Shielded Connector Subassembly for Optical Contact Position Checking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for transmitting electric signals and data lack effective means to ensure correct alignment and positioning of central contacts during assembly, particularly in applications like motor vehicles, where precise alignment is crucial, and existing solutions fail to monitor the plugging process or measure the position of central contacts relative to the insulating block.

Innovation Solution

A connector subassembly with an electrically insulating block and a conductive shielding body featuring viewing apertures that allow optical measurement of the central contact's position from outside, enabling verification of correct alignment and positioning before and during plugging, and ensuring precise measurement of the contact's distance to the insulating block's reference plane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If viewing apertures are added to the insulating block and shielding body to enable optical measurement of central contact position, then measurement precision and assembly verification capability are improved, but device complexity and electromagnetic interference risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentral contact position measurementVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The viewing system is segmented into two separate components: viewing apertures in the insulating block and corresponding viewing apertures in the shielding body. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its primary function while enabling optical measurement capability without requiring a completely new structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The viewing apertures act as intermediaries that allow optical access to the central contact position without compromising the integrity of the insulating block or shielding body. These apertures enable measurement while maintaining the electromagnetic shielding function through proper design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If viewing apertures are made larger to improve optical measurement capability, then measurement precision and visibility are improved, but electromagnetic shielding performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentral contact visibilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The viewing apertures are designed with specific local characteristics: they are positioned and dimensioned to provide sufficient optical access for measurement while maintaining electromagnetic shielding performance in other critical areas. The apertures have optimized dimensions that balance visibility requirements with RF performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The dimensions and positions of the viewing apertures are carefully controlled parameters that are optimized to achieve the desired balance between measurement capability and electromagnetic shielding. The aperture size is sufficient for optical measurement but limited to minimize electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the insulating block projects beyond the shielding body to provide measurement reference plane, then measurement precision and alignment accuracy are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference plane alignmentVSAvoidconnector assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The front portion of the insulating block serves multiple functions: it provides the measurement reference plane for optical measurement, maintains the structural integrity of the connector, and provides the frustoconical entry shape for mechanical protection of central contacts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating block is designed with the front portion projecting beyond the shielding body from the outset, establishing the reference plane before assembly. This preliminary design feature simplifies the manufacturing process by integrating the reference plane into the insulating block itself rather than requiring separate adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250023282A1Cconnector subassembly for a cable with insulated electric wires, comprising a metal body containing an electrically insulating block and central contacts each connected to a cable wire

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 RAYDIALL SAS

AI summary

A connector subassembly with an electrically insulating block and an outer shielding body includes apertures that are superposed on one another and arranged relatively to make it possible to see from the outside not only whether a central contact has correctly reached the reference plugged-in position, but also its progress inside the block as it is being plugged in.