Shielded Connector Assembly With Interlocking Half Shells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shielded electrical connector assemblies have a high number of components, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly comprising a male and female connector with two identical shielding half shells, each with a protrusion and latch for locking, and a terminal module integrated into each shielding shell, simplifying assembly and reducing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fasteners such as screws are used to fix the top cover to the main shell body, then the shielding shell structure is secure, but the number of components increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the top cover and main shell body into a single integrated shielding shell structure, eliminating the need for separate fasteners. The terminal module is directly mounted on the integrated shielding shell, reducing the component count while maintaining structural security through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding shell is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic shielding, structural support, and direct mounting surface for the terminal module. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fastening components, as the shielding shell itself performs both protective and mounting roles.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners such as screws are used to fix the top cover to the main shell body, then the shielding shell structure is secure, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the top cover and main shell body into a single integrated structure, the patent eliminates the need for multiple fasteners, thereby reducing part count, assembly steps, and associated manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connector into modular components (shielding shell integrated with top cover, terminal module) that can be manufactured separately and assembled with simple integration, reducing the need for expensive fastening operations and simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a top cover mounted over the top opening with fasteners is used, then the shielding is effective, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the top cover and main shell body into a single integrated shielding shell that maintains electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. The terminal module is directly mounted on this integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and simplifying the assembly process while preserving shielding integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly comprising a male connector, and a female connector mateable to the male connector. Each of the male and female connectors include a shielding shell having two identical shielding half shells each comprising a bottom wall and a pair of side walls, a protrusion formed on one of the pair of side walls, and a latch formed on the other of the pair of side walls. The latch of one of the two shielding half shells engages with the protrusion of the other of the two shielding half shells for locking the two shielding half shells together. A terminal module is installed in each of the shielding shells. The terminal module and shielding shell of the male connector is adapted to be received within and electrically connected to the female connector.