Stacked Electrical Connector Assembly Space Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for digital content and storage solutions, such as HDMI and eSATA connectors, poses a challenge in conserving limited component area on circuit boards, as existing connectors occupy valuable space.
Innovation Solution
A stacked electrical connector assembly with a common dielectric housing containing eSATA and HDMI compliant connectors, where the upper and lower connectors share a common housing with separate shields and contact areas, allowing for efficient space utilization on circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple connectors (HDMI and eSATA) are mounted separately on the circuit board, then each connector can be accessed independently, but the component area occupied on the circuit board increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connectors (HDMI and eSATA) into a single stacked connector assembly that mounts to the circuit board at one location. The housing integrates multiple contact areas and shields for different connector types, allowing multiple functions to be accessed through a single mounting footprint on the circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of connectors on the circuit board to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. By stacking connectors vertically within a common housing, the design utilizes the Z-dimension (height) rather than expanding the X-Y footprint on the circuit board, thereby conserving component area.
2Area of stationary object
If connectors are stacked within a single housing, then space on the circuit board is conserved, but the structural complexity of the connector assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacked connector assembly is divided into distinct segments including separate contact areas for different connector types, individual shields for each connector, and a common housing that integrates these elements. This segmentation allows each connector type to be independently designed and shielded while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where multiple connectors are housed within a common outer housing. Each connector type (HDMI, eSATA) has its own contact area and shield that is nested within the larger housing structure, creating a compact multi-layered configuration that reduces overall footprint.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shields are provided for each contact area in the stacked connector, then signal interference is reduced, but the internal space required within the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides shielding specifically for each contact area within the stacked connector assembly. Each shield is localized to protect its respective connector type (HDMI or eSATA) from electromagnetic interference, rather than providing a single large shield for the entire assembly. This localized approach reduces signal interference while minimizing the additional space required.
Data Source
AI summary
A stacked electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having an upper face opposite a mounting face and opposed sides between the upper face and the mounting face. The housing holds one row of contacts in a lower contact area between lower side sections of the housing. Two rows of contacts are held in an upper contact area. The housing includes an unshielded spacing section separating the upper and lower contact areas. A lower shield includes a shroud surrounding the lower contact area and side panels that cover the lower side sections of the housing. An upper shield includes a shroud that surrounds the upper contact area.