Shielding Connector Without Welding for RF Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current interconnection methods for electronic cards in active RF equipment, such as those on satellites, face challenges in achieving effective electromagnetic shielding, are costly, and complicate mechanical designs due to the need for manual gluing and wiring of filter bushings, which restrict signal passage and increase labor costs.

Innovation Solution

An interconnection device with electrical conductors passing through without soldering, held by mechanical means and surrounded by a microwave absorber for shielding, eliminating the need for filter bushings and associated connections, and using resin and conductive pressure means for secure contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If filter bushings are used for electrical interconnection between electronic cards, then electromagnetic shielding is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and labor cost increase due to manual gluing and wiring operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoidmanual gluing and wiring operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function and the electromagnetic shielding function into a single integrated component. The conductive shaft provides electrical connection while the microwave absorber material integrated around it provides shielding, eliminating the need for separate filter bushings, gluing operations, and wiring steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the shielding function from the traditional filter bushing assembly and implements it through a microwave absorber material that can be directly integrated with the conductive shaft. This extraction simplifies the overall assembly process by eliminating complex manual operations while maintaining shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple filter bushings are used to pass multiple signals, then signal transmission is enabled, but cost increases due to multiple manual operations for each crossing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission capacityVSAvoidunit cost and labor cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal interconnection device that can handle multiple signals simultaneously through multiple conductive shafts. Each shaft provides both electrical connection and shielding, making the device multi-functional and scalable without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity or labor cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the interconnection function into multiple independent conductive shafts that can be individually positioned and connected. This segmentation allows flexible signal routing while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process, reducing the marginal cost of adding additional signal paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If filter bushings with RF seals are used, then electromagnetic insulation is achieved, but signal speed is limited due to filtering effects

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMC insulationVSAvoidsignal passage speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the shielding mechanism from traditional RF seals and filter capacitors to microwave absorber material. This parameter change in the shielding approach eliminates the filtering effect that limits signal speed while maintaining electromagnetic insulation through the absorber's ability to attenuate electromagnetic fields without introducing capacitive filtering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution provides efficient RF shielding, simplifies mechanical designs, reduces costs, and allows for higher signal capacity without filtering, enabling faster signal passage and optimized sub-assembly arrangements.

Implementation Method 1

the shielding means are provided by a microwave absorber in contact with each conductor and surrounding it over all or part of its length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrowave absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

mechanical means for holding the two electronic boards against the device, either side of it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

each electrical conductor comprises between its two ends means for pressing its ends towards the outside of the device, so as to reinforce the electrical contact with the connection pads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2405538B1Shielding connector without electrical welding for electronic assemblies
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 THALES SA
  • EP2405538B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2405538B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2405538B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The device has electrical conductors (48) whose two ends are respectively in direct contact with electrical connection pads (13) of two circuit boards (1, 2), where the conductors pass through the device from end to end and are not soldered. A mechanical unit holds the two circuit boards against the device, at two ends of the device. An intercavity microwave screening unit is formed by a microwave absorber that is in contact with each conductor and surrounds each conductor over all or some of a length of each conductor. A resin holds the conductors in the device.