USB Type-C Plug Connector Side-Latch Grounding Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB Type-C electrical connectors face challenges in achieving both electromagnetic shielding and electrical grounding due to structurally independent side-latches and shielding shells, leading to ineffective electromagnetic interference mitigation.
Innovation Solution
The design integrates side-latches and a terminal set within an insulator, where the side-latches protrude to establish electrical contact with a shielding shell, allowing collective grounding and enhanced electromagnetic shielding through the connection of the side-latches and grounding terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If side-latches and shielding shell are structurally independent, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is reduced due to inability to achieve collective grounding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the side-latch and shielding shell into a single integrated structure. The side-latch becomes an integral part of the shielding shell, eliminating the need for separate assembly while enabling collective grounding. This integration allows the side-latch to contribute to electromagnetic shielding when the connector is mated, resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and shielding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated side-latch/shielding shell structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical locking through the side-latch function, maintains electromagnetic shielding when not mated, and contributes to collective grounding when mated. This multi-functionality allows a single structure to replace what would otherwise require separate components, achieving both ease of manufacture and improved electromagnetic shielding.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If side-latches are integrated with shielding shell for collective grounding, then electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the side-latch and shielding shell into one integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of parts while achieving collective grounding. The integration eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and connections, thereby reducing overall structural complexity despite the enhanced shielding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional design allows the same structure to perform both mechanical locking and electromagnetic shielding functions. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated shielding structures, thereby maintaining relatively simple overall structure while achieving improved electromagnetic interference mitigation.
3Reliability
If side-latches protrude from insulator to contact shielding shell, then electrical connection for grounding is achieved, but insulation performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the shielding shell as an intermediary between the protruding side-latch (conductive) and the insulator. The shielding shell, being electrically connected to the side-latch but physically separated from the insulator by design, serves as a mediator that enables grounding connection without compromising the insulator's electrical insulation performance. The insulator maintains its isolation function while the side-latch-shielding shell interface provides the grounding path.
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 discharges shielding currents, improving electromagnetic compatibility and providing a better use environment by achieving both electromagnetic shielding and electrical grounding in USB Type-C plug connectors.
Implementation Method 1
Each of side-latches includes at least one protrusion exposed out of the insulator along a third axis and structurally leaning against the shielding shell, such that the shielding shell is electrically connected with the side-latches
Data Source
AI summary
A plug electrical connector including an insulator, a pair of side-latches, a terminal set, and a shielding shell is provided. The pair of side-latches and a plurality of terminals of the terminal set are arranged along a first axis, and each of them extends along a second axis. The pair of side-latches and the terminal set are respectively disposed in the insulator, and the pair of side-latches are located on two sides of the terminal set. The shielding shell covers the insulator along the second axis. The side-latch includes at least one protrusion exposed out of the insulator along a third axis and structurally leaning against the shielding shell, such that the shielding shell is electrically connected with the pair of side-latches. The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are orthogonal to each other.