Sleeve Shielding Device With Contracted Weakened Portion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic shielding solutions for power cables in automotive applications are complex, inflexible, and expensive, making them unsuitable for mass production, as they require multiple parts and complicated assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A sleeve-shaped electromagnetic shielding device with a weakened portion that can be inwardly contracted to establish an electrical connection with the cable shielding, eliminating the need for extra connection parts like contact springs, and allowing for manufacturing from a single piece of sheet metal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate parts (metal rings, contact springs) are used to establish shielding connection, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (metal rings and contact springs) into a single integrated shielding device. The shielding device includes a body portion and a clamping portion that work together as one unit to establish electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it provides electromagnetic shielding, establishes electrical connection through the clamping portion, and accommodates various cable configurations. The clamping portion can be formed in different ways (separate piece or integrally formed) to suit different application requirements, making the device versatile for mass production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sophisticated spring elements are used to establish flexible electrical connection, then adaptability to different cable sizes is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable size adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves adaptability to different cable sizes by changing the geometric parameters of the clamping portion rather than using sophisticated spring elements. The clamping portion can be designed with appropriate dimensions, curvature, and clamping force characteristics to accommodate various cable diameters. This approach maintains cable adaptability while using simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing processes suitable for mass production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If inflexible metallic rings with small tolerances are used, then precise electrical connection is achieved, but flexibility and ease of assembly are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidassembly flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the shielding device by forming the clamping portion with elastic or flexible properties. This allows the clamping portion to deform during assembly to accommodate slight variations in cable position and dimensions, then maintain stable electrical connection once clamped. The dynamic behavior eliminates the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances while ensuring precise electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces production costs, and provides reliable, flexible electrical connections capable of maintaining shielding continuity across complex assemblies, with effective shielding performance up to 70 dB in specific frequency ranges and supporting high power transmission.

Implementation Method 1

at least one weakened portion (11) which can be inwardly contracted to establish an electrical connection between the shielding device and the shielding of the conducting element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

electromagnetic shielding device for the continuous shielding of a conducting element... to avoid possible interferences induced by electromagnetic energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS8882543B2Electromagnetic shielding device

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic shielding device for electromagnetic shielding of a power transmitting arrangement adapted to house an electromagnetically shielded conducting element. The electromagnetic shielding device has essentially the form of a sleeve and further includes a weakened portion, which is adapted to be contracted for establishing an electrical connection between the device and the shielding of the conducting element.