Shielded Enclosure Assembly for Standardized Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing enclosure assemblies for connectors lack comprehensive protection against both mechanical hazards and electromagnetic interference, particularly in harsh environments.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electromagnetic shielding structure within the inner body of the enclosure assembly, which provides additional protection against electromagnetic fields and lightning strikes without compromising the moveability of the connector, and utilizing conductive materials like phosphor bronze for enhanced shielding effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an electromagnetic shielding structure is added within the inner body, then protection against electromagnetic interference is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference protectionVSAvoidenclosure assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic shielding structure is nested within the inner body of the enclosure assembly, with the inner body itself serving as part of the shielding structure. This nested configuration provides electromagnetic protection while integrating the shielding function into the existing enclosure architecture, minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The inner body is designed with electrically conductive properties and specific geometric parameters (thickness, continuity, material composition) that enable it to function as an electromagnetic shield. By optimizing these parameters, the existing structural component serves dual purposes: mechanical enclosure and electromagnetic protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the connector volume is made large enough to accommodate various connector sizes, then adaptability is improved, but volume of the enclosure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector size accommodationVSAvoidenclosure assembly volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure assembly is segmented into modular components: a standardized outer body, an adjustable inner body, and a configurable connector volume. This segmentation allows the connector volume to be optimized for different connector sizes without redesigning the entire enclosure, maintaining adaptability while controlling overall volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector volume is designed as a universal accommodation space that can host multiple connector types and sizes through adjustable positioning mechanisms and standardized interface configurations. This multi-functional design allows a single enclosure size to serve multiple connector applications, avoiding volume increases while maintaining versatility.

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

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 solution offers robust mechanical protection and effective electromagnetic shielding, ensuring low electric resistance and improved connector safety in harsh environments, while maintaining the flexibility of accommodating various connector sizes and types.

Implementation Method 1

the connector volume is located within an electromagnetic shielding structure, the electromagnetic shielding structure being received within the inner body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

utilizing conductive materials like phosphor bronze for enhanced shielding effectiveness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2579396B1Shielded enclosure assembly for at least one in particular standardized connector on a cable
Publication Date: 2016.12.21 TYCO ELECTRONICS NETHERLAND BV
  • EP2579396B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2579396B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2579396B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an enclosure assembly (1) for at least of a variety of in particular standardized connectors on a cable, such as RJ45, HDMI and others. The enclosure assembly (1) comprises a connector volume (78) located within an inner body (62) of the enclosure assembly (1). The connector volume (78) is adapted to moveably accommodate the connector (4). The inner body (62) is open to an outer environment (90) and a forward and a rearward end. The enclosure assembly (1) further comprises an outer body (68) adapted to slide over the inner body (62) in a forward direction (42). The outer body (68) is provided with at least one locking element (70) for securing the enclosure assembly (1) to a mating enclosure. As a further improvement to the known connector assemblies, the connector volume (78) is located within an electromagnetic shielding structure (74) and the electromagnetic shielding structure (74) is located within the inner body (62). According to a further embodiment, the electromagnetic shielding structure (74) comprises a fixed shielding substructure (20) and a moveable shielding substructure (44), which may be automatically connected to each other upon movement of the inner body in the forward direction (42).