Train Connector Grounding via Shielded Layer to Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for grounding shielded layers in train-information transmission/reception systems either fail to fully release noise near the apparatus, leading to interference, or radiate noise to semiconductor elements, affecting system performance.

Innovation Solution

A ground line connected to the shielded layer of an in-vehicle wire cable is grounded to the frame ground through the casing of the train-information transmission/reception apparatus, reducing noise influence by routing it directly to the casing without passing through the substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the shielded layer is grounded at a position far from the train-information transmission/reception apparatus, then the ground connection is simplified, but noise applied to the shielded layer near the apparatus cannot be fully released to ground

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding implementationVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector case serves as an intermediary between the shielded layer and the frame ground. The ground line connects the shielded layer to the connector case, which is electrically connected to the frame ground of the train-information transmission/reception apparatus. This intermediary structure enables effective noise discharge while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the shielded layer is grounded via the substrate to the frame ground, then the ground connection is established near the apparatus, but noise from the shielded layer may be radiated to semiconductor elements on the substrate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise discharge effectivenessVSAvoidnoise radiation to semiconductor elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding path for the shielded layer is extracted from the substrate and routed through a separate ground line to the connector case. This separation removes the noise discharge path from the substrate, preventing noise radiation to semiconductor elements while maintaining effective noise discharge to the frame ground.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If multiple signal lines are combined in a single connector, then the apparatus size is reduced, but noise interference between different signal types increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidnoise interference between signals
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielded layer is provided for each signal line group (analogue signals, digital signals, power supply lines) rather than a single universal shield. Each shielded layer is grounded through the connector case to the frame ground, providing localized noise protection for each signal type while maintaining compact connector design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration effectively reduces noise interference on the train-information transmission/reception apparatus by grounding the shielded layer directly to the frame ground, improving signal integrity and reducing radiation to semiconductor elements.

Implementation Method 1

a ground line connected to a shielded layer of an in-vehicle wire cable is configured to be connected to a connector case and grounded to a frame ground via a casing of a train-information transmission/reception apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2645510B1Electric connector, train information transmitting/receiving system, and method for connecting electric connector
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2645510B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2645510B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2645510B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

There is provided an electric connector that is interposed between an in-vehicle wire cable 11a and a train information transmission/reception apparatus. The in-vehicle wire cable 11a includes a plurality of signal lines 41 that transmit train information and an electrically-conductive shielded layer 45 surrounding the signal lines 41. One end of a ground line 32 is connected to the shielded layer 45. A casing ground is provided on a casing of the train information transmission/reception apparatus and a plurality of plug pins electrically connected to the signal lines 41 are provided on the casing of the train information transmission/reception apparatus. The other end of the ground line 32 is connected to an electrically-conductive connector case 12a, which is a casing of the electric connector, and the connector case 12a is grounded via the casing of the train information transmission/reception apparatus when the signal lines 41 and the plug pins are electrically connected to each other.