Stacked Shielding Plates for High-Frequency Connector Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency electrical connectors face challenges in providing sufficient shielding and grounding effects in limited spaces when multiple items share metallic structures.
Innovation Solution
A high-frequency electrical connector design featuring stacked shielding plates with pairs of spring tangs mechanically and electrically connecting to grounding contacts, providing a double-contact point effect and covering openings from the other layer, enhancing shielding and grounding performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single metallic plate is used for grounding and shielding, then the structure is simple, but the grounding effect is insufficient in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The single metallic plate is segmented into multiple shielding plates (first shielding plate, second shielding plate, third shielding plate) stacked in the vertical direction. Each plate provides additional grounding contact points through spring tangs, enhancing the grounding effect by distributing contact forces across multiple surfaces and contacts within the limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane grounding structure to a multi-layer vertical stacking arrangement. The shielding plates are positioned at different heights (vertical dimension) with spring tangs extending in opposite directions, creating a three-dimensional grounding network that maximizes grounding contact within the connector's limited space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple shielding plates are stacked, then the shielding effect is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple shielding plates are merged into a single integrated assembly that is simultaneously installed between the plug and receptacle contact modules. The stacked plates with interleaved spring tangs function as a unified shielding structure, providing enhanced electromagnetic shielding while maintaining a compact form factor that simplifies the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding plates are nested in a stacked configuration where each plate is positioned within the vertical space of the connector assembly. The spring tangs of adjacent plates are offset and interleave with each other, creating a nested pattern that maximizes shielding coverage while minimizing the overall vertical height of the assembly.
3Reliability
If spring tangs are positioned to contact grounding contacts, then the grounding connection is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring tangs are designed with elastic properties that allow them to dynamically adjust their contact pressure and position. This elasticity compensates for variations in manufacturing tolerances and assembly misalignments, ensuring reliable grounding connection without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision for the tang positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tangs are made from metallic material with appropriate elastic properties that combine structural integrity with compliance. This material selection allows the tangs to maintain sufficient contact force while accommodating positional variations, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
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 solution achieves superior shielding and grounding effects in the vertical direction, surpassing single-layer shielding plate arrangements by ensuring symmetrical force application and increased impedance support.
Implementation Method 1
each shielding plate includes at least one spring tang mechanically and electrically connecting to one grounding contact
Data Source
AI summary
A high frequency electrical connector includes a housing with first and second rows of contacts therein. The housing includes a base and a mating tongue extending forwardly from the base. Each contacts has a contacting section exposed upon the mating surface of the mating tongue, a connection section exposed out of the base, and a middle section therebetween. The first row of contacts as well as the second row of contacts includes a plurality of grounding contacts. First and second shielding plates stacked with each other and commonly between the first row of contacts and the second row of contacts. The first shielding plate has two rows of spring tangs in pairs wherein each pair of spring tangs commonly contact the same grounding contact.