise leakage occurs, rather than shielding the entire connector. The conductive portion is strategically placed to surround only the connecting portion of the signal terminal, creating localized electromagnetic shielding exactly where high-speed communication signals are most vulnerable to noise interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an alignment plate with a conductive portion as an intermediary element between the signal terminal and the circuit board. This conductive portion acts as a mediator that provides electromagnetic shielding at the interface where noise leakage is most problematic, allowing high-speed signals to pass through while blocking external electromagnetic interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional shielding methods are used to reduce electromagnetic noise, then noise shielding is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function and the electromagnetic shielding function into a single alignment plate component. The conductive portion is integrated directly into the alignment plate, eliminating the need for separate shielding structures. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining effective electromagnetic noise shielding for high-speed communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment plate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical alignment for the signal terminal, structural support, and electromagnetic shielding through its conductive portion. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the connector assembly, simplifying both the device structure and manufacturing process while effectively addressing electromagnetic noise issues.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conductive material is added to the alignment plate for shielding, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by incorporating conductive material (such as conductive rubber or conductive resin) into the alignment plate structure. This allows the alignment plate to be manufactured as a single component with integrated shielding properties, combining the mechanical properties of the base material with the electromagnetic shielding properties of the conductive material through co-molding or embedding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the alignment plate by making at least part of it conductive. This parameter change from insulating to conductive material provides electromagnetic shielding functionality. The conductive portion can be formed by selecting appropriate conductive materials and manufacturing processes that maintain ease of production while achieving the required shielding effectiveness for high-speed communication.
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 connector effectively suppresses electromagnetic noise leakage, maintaining high communication quality even at Gigabit Ethernet speeds, and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating solder requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the first region includes a conductive portion to be sandwiched between the end surface of the shield portion and the circuit board, the conductive portion at least partially surrounding the connecting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A connector to be connected to a circuit board includes a signal terminal, a tubular shield portion for covering an outer periphery of an intermediate part of the signal terminal, a housing for holding the signal terminal, and an alignment plate to be joined to the housing. The signal terminal includes a first end part fixed to the housing and a second end part extending from the first end part toward the circuit board. The second end part includes a connecting portion projecting from an end surface of the shield portion. The alignment plate includes a plate body to be arranged between the housing and the circuit board. The plate body has a first region formed with a positioning hole into which the connecting portion is inserted. The conductive portion is formed of conductive rubber or conductive resin.