USB-C Connector Grounding Structures Below Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-end USB Type-C connectors with dual in-line package pins occupy excess area on circuit boards, making them bulky and inefficient in terms of space usage.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring insulated members with first and second conductive terminals, a shielding shell, and a metal housing with grounding structures that are integrated to reduce the overall volume, allowing for simultaneous assembly and alignment with the circuit board, and fixed using laser welding for enhanced stability and waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual in-line package pins (DIP pins) are used at the metal housing for grounding, then grounding function is achieved, but the connector occupies excess area on the circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding structures are repositioned from a horizontal arrangement (DIP pins at the metal housing) to a vertical arrangement (below the second conductive terminals). This dimensional change allows the grounding function to be achieved while occupying less circuit board area, as the grounding structures now extend in the vertical direction rather than horizontally across the board.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding structures are nested within the existing connector structure, specifically positioned below the second conductive terminals and integrated into the metal housing. This nesting approach allows the grounding function to be incorporated without adding external components that would increase the overall footprint on the circuit board.
2Volume of stationary object
If grounding structures are integrated below the second conductive terminals, then the overall volume of the connector is reduced, but assembly alignment with the circuit board becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding structures are merged with the metal housing as an integrated component rather than separate elements. This merging ensures that the grounding structures move and align with the housing as a single unit, reducing the risk of misalignment during assembly and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding structures are pre-positioned and fixed relative to the metal housing and shielding shell during manufacturing. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the connector is assembled on the circuit board, the grounding structures are already correctly aligned, reducing the need for precise manual alignment and simplifying the assembly process.
3Productivity
If multiple components (first conductive terminals, second conductive terminals, grounding structures) are assembled simultaneously on the circuit board, then assembly steps are simplified, but the structural complexity of each component increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first conductive terminals, second conductive terminals, and grounding structures are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. This allows all components to be installed on the circuit board in one simultaneous action, simplifying the assembly process and improving productivity, while the internal structural complexity is managed through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the conductive terminals, houses the grounding structures, provides EMI shielding, and acts as the mounting interface for the circuit board. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, allowing simultaneous assembly while managing overall structural complexity.
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 minimizes the connector's size, simplifies assembly, and improves aesthetics by integrating grounding structures below the conductive terminals, effectively utilizing circuit board space while maintaining durability and shielding effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the metal housing and the shielding shell are fixed together by laser welding
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes an insulated member, a plurality of first conductive terminals, a plurality of second conductive terminals, a shielding shell, and a metal housing. The first conductive terminals are disposed on an upper surface of the insulated member and extending rearward. The second conductive terminals are disposed on a lower surface of the insulated member, extending rearward, and located below the first conductive terminals. The shielding shell is fitted over the insulated member, and the shielding shell has a plug end and a mounting end. The metal housing has a plurality of grounding structures, the metal housing is fitted over the mounting end of the shielding shell, and the grounding structures are completely located below the second conductive terminals.