Slotted Shield for Electrical Connectors in High-Vibration Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shielded electrical connectors in non-static environments suffer from abrasion and mechanical stress issues due to rigid shields, leading to premature failure and potential short circuits in high-vibration environments.
Innovation Solution
A shield design featuring a first member, a second member, and a bridge that connects them, allowing for relative movement and reducing vibration transmission, along with a slot and locking mechanisms to prevent excessive wear and mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid shield is used to provide electromagnetic shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but mechanical stress and vibration transmission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamic one. This allows the shield to absorb mechanical stress and vibrations while maintaining electromagnetic shielding effectiveness through the continuous conductive path provided by the segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is segmented into multiple sections connected by flexible joints or slots. This segmentation reduces the transmission of mechanical stress and vibrations while maintaining electrical continuity through the segments, thus preserving shielding effectiveness while improving mechanical resilience.
2Reliability
If two shield parts are separately secured to different anchor locations, then shielding coverage is improved, but abrasion and metallic remnants increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple shield parts are merged into a single integrated component with flexible connections or slots. This unified structure maintains comprehensive shielding coverage while eliminating the relative movement between separate parts, thus preventing abrasion and the generation of metallic remnants.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield incorporates flexible connections or thin film elements that allow the structure to accommodate movements without rigid contact between separate parts. This flexibility maintains shielding effectiveness while preventing the friction and wear that produce metallic remnants.
3Strength
If a continuous rigid shield is used, then mechanical strength is improved, but vibration transmission to other components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid continuous shield is transformed into a dynamic structure with flexible joints or slots that allow controlled movement. This dynamic design maintains structural strength while dissipating vibrations through the flexible elements, preventing vibration transmission to other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous shield is segmented into sections connected by flexible elements. Each segment maintains structural integrity, while the flexible connections between segments act as vibration isolators, reducing the transmission of harmful vibrations to other components.
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 shield effectively reduces frictional wear and mechanical stress, enhancing the durability and reliability of electrical connectors in high-vibration environments by dampening vibrations and preventing premature failure.
Implementation Method 1
The shield effectively reduces frictional wear and mechanical stress, enhancing the durability and reliability of electrical connectors in high-vibration environments by dampening vibrations
Implementation Method 2
Another disadvantage of known shielded connectors is that mechanical stress can be conducted through the shield to various locations where the shield is anchored to the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A shield for an electrical connector is provided and includes a first member, a second member, a slot, and a bridge. The slot is positioned between the first member and the second member. The bridge extends transverse across the slot and connects the first member with the second member.