Shielded Connector Assembly With Keyed Mating for EMI Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies with mating keys are unsuitable for preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and are not suitable for high-speed signal transmission due to their design, which includes slits that are undesirable for EMI prevention.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design featuring a first connector with a projection and a second connector with a corresponding groove, allowing only the proper second connector to mate with the first connector, while the second connector's housing encloses all around the contact portions without slits, providing comprehensive electromagnetic shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mating keys are provided in the first shell and second shell to enable proper connector mating, then connector identification and proper mating are improved, but slits are created in the shells which worsen electromagnetic interference prevention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mating key function from the shell structure itself and relocates it to the housing. The first key is formed on the first holding member and the second key is formed on the second housing, allowing the shell to remain intact without slits for EMI shielding while still providing proper connector identification and mating through the separated key structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connector into distinct functional components: the shell maintains its EMI shielding integrity without slits, while the housing provides the mating key functionality. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function - the shell for electromagnetic protection and the housing for mechanical identification and mating
2Ease of operation
If slits are created in the shell to accommodate traditional mating keys, then connector mating is enabled, but electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the housing as an intermediary component that carries the mating key function. The second housing with its second key engages with the first key on the first holding member, providing the necessary mating guidance and identification without requiring any openings in the shell structure, thus maintaining EMI shielding effectiveness
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector assembly comprises a first connector and a second connector mateable with each other. The first connector comprises a first shell which has a first mateable portion and a first key. The first key is located outward of the first mateable portion. The second connector comprises a second shell which has a second mateable portion and comprises a housing which has a projecting end and a second key. The projecting end faces the first connector when the first connector and the second connector are under a separated state where they are separated from each other. The second key is a groove which extends from the projecting end. When the first connector and the second connector are mated with each other, the second mateable portion is received in the first mateable portion, and the first key is received in the second key.