T-Shielded Bus Connector EMC and Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bus connectors and base modules fail to adequately address the increasing challenges of high-frequency interference and signal sensitivity due to limited shielding and inflexibility, particularly as data signals become faster and more susceptible to electromagnetic interference.

Innovation Solution

A T-shaped bus connector with a holding device for mechanical attachment, featuring complementary connecting devices arranged to allow for flexible assembly and shielding, utilizing a printed circuit board for routing data and energy signals, and incorporating shielding materials to enhance electromagnetic compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standard mounting rails are used to fasten bus base modules, then the modules can be easily mounted and connected, but the shielding against electromagnetic interference is only partial and insufficient for high-frequency signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mountingVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding housing is integrated into the bus base module structure, with the connector embedded within the shielded enclosure. The shielding housing surrounds the connector and signal paths, creating a nested configuration where the connector is protected by the housing, which itself is mounted on the standard rail. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining easy mounting while adding comprehensive electromagnetic shielding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If modules are removed from the bus system, then flexibility and reconfigurability are improved, but the data signals and power supply are interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereconfigurabilityVSAvoidsignal continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bus system is segmented into independent bus base modules that can be individually mounted or removed. Each module contains its own connector and shielding housing, allowing modules to be reconfigured without affecting the entire system. The T-shaped connector design enables daisy-chaining where signal paths are maintained through remaining modules even when one module is removed, preserving both reconfigurability and signal continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If data signals are transmitted at higher speeds, then productivity and data throughput are improved, but the signals become more susceptible to electromagnetic interference and common-mode interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidinterference susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding housing provides localized electromagnetic protection around the connector and signal paths where high-frequency signals are most vulnerable to interference. The shielding is strategically positioned to enclose the critical signal transmission areas, including the T-shaped connector regions, thereby protecting the high-speed data signals from external electromagnetic interference and reducing common-mode interference without requiring system-wide shielding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If T-shaped bus connectors with three directly connected connectors are used, then connection simplicity is improved, but electromagnetic compatibility deteriorates due to lack of shielding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidelectromagnetic compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector and shielding housing are merged into an integrated assembly where the T-shaped connector with its three connectors is housed within the shielded enclosure. The housing is formed as a single integrated structure that encompasses all three connector interfaces, maintaining the simplicity of direct connections while adding comprehensive electromagnetic shielding around all signal paths simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2053697B1T-shaped shielded bus connector
Publication Date: 2017.05.03 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2053697B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2053697B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2053697B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A holding device mechanically retains the connector on a mounting rail (300). The plug connectors (102,103) are constructed complementary to each other. A plug connector (104) is oriented perpendicular to plug connectors (102,103). The data and power bus lines are operated between the three plug connectors. A shielding material covers the plug connectors of the T-shaped bus connector (100).