Shielded Connector Latch Assembly for Cross-Talk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data communication systems face challenges in achieving high electrical performance and density while minimizing interference and signal degradation, and require efficient installation and removal processes, especially in limited spaces where tool-assisted screw fasteners increase installation and removal time.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a shielded housing and discrete plug chambers, each plug shielded from others, and a latch assembly with a spring latch and lever arm for tool-free installation and removal, allowing for secure engagement with multi-port electrical connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If high density connector assemblies with multiple contact pairs are used, then space utilization is improved, but cross-talk between contact pairs increases causing signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into multiple discrete shielded plug chambers, each housing individual plugs. The shielded housing segments the internal space to electrically isolate each contact pair, preventing cross-talk while maintaining high density arrangement within the compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
A shielded housing acts as an intermediary structure between adjacent contact pairs. The housing includes shielding elements that mediate the electromagnetic field interactions, blocking interference signals while allowing the high-density connector assembly to maintain its compact volume.
2Strength
If screw fasteners are used to retain connector assemblies in limited space, then secure connection is improved, but installation and removal time increases due to tool requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly enables self-service installation and removal of the connector assembly. The lever arm can be manually actuated without tools to engage or disengage the latch, allowing technicians to quickly install or remove connector assemblies from the electrical connector while maintaining secure retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly transitions from a static screw-fastened state to a dynamic lever-operated mechanism. The spring-loaded latch can be quickly engaged by moving the lever arm to the first position and disengaged by moving it to the second position, providing both secure connection and rapid reconfigurability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shielded housing with discrete plug chambers is used, then cross-talk reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielded housing combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: it provides mechanical support for multiple plugs, creates discrete shielded chambers for each contact pair, and establishes electrical grounding paths. This merging reduces the need for separate shielding components and simplifies the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielded housing serves multiple purposes simultaneously: structural containment, electromagnetic shielding, mechanical alignment, and electrical grounding. Each plug chamber is universally designed to accommodate standard plugs while providing individual shielding, reducing the need for custom components and simplifying the overall device complexity.
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 enhances electrical performance by reducing cross-talk, facilitates quick and tool-free installation and removal, and optimizes space utilization in high-density connector assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The latch assembly has a spring latch configured to engage the electrical connector to secure the connector assembly to the electrical connector
Implementation Method 2
The latch assembly is configured to engage the multi-port electrical connector to electrically common the shielded housing and the multi-port electrical connector
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly for mating with a multi-port electrical connector includes a shielded housing having a plurality of discrete shielded plug chambers and a plurality of plugs received in corresponding plug chambers. Each of the plugs are shielded from one another by the shielded housing, and the plugs are configured for simultaneous mating with the multi-port electrical connector, wherein each plug is received in a different port of the electrical connector. The connector assembly also includes a latch assembly coupled to the shielded housing. The latch assembly engages the shielded housing and is configured to engage the multi-port electrical connector to electrically common the shielded housing and the multi-port electrical connector.