Shielded Modular Jack Assembly with Integrated Shield Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shielded modular jack connectors face challenges in simplifying the connection between the cable shield and connector shield, often requiring complex components and cumbersome assembly methods, such as spring-loaded clamps or cable ties, which complicate manufacturing and field termination.
Innovation Solution
A field-terminable electrical connector with a movable clamping member that biases towards a conductive shoulder to engage the cable shield, featuring a latching structure and biasing member to securely clamp the shield, allowing for easy assembly and reliable electrical contact without the need for multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-loaded clamps are used to engage the cable shield, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamping function and electrical connection function into a single integrated conductive housing structure. The conductive housing serves both as the structural clamp and as the electrical pathway to ground, eliminating the need for separate spring-loaded clamp components while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the cable shield and connector shield.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive housing performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical clamping force to secure the cable shield, establishes electrical contact between the cable shield and connector shield, and serves as part of the grounding path. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If cable ties are used to force the cable shield into contact with the conductive housing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised due to simple engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical engagement function and electrical connection function into a single conductive housing structure. The housing itself provides both the clamping force and the electrical pathway, eliminating the need for separate cable ties or engagement mechanisms while ensuring reliable electrical contact through its inherent conductivity and structural design.
3Reliability
If complex multi-component clamping structures are used, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation and field terminability deteriorate due to cumbersome assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the clamping and electrical connection functions into a single conductive housing component that is already assembled within the connector. During field termination, the installer simply needs to insert the cable and apply moderate compression force, and the integrated structure automatically provides both mechanical securing and electrical connection without requiring separate assembly steps for clamps or ties.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive housing is pre-assembled and positioned within the connector housing before field termination. The clamping surfaces and electrical contact surfaces are already in their correct positions and orientations, so during field installation, no complex alignment or assembly is required - the installer only needs to apply compression force to engage the cable shield with the pre-positioned housing.
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 provides a simplified, cost-effective, and efficient method for establishing a reliable electrical connection between the cable shield and connector shield, enhancing manufacturing ease and field-terminability while maintaining robustness and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member biases the movable clamping member towards the cable receptacle
Implementation Method 2
a conductive ground member... a movable clamping member... to clampingly engage the exposed conductive shield between the conductive shoulder and the movable clamping member
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector has a conductive member with a conductor receiving shoulder to at least partially define a conductor receiving receptacle at which a conductor may be positioned and a movable conductor engaging member configured for movement along a first path. At one position along the first path, the conductor is engaged between the conductor receiving shoulder and the conductor engaging member. The conductor engaging member also moves along a second path that intersects with the first path. At one of the positions along the second path, the conductor engaging member is retained to permit insertion of a conductor into the conductor receiving receptacle.