Shielded Connector Assembly With Overlapping Plates for Tight Pitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies are large in the pitch direction due to the structure of the wall terminal, which affects their size and efficiency in electromagnetic shielding.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design where the shield portion and mating shield portion have a plate portion with a projection that overlaps in the pitch direction, allowing for electromagnetic shielding while reducing the size in the pitch direction, and an armor that projects outward to protect the terminals during mating operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wall terminal structure is used to shield between terminals, then electromagnetic shielding is achieved, but the connector assembly becomes large in the pitch direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shield portion and mating shield portion in the pitch direction to form an integrated shielding structure. The plate portion of the shield portion overlaps with the plate portion of the mating shield portion, merging their shielding functions into a compact configuration that reduces the overall size in the pitch direction while maintaining electromagnetic shielding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projection that extends in the lateral direction (perpendicular to both upper-lower and pitch directions) to provide electromagnetic shielding. This shifts part of the shielding function from the pitch direction to the lateral direction, allowing the connector assembly to maintain shielding capability while reducing size in the pitch direction.
2Length of moving object
If the shield portion and mating shield portion are positioned to overlap in the pitch direction, then the size in pitch direction is reduced, but the complexity of the shield structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield portion is divided into distinct functional elements: a plate portion for overlapping with the mating shield portion to reduce pitch direction size, and a projection extending in the lateral direction for shielding. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate portion serves multiple functions: it provides the overlapping structure to reduce pitch direction size, contributes to electromagnetic shielding, and forms part of the overall shield assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing structural complexity despite the compact configuration.
3Reliability
If the projection is added to the plate portion, then electromagnetic shielding is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection is integrated with the plate portion as a single component, merging the shielding function with the structural element. This integration eliminates the need for separate shielding components and reduces assembly steps, thereby improving ease of manufacture despite the enhanced shielding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield portion appears to be formed as a single integrated component combining the plate portion and projection, likely using the same material throughout. This composite structure simplifies manufacturing by eliminating material joins or assemblies while providing enhanced electromagnetic shielding through the projection geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly comprises a connector and a mating connector mateable with each other. The connector comprises a first terminal, a second terminal and a shield portion. The shield portion is located between the first terminal and the second terminal in the pitch direction. The mating connector comprises a first mating terminal, a second mating terminal and a mating shield portion. The mating shield portion is located between the first mating terminal and the second mating terminal in the pitch direction. One of the shield portion and the mating shield portion has a plate portion, and a remaining one of the shield portion and the mating shield portion has a mating plate portion. Under the mated state, a position of the plate portion in the pitch direction is equal to or overlaps with another position of the mating plate portion in the pitch direction.