Shielded Connector Outer Conductor Structure to Prevent Gaps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connectors with outer conductors formed by bending metal plates face issues with gap formation, which compromises the shielding performance.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a first outer conductor formed with a tubular shape by casting or cutting, and a second outer conductor that is plate-shaped and can undergo bending deformation, ensuring electrical connection reliability and easy manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the outer conductor is formed by bending a metal plate, then the manufacturing process is simple, but gap formation occurs and shielding performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidshielding performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outer conductor is divided into a first outer conductor (tubular member formed by casting or cutting) and a second outer conductor (plate-shaped member), which are electrically connected to each other. The tubular first outer conductor prevents gap formation and ensures shielding performance, while the plate-shaped second outer conductor maintains manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer conductor combines two different structural forms: a tubular first outer conductor formed by casting or cutting (which prevents gaps) and a plate-shaped second outer conductor (which is easy to manufacture). These two parts are electrically connected to create a composite structure that achieves both shielding performance and manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If the outer conductor is formed by bending a metal plate, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but gap formation compromises shielding effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing cost reductionVSAvoidgap formation affecting shielding
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outer conductor is segmented into two functional parts: the first outer conductor (tubular) that eliminates gaps and ensures shielding effectiveness, and the second outer conductor (plate-shaped) that is cost-effective to manufacture. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the outer conductor have different structural qualities: the first outer conductor uses a tubular structure (formed by casting or cutting) where gap-free continuity is critical for shielding, while the second outer conductor uses a plate-shaped structure where cost-effectiveness is prioritized. Each local region has the quality needed for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a tubular outer conductor is formed by casting or cutting, then shielding performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding performanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex tubular structure is separated into the first outer conductor (tubular, formed by casting or cutting) and the second outer conductor (plate-shaped). This segmentation allows the complex tubular structure to be limited to only where needed (first outer conductor) while the rest uses simpler plate structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first outer conductor (tubular) and second outer conductor (plate-shaped) are merged by electrical connection to form a complete outer conductor system. This combining allows the system to achieve the shielding performance of a full tubular structure while using simpler plate structures in parts, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 proposed design enhances the shielding performance of the outer conductor by preventing gap formation and ensuring reliable electrical connections, while also simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the second lock portion is configured to undergo bending deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBending deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS12322913B2Connector with improved shielding
Publication Date: 2025.06.03 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD
  • US12322913B2 patent drawing
  • US12322913B2 patent drawing
  • US12322913B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Technology of the present invention improves the shielding performance of an outer conductor. A connector 10 includes an inner conductor 20 and an outer conductor 40 that surrounds the inner conductor 20. The outer conductor 40 includes a first outer conductor 41 and a second outer conductor 42 that can be electrically connected to each other. The first outer conductor 41 is a member formed with a tubular shape by casting or cutting, and includes an accommodation portion 43 that accommodates at least a portion of the second outer conductor 42, and a first lock portion 47 provided inside the accommodation portion 43. The second outer conductor 42 is a plate-shaped member and includes a second lock portion 51 that can be locked to the first lock portion 47. The second lock portion 51 can undergo bending deformation.