Stacked Shielding Plates With Offset Spring Tangs For High-Frequency Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency electrical connectors face challenges in providing sufficient shielding and grounding effects within limited space, as sharing metallic plates among multiple components complicates the design.
Innovation Solution
A high-frequency electrical connector design featuring stacked shielding plates with offset spring tangs mechanically and electrically connecting to grounding contacts, ensuring superior shielding in the vertical direction by alternating the position of spring tangs between two rows of contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single layer shielding plate is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the shielding effect in the vertical direction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer shielding plate to a multi-layer stacked shielding plate configuration. By adding the vertical dimension (stacking multiple shielding plates at different heights), the shielding effect in the vertical direction is significantly enhanced while maintaining a relatively compact structure. The offset arrangement of spring tangs between layers further optimizes the shielding performance without excessive complexity increase.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple shielding plates are stacked, then the shielding effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding structure is segmented into multiple independent shielding plates, each with its own spring tangs. This segmentation allows each plate to independently provide shielding for specific contact rows, optimizing the overall shielding effect. The modular nature of segmented shielding plates also facilitates easier assembly and maintenance compared to a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple shielding plates are nested vertically within the connector housing, with each plate positioned at different heights. This nesting arrangement maximizes the use of vertical space while providing comprehensive shielding coverage. The offset spring tangs of nested plates interlock with grounding contacts, creating an integrated shielding system that is more efficient than a single complex plate.
3Device complexity
If metallic plates are shared among multiple components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the grounding effect is insufficient in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single shared metallic plate, the patent employs multiple shielding plates with locally optimized spring tang arrangements. Each shielding plate has spring tangs specifically positioned to contact grounding contacts for the adjacent contact rows, providing localized high-quality grounding where needed. This local quality approach ensures reliable grounding effects within the limited space of the connector.
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 design effectively enhances shielding and grounding performance by preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI) leaks between contact rows, maintaining a compact structure.
Implementation Method 1
Each shielding plate has at least one row of spring tangs wherein the spring tangs of the first shielding plate with regard to the corresponding grounding contacts of the first row of contacts are essentially offset from the spring tangs of the second shielding plate
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 and the second shielding plate form corresponding spring tangs offset from each other in the front-to-back direction to respectively contact the first grounding contacts and second grounding contacts at different positions in the front-to-back direction.