Shielding Cage With Integrated Support Members For Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting cages and electrical connectors to a printed circuit board (PCB) require separate positioning and alignment processes, complicating the assembly due to the need for specific tooling and checking steps, which increases the complexity of the process.
Innovation Solution
A cage design with transverse link pieces and support members that allows the electrical connector to be seated and handled during assembly, enabling the connector to be positioned and aligned relative to the PCB in a single step, with the support members and transverse link piece contacting the PCB to secure the connector in place, eliminating the need for separate alignment operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate mounting processes are used for cage and electrical connector, then positioning and alignment can be ensured, but the assembling process becomes complicated with specific tooling and checking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is designed with integrated support members and a transverse link piece that directly engage with the PCB, merging the positioning function into the cage structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate positioning and alignment operations, allowing the cage and electrical connector to be mounted together in a single operation while maintaining manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate mounting processes are used for cage and electrical connector, then correct relative positioning can be achieved, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support members extending from the cage sidewalls and the transverse link piece connecting the sidewalls create an integrated mounting structure. This allows both the cage and electrical connector to be positioned and mounted to the PCB in a single operation, improving productivity while ensuring correct relative positioning through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are pre-positioned on the cage sidewalls at specific locations that correspond to PCB mounting holes. This preliminary positioning arrangement ensures that when the cage is mounted to the PCB, the electrical connector is automatically positioned at the correct location and orientation, eliminating subsequent alignment operations.
3Ease of operation
If the cage structure is simplified for easier assembly, then handling becomes easier, but shielding function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cage maintains its shielding function through the continuous sidewall structure connected by the transverse link piece, forming an integrated EMI shield. The support members are integrated into this structure without breaking the shielding continuity. This design allows easy handling through the PCB-mountable support members while preserving the complete shielding enclosure for EMI protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A cage for shielding and handling electrical connectors, the cage has a pair of sidewalls each having a first and second longitudinal portions. A transverse link pierce joins the first longitudinal portions to form a single piece. Support members extend from the sidewalls and disposed in the space between the second longitudinal portions. A portion of the electrical connector is seated onto the support members, with the mounting portions of the contact terminals of the connector exposed. The electrical connector can be carried and positioned onto a PCB during the assembling process, by handling the cage only. The electrical connector is movable relative to the cage along vertical direction when contact terminals are brought into contact with the PCB to ensure the coplanary of contact terminals and PCB circuits. The present invention ensures the positioning accuracy of the connector onto the PCB and eases handling and assembling process.