USB Type-C Connector Grounding via Shell Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies for USB Type-C connectors lack a robust grounding structure, which is essential for effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly incorporates a metal shell enclosing the insulative housing with conductive terminals and a shielding shell with inward protrusions that resist the metal shell for grounding, ensuring a secure connection and EMI shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grounding structure is added to improve EMI shielding and structural integrity, then grounding function and structural strength are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grounding function with the existing metal shell structure by adding protrusions that directly contact the metal shell. This merges the grounding function into the existing structural component rather than adding a separate grounding system, thereby improving grounding reliability while minimizing increases in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The metal shell serves multiple functions: it provides structural enclosure, EMI shielding, and grounding pathways. The protrusions on the housing body create contact points that enable the metal shell to simultaneously perform structural and electrical grounding functions, demonstrating multi-functionality that improves grounding without proportionally increasing complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a grounding structure is added to improve EMI shielding, then EMI shielding performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding structure is merged with the metal shell that already provides EMI shielding. The protrusions create electrical contact between the housing and metal shell, allowing the existing shielding structure to also serve as the grounding pathway, thereby improving EMI shielding performance without adding separate complex grounding components
Solution Approach 2:
The metal shell is designed to perform both EMI shielding and grounding functions simultaneously. The protrusions enable the metal shell to serve as both the shielding barrier and the grounding conductor, demonstrating multi-functionality that improves EMI protection without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes: a plug connector including an insulative housing, plural conductive terminals arranged in two rows and affixed to the insulative housing, and a metal shell enclosing the insulative housing, the insulative housing comprising a top wall having plural first grooves, and each conductive terminal comprising a fixed portion affixed to a corresponding first groove and exposed to the metal shell; and a receptacle connector including an insulative body, plural mating terminals affixed to the insulative body, and a shielding shell enclosing the insulative body, the shielding shell having a tuber extending inwardly; wherein the tuber resists against a surface of the metal shell when the plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector.