Device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connection continuity or connectivity

Abstract

A device for providing enhanced connection connectivity or continuity by inhibiting relative operational movement of wire connection portions of a cable, which may comprise a single pair ethernet cable, and a connection element during operation in order to inhibit cable connection dis-connectivity or dis-continuity during operation. The device may include a substrate having a first and second end, a mating portion provided on the first end of the substrate configured to mate with a connection element, and a wire connection portion provided in the second end of the substrate and configured to connect to a wire portion of a cable. The mating portion may be configured to receive and mate with an end portion of the connection element. The device may be configured to electrically and / or mechanically connect the cable to the connection element so as to inhibit relative operational movement of the wire connection portions of the cable and the end portion of the connection element so as to provide enhanced electrical continuity or connectivity between the cable and the connection element during operation.

Description

DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED SINGLE PAIR ETHERNET CABLE CONNECTION CONTINUITY OR CONNECTIVITYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 736,385, filed on December 19, 2024, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 869,779, filed on August 25, 2025, which are incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a connectivity device for a cable and, more particularly, to a device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity.BACKGROUND

[0003] Growing demand for data transfer reliability, speed, and capacity has emphasized the capabilities of a distributed network. As more users of a distributed network utilize signal carrying components to transfer data, network delays and errors may occur more frequently, which prompts consistent expansion and improvement of assorted aspects of the distributed network to provide sufficient bandwidth and reliability. Such network expansion and improvement may include the installation of wired cables that provide robust environmental resistance and reliable signal carrying performance.

[0004] With more cables being utilized in distributed networks, cables of different sizes, types, and capabilities have been developed to accommodate diverse installation environments, such as residential, commercial, and industrial sites, as well as diverse connectivity and signal carrying capabilities. However, the diversity of cables and cable connections that may be employed to form a distributed network may present installation efficiency and accuracy issues along with potential for degraded operation over time as cables, and cable connections, incur movement and environmental conditions.

[0005] For example, single pair ethernet cables of different size, such as from 18 AWG to 26 AWG, solid and stranded, are often utilized. In conventional connectors for such single pair ethernet cables. A different design of connector may be required for each type or size of single pair ethernet cable and the connectors may be larger than desired. Thus, assorted embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to a connector configured to connect to a plurality of different types or sizes of single pair ethernet cables without the need for providing a different connector for each cable.SUMMARY

[0006] According to various exemplary aspects of the disclosure, a device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connection continuity may include a substrate having a first end and a second end, a mating portion provided on the first end of the substrate configured to mate with a connection element, at least two wire connection portions provided in the second end of the substrate and configured to connect to a corresponding pair of wire portions of a single pair ethernet cable, and a support portion connected to the second end of the substrate and to an end portion of the single pair ethernet cable configured to support the cable. The mating portion may include a receiving portion configured to receive and mate with an end portion of the connection element. The support portion may be configured to guide each of the wire portions of the single pair ethernet cable to a corresponding one of the wire connection portions, The receiving portion may include at least a pair of contact portions. Each of the wire connection portions may be configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the contact portions by a corresponding one of a pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate so as to provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable connection continuity by inhibiting relative operational movement of the wire portions of the cable and the end portion of the connection element during operation in order to inhibit signal pair ethernet cable connection dis-continuity during operation.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, enhanced single pair ethernet cable connection continuity may include a single pair ethernet cable electrical connection that is maintained at all times during operation, and wherein the connection element comprises a single pair ethernet cable connector.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, the device may further include a cap portion configured to receive the substrate and connect to the support portion.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, the device may include a locking portion configured to engage a ground portion of the cap portion with the support portion.

[0010] According to various exemplary aspects of the disclosure, a device for providing enhanced cable connectivity may include a substrate having a first end and a second end, a mating portion provided on the first end of the substrate configured to mate with a connection element, and at least two wire connection portions provided in the second end of the substrate and configured to connect to a corresponding pair of wire portions from a cable. The mating portion may be configured to receive and mate with an end portion of the connection element. The mating portion may include at least a pair of contact portions. Each of the wire connection portions may be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the contact portions by a corresponding one of a pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate so as to provide enhanced cable connectivity by inhibiting movement of the wire portions of the cable and the end portion of the connection element during operation in order to inhibit signal pair ethernet cable dis-connectivity during operation.

[0011] According to certain embodiments, enhanced cable connectivity may include a single pair ethernet cable electrical connection that is maintained at all times during operation, and wherein the connection element comprises a single pair ethernet cable connector.

[0012] According to certain embodiments, each of the pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate may include at least one edge contact portion provided in each of the wire connection portions, and wherein each of the pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate comprises an electrical pathway connecting the at least one edge contact portion to the corresponding one of the contact portions in the mating portion.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, each of the pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate may include a contact pad disposed on opposing surfaces of the substrate.

[0014] According to certain embodiments, the device may include a biasing contact portion or a piercing contact portion provided in each of the wire connection portions so as to provide physical feedback during installation and maintain signal pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, the at least two wire connection portions may each include a shape configured to connect the substrate with wire portions of different sizes so as to avoid the need to provide a different device for each cable during operation.

[0016] According to certain embodiments, the mating portion may include a pair of parallel guide portions configured to receive the end portion of the connection element, and a protrusion portion disposed between the pair of parallel guide portions and configured to engage the end portion of the connection element.

[0017] According to certain embodiments, the device may include a ground portion connected to the first end of the substrate and configured to engage with a wireguide portion connected to the connection element.

[0018] According to various exemplary aspects of the disclosure, a device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity may include a single pair ethernet cable mating wire connection element configured to electrically and mechanically couple a mating wire connection portion to a single pair ethernet cable wire portion of a single pair ethernet cable during operation. The single pair ethernet cable connection element may be structurally configured to provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity by inhibiting movement of the single pair ethernet cable wire portion of the single pair ethernet cable relative to the mating wire connection portion of the single pair ethernet cable connection element during operation in order to inhibit signal pair ethernet cable dis-connectivity during operation.

[0019] According to certain embodiments, enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity may include a single pair ethernet cable electrical connection that is maintained at all times during operation, and wherein the single pair ethernet cable connection element comprises a single pair ethernet cable connector.

[0020] According to certain embodiments, the single pair ethernet cable mating wire connection element may include a wire connection portion configured to be connected to a single pair ethernet cable wire portion of a single pair ethernet cable, a substrate having a first substrate end portion and a second substrate end portion, a mating portion provided on the first substate end portion, and at least two wire connection portions provided in the second substrate end portion and configured to electrical connect to the single pair ethernet cable wire portion of the single pair ethernet cable during operation, and wherein the mating portion includes at least a pair of mating contact portions.

[0021] According to certain embodiments, each of the pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate may include at least one edge contact portion provided in each of the wire connection portions.

[0022] According to certain embodiments, each of the pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate may include an electrical pathway connecting the at least one edge contact portion to at least one contact portion in the mating portion.

[0023] According to certain embodiments, each of the pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate may include a contact pad disposed on opposing surfaces of the substrate.

[0024] According to certain embodiments, the device may further include a spring contact portion or a piercing contact portion provided in each of the wire connection portions.

[0025] According to certain embodiments, the mating portion may include a pair of opposing forked elements provided on the first end of the substrate, and a contact portion provided on each of the pair of opposing forked elements.

[0026] According to certain embodiments, the mating portion may include a pair of parallel guide portions configured to receive an end portion of the single pair ethernet cable connection element, and a protrusion portion disposed between the pair of parallel guide portions and configured to engage the end portion of the single pair ethernet cable connection element.

[0027] According to certain embodiments, the device may further include a ground portion connected to the first end of the substrate and configured to engage with a wireguide portion connected to the connection element.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates portions of a distributed network in which assorted embodiments can be practiced.

[0030] FIG. 2 represents portions of a wired cable connection that may be employed in the distributed network of FIG. 1 in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a line representation of portions of a connector that may be utilized in the distributed network of FIG. 1 in various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 4 displays a line representation of aspects of a connector configured in various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a line representation of portions of a connector that may be employed in the cable assemblies of FIGS. 3 and 4 in some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a line representation of aspects of a connector capable of being deployed as part of the cable assemblies of FIGS. 3 and 4 is various embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 7 displays a line representation of portions of a connector constructed and operated in accordance with assorted embodiments of this disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a line representation of aspects of a connector arranged in accordance with some embodiments to be utilized in a cable assembly.

[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates a partially transparent exploded view of an end portion of a connector having a cap portion and a shield portion, according to an embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of the termination seen in FIG. 9 when in an assembled configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a cable termination having a mating element and sharpened portions disposed within a corresponding pair of wire connection portions, according to an embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a cable termination having an alternative mating element and spring contacts disposed within a corresponding pair of wire connection portions, according to an embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a cable termination having edge contacts disposed within a corresponding pair of wire connection portions, the edge contacts forming an internal electrical pathway through the cable termination, according to an embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective view of two opposing cable terminations after having been connected together, according to an embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 14B illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of the two opposing ends seen in FIG. 14A, according to an embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 14C illustrates a partial perspective view of the two opposing cable terminations seen in FIG. 14B after having been disconnected, according to an embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of two opposing cable terminations after having been connected together, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Embodiments provide connectivity for a single pair ethernet cable by employing a connector configured to connect to the single pair Ethernet cable. The use of a printed circuit board to as a portion of the connector may provide reliable, and repeatable, physical engagement for cable connections that promote stable signal carrying pathways in a relatively small form factor.

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and / or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0048] It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0049] The proliferation of wired cables and connections has allowed distributed networks to provide reliable signal transmission to greater numbers of users. The availability of different signal carrying cables, and cable terminations, allows for customized physical arrangements and signal carrying capabilities. However, such diversity in cable configurations may present a variety of different termination, and connection, options that have different installation efficiencies and / or reliability risks over time. Accordingly, various embodiments are directed to a wired cable terminationthat employs a printed circuit board to provide increased installation efficiency and robust reliability over time.

[0050] The assorted embodiments of a connector may be practiced in a distributed network. FIG. 1 is a block representation of a distributed network environment 100 that may employ one or more connectors to form signal pathways 110 between one or more sources 120 and one or more destinations 130. The distributed network 100 may employ any number, and type, of signal pathway 110 to supply one-way or two-way signal transmission.

[0051] In some embodiments, a wireless signal pathway 112 is utilized to transmit data while other embodiments employ a wired signal pathway 114. It is noted that the wired signal pathway 114 is not limited to a particular type, size, or signal carrying speed. As such, the wired signal pathway 114 may transfer signals with fiber optic aspects or conductive wires packaged in an environmentally protected jacket. In contrast to the wireless signal pathway 112 that converts signals into a form that may be distributed without physical aspects of wired signal pathway 114, transmitting data via a wired cables may provide greater performance and / or capabilities, such as signal integrity, reliability, speed, and cost.

[0052] While wired signal pathways 114 may provide some operational advantages over wireless signal pathways 112, the presence of a physical cable to house, guide, and protect signal carrying aspects may present operational challenges. For instance, a wired cable may not be long enough, or physically compatible with, some installation sites, such as multi-residence complexes. Multiple wired cables may form a stable wired signal pathway 116 with the incorporation of an interconnect 140, such as a server, switch, cassette, or splitter. The use of an interconnect 140 may provide the ability to employ different wired cables to customize the physical delivery, and electrical capabilities, provided to a destination 130. However, employing separate wired cables to form a signal pathway 114 introduces additional physical connections that may present installation and / or operational challenges.

[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional line representation of a wired cable connection 200 that may be present in the distributed network 100 of FIG. 1 toestablish a stable signal pathway 114. A first wired cable 210 is physically and electrically connected to a second wired cable 220 via a coupling interconnect 230. The respective wired cables 210 / 220 may have matching, or dissimilar, constructions and / or capabilities. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 2, each wired cable 210 / 220 is structurally configured as an ethernet cable that presents a single pair of signal conducting wires 240. Such cable construction may be characterized as a single pair ethernet (SPE) cable that may provide a relatively small physical form factor and sufficient signal carrying capabilities to service a diverse variety of destinations, such as sensors, devices, components, and computing systems.

[0054] The coupling interconnect 230, in some embodiments, has conducting portions 232 that provide a transition between wires 240 of the respective cables 210 / 220. However, the physical attachment of a cable 210 / 220 to the coupling interconnect 230 may present an electrical connection that has limited capabilities. Even with an ideal installation of the cables 210 / 220 on the coupling interconnect 230, environmental conditions, such as movement and vibrations over time, may degrade the physical and electrical connections from cable 210 to cable 220.

[0055] These installations and operational concerns for a cable connection may be addressed by various embodiments of a connector configured to connect to a cable, such as a single pair Ethernet cable. In some embodiments, the connector may be configured with a printed circuit board. FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively illustrate perspective views of portions of a connector 300 that may be employed in the cable connection 200 of FIG. 2 and the distributed network 100 of FIG. 1 and other embodiments to provide enhanced installation and operational efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. To clarify, the perspective view of FIG. 3 conveys a first side of the connector 300 while the perspective view of FIG. 4 conveys an opposite, second side of the connector 300.

[0056] The connector 300 may be configured to connect to a cable (cable portion) 310, which in some embodiments may be a single pair Ethernet cable. The connector 300 may include an end portion 320. The cable 310 may be any size, type, or construction of signal carrying component while the end portion 320 of the connector 300 may be configured to connect to any number of signal carrying wires present in the cable 310. Contact portions 322 may be structurally configured to physicallyengage with a receiving portion of a port, coupling interconnect, device, network element or other electrical termination. For instance, the cable 310 may be an SPE cable having a pair of signal carrying conductors or wires 312 / 314 packaged within a jacket 316. In various embodiments, the jacket 316 may be insulating, reinforced, flexible, or rigid to allow for diverse installation capabilities.

[0057] While not required or limiting, in some embodiments, the connector 300 may have a wireguide, guide, or support portion 318 that may be configured to partially, or completely, surround at least a portion of a substrate 324. The wireguide portion 318 may, in some embodiments, provide structural support to substrate 324, including the end portion 320. In some embodiments, the wireguide portion 318 may include attachment features, such as tabs, grooves, ridges, or protrusions, that may aid the physical attachment, and retention, of the cable 310 to the substrate 320. The wireguide portion 318 may also include guide portions that may be configured to guide one or more portions of conductors 312 / 314 of cable 310 to be positioned to connect to connection portions of the substrate.

[0058] The substrate 324 may be a rigid substrate and, in some embodiments, may be formed form a material, such as a glass, silicon, or resin, that provides physical strength conducive to repeated engagement, and removal, with one or more receiving portions. For instance, the end portion 320 may be structurally configured to physically mate with a matching end portion of a separate cable, with another connector or, in some embodiments, with a port of an electronic device or network interconnect. The construction of the end portion 320 as a part of the substrate 324, which in some embodiments may be a printed circuit board, allows for various lithography and other manufacturing techniques to create electrical leads that may be directed to any number, and type, of electrical contacts 326. With the ability to construct stable and precise electrical leads through, or atop of, the rigid substrate 324, the end portion 320 may be arranged with multiple different electrical contacts 326 for each signal carrying conductor or wires 312 / 314.

[0059] As shown by the perspective views of FIGS. 3 and 4 from opposite sides of the connector 300, the substrate 324 may guide and support electrical conductors or leads from separate connection portions 340 to multiple different contacts 326.Although not required or limiting, each conductor or wire 312 / 314 may connect to the connection portions 340, and the connection portions 340 may connect, through the rigid substrate 324, with a pad contact 328 and a spring contact 330. It is noted that the pad contacts 328 on opposite sides of the rigid substrate 324 respectively connect to different signal carrying wires 312 / 314 while the separate spring contacts 330 also connect to different signal carrying wires 312 / 314. That is, each wire 312 / 314 electrically connects to a pad contact 328 and a spring contact 330 physically located on opposite lateral or vertical extents of the rigid substrate 324.

[0060] The connector 300 may be structurally configured to be modular such that it can connect to differently sized cables. In some embodiments, the connection portions 340 may be structurally configured to connect to differently sized conductors, or wires, so that different connectors do not have to be used for differently sized cables. For example, a shape of the connection portions may be configured to connect to wires, or conductors, of different sizes. Additionally, the wireguide portion 318 may be configured to guide wires of different sizes so that cables of different sizes may be connected to the connector 300.

[0061] In accordance with some embodiments, the respective spring contacts 330 are positioned in a cutout or connection portion 332 of the rigid substrate 324, which allow for efficient application of force onto contact pads 328 of a separate end portion 320 when inserted into the cutout portion 332. Hence, the end portion 320 may provide concurrent electrical connections from the respective pad contact 328 and spring contact 330 for each signal carrying wire 312 / 314 when a separate end portion 320 of another connector, or network element, is rotated ninety degrees relative and inserted into the cutout portion 332. As such, the end portion 320 may reliably provide separate physical and electrical connections from each signal carrying wire 312 / 314 to one or more separate end portions 320 of another connector. The cutout portion 332 may be configured with a shape to mate with, and make electrical connection with, a cutout portion of another connector.

[0062] The end portion 320, in other embodiments, may be constructed with different numbers and types of electrical contacts via a rigid substrate 326. For instance, multiple different pads, of matching or dissimilar sizes, shapes, or electricalcontact material, may be present on various aspects of a rigid substrate 324 while different numbers or types of cantilevered springs may extend from the substrate 324 with the ability to concurrently engage and connect each signal carrying wire 312 / 314 when the end portion 320 engages another end portion of another connector or cable.

[0063] While the substrate 324 provides reliable and precise electrical contacts 328 / 330 for engagement with a separate component, the substrate 324 may additionally provide reliable and efficient engagement of the respective signal carrying conductors or wires 312 / 314 via the capture portions 340. FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cable termination 500 that may be employed in the connector 300 of FIGS. 3 and 4 in some embodiments. The cable termination 500 has a unitary substrate 510 that provides rigidity and size conducive to reliable physical and electrical engagement. It is noted that the cable termination 500 may be incorporated into the connector 300 via a wireguide, such as wireguide portion 318, or other fastener or mechanism that securely positions the substrate 324 and cable termination 500 relative to the signal carrying wires of a network cable, such as cable portion 310.

[0064] The substrate 510 has contacts 328 / 330 that respectively correspond with wire connection portions 340. That is, various embodiments electrically connect separate wire terminations 520 with both a pad contact 328 and a spring contact 330. The size, shape, and orientation of the respective connection portions 340 is not required or limited to a particular configuration, but may each have an insulation displacement contact (IDC) 520 that may engage a bare, or insulated, section of a signal carrying wire to establish an electrical pathway from the respective contacts 328 / 330 to the respective wires. A connection portion 340 may be structurally configured with an IDC 520 that may physically engage an insulating wire jacket, wire conductor, or combinations thereof to secure the wire in place while maintaining an electrical pathway to the respective electrical contacts 328 / 330 presented by the end substrate 510.

[0065] In some embodiments, the IDC 520 may have aspects sharpened to allow for the penetration of a wire’s jacket to establish an electrical connection to the wire or conductor. The connection portions 340, in other embodiments, are structurally configured with one or more electrically conductive portions 522 that may beconfigured to apply consistent force onto a signal carrying wire. As a result of the structural configuration of the connection portion 340, IDC 520, and conductive portion 522, the cable termination 500 may provide efficient installation and establishment of an electrically conductive pathway from the wires or conductors of a cable to the respective contacts 328 / 330 of the cable termination 500. However, the arrangement of the connection portions 340 of the cable termination 500 shown in FIG. 5 are not required and may be customized to accommodate a variety of different wires, different installation techniques, and different amounts of reliability for maintaining the electrical connection over time.

[0066] For instance, the conductive portions 340 may have different sizes, or shapes, than shown in FIG. 5, that allow a cable wire to physically engage a conductive portion 522 in a customized manner that is conducive to efficient installation, reliable operation, or both. Similarly, embodiments of the capture portion 340 arrange the conductive portions 522 with one or more components that apply force onto a signal carrying wire, which may provide physical feedback during installation as well as consistent physical retention of contact with the signal carrying aspects of a wire to promote reliable operation despite the presence of movement, vibrations, and environmental conditions over time.

[0067] A non-limiting alteration to the connection portion 340 illustrated in FIG. 5 is the use of an insulation piercing contact (IPC) to establish physical and electrical engagement that corresponds with stable signal carrying pathways through the cable termination 500. FIG. 6 conveys a perspective view of aspects of a cable termination 600 that may be utilized in the connector 300 of FIGS. 3 and 4 in assorted embodiments. The cable termination 600 employs a unitary substrate 610 that physically supports a pair of IPC contacts 622 that are electrically connected to one or more surface contacts, such as the pad 328 and spring 330 contacts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0068] The substrate 510 may further support a wire retention portion 620 that may move, slide, or rotate relative to the substrate 510 and IPC contacts 622. Such adjustment of the retention portion 620 may allow for efficient installation and engagement of signal carrying wires with the respective IPC contacts 622 to maintainreliable electrical connections (alternatively referred to as electrical portions or paths) and stable signal pathways during operation. The use of the IPC contacts 622 may allow for a customized size, shape, wire engagement, and reliability compared to the IDC contacts 520 shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the cable termination 600 may employ different wire contacts (IDC / IPC), retention portions 620, and conductive portion 522 to provide a customized balance of size, installation efficiency, and operational reliability.

[0069] The customization of a cable termination, and a corresponding connector that employs the cable termination, may incorporate any number, and type, of wire engaging components to provide assorted installation and / or operational characteristics. FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view line representation of aspects of a cable termination 700 that may be incorporated into the connector 300 of FIGS. 3 and 4 in accordance with various embodiments. The cable termination 700 is structurally configured with a connection portion 710 that employs at least one sleeve portion 712 that partially, or completely, surrounds a signal carrying wire 720 to provide secure physical retention and electrical connection that corresponds with a stable signal pathway from the wire 720 to the electrical aspects of the cable termination substrate 730, such as a trace, lead, via, circuit, or socket.

[0070] Although not required, the sleeve portion 712 may engage a conductive portion 722 of the wire 720 with one or more conductive contact portions 714. That is, the sleeve portion 712 may physically engage a stripped section of the wire 720 that exposes a solid, braided, or stranded signal conductor. Such physical engagement may correspond with a sleeve diameter that reduces along the longitudinal axis of the wire 720. By structurally configuring the sleeve portion 712 with a tapering internal diameter, the wire 720 may receive continuous force that concurrently retains the wire 720 and promotes connection of the contact portions 714 with the conductive portion 722 of the wire 720 where a protective jacket 724 has been removed.

[0071] In some embodiments of the sleeve portion 712, the conductive contact portions 714 are arranged to provide different radial engagement with the wire 720. For instance, the sleeve portion 712 may present more than one separate conductive contact portion 714 that concurrently engages the wire 720 to provide one or moreelectrical pathways to the cable termination substrate, which may be contacts, leads, vias, or traces formed in, or on, the substrate that supports the sleeve portion 712. In another instance, the conductive contact portion 714 may be arranged in a pattern or with different materials and / or sizes to provide concurrent physical engagement that promotes reliable and consistent electrical contact or connection continuity during operation.

[0072] While the sleeve portion 712 may provide ample radial force and retention by itself, various embodiments may install one or more supplemental radial members to enhance physical retention and electrical contact. As a non-limiting example, the sleeve portion 712 may have one or more strap portions that surround some, or all, of the wire 720 and apply radial force that supplements the force applied by the sleeve portion 712 itself. The ability to supplement the sleeve portion 712 with one or more straps, ties, collars, or mechanisms that apply radial force allows for customized operation and selective installation over time, which may accommodate diverse operating conditions, changing wires 720, and altering electrical capabilities.

[0073] The structural configuration of the sleeve portion 712 may correspond with efficient installation, and removal of the wire 720. For instance, simple insertion, or pulling, of the wire 720 above a threshold force amount along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion 712 may allow the wire 720 to slide relative to the conductive contact portions 714. Meanwhile, removal of longitudinal force on the wire 720 allows the sleeve portion 712 to apply radial force onto the wire 720 that is sufficient to establish and maintain an electrical connection until the wire 720 is selectively removed from the capture portion 710. Such efficient wire 720 installation and removal may be provided by a variety of different capture portion 710 mechanisms.

[0074] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view line representation of aspects of another cable termination 800 that may be employed in a cable assembly to interconnect an SPE cable within a distributed network. The cable termination 800 has a connection portion 810 incorporated into a substrate 820 to provide efficient wire installation, and removal, along with reliable electrical connection. The capture portion 810 may have a pivot portion 812 around which an electrically conductive plate portion 814 rotates in response to applied force, as illustrated by arrow 830.

[0075] As shown, displacement of a conductive portion 816 of the plate portion 814 by a wire, or engagement with another cable termination 800, causes a retention portion 818 of the plate portion 814 to apply force onto the connecting aspect. The structural configuration of the plate portion 814 provides concurrent physical retention and electrical contact (alternatively referred to as an electrical connection, path, or portion) that may accommodate assorted movement, vibration, and environmental conditions of the wire and end portion substrate 820. For instance, insertion force, as shown by arrow 840, applied along the wire’s longitudinal axis will cause the plate portion 814 to more securely contact the wire, or aspect of a joining end portion so as to maintain an electrical connection or path during operation.

[0076] The application of force along the wire’s longitudinal axis will cause the plate portion 814 to more securely engage and electrically connect with the wire, or end portion. The substrate 820, in some embodiments, has a physical bump portion 850 that promotes physical and electrical engagement of the plate portion 814. The plate portion 814, in other embodiments, may have a shield portion 860 positioned to ensure electrical reliability with the capture portion 810.

[0077] FIG. 9 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of a cable termination 900 that may be employed in the connector 300 of FIGS. 3 and 4 in some embodiments. FIG. 10 illustrates the same cable termination 900 in a partially transparent perspective view when fully assembled. The cable termination 900 has a unitary substrate 910 that provides rigidity and size conducive to reliable physical and electrical engagement. It is noted that the cable termination 900 may be incorporated into the connector 300 via a wireguide, such as wireguide portion 918, or other fastener or mechanism that securely positions the substrate 910 of the cable termination 900 relative to the signal carrying wires of a network cable, such as cable portion 310. The wireguide portion 918 houses or accommodates wires 922 and their respective wire terminations 920. Specifically, the wireguide portion 918 may have a wire 922 from cable portion 310 disposed on either longitudinal side of the wireguide portion 918. Each wire termination 920 may respectively extend over a distal or first end 924 of the wireguide portion 918 so as to be provided in close proximity to wire connection portions 940 of the substrate 910.

[0078] In accordance with some embodiments, a set of distal contacts 930 may be positioned in a cutout portion 934 of the rigid substrate 910 as seen in FIG. 11 , the cutout portion 934 having a pair of parallel forked elements 966 which allow for efficient application of force onto contacts or other means for connection of a separate cable termination 900 when inserted into the cutout portion 934. In certain embodiments, the distal contacts 930 may include or be electrically coupled to a contact pad 960 disposed on the substrate 910 proximally adjacent to the cutout portion 934. Disposed above the contact pad 960 on both longitudinal surfaces of the substrate 910 is a mating element 962. The mating element 962 may include two parallel guide portions 964 that are structurally configured to guide or direct the forked elements of an opposing cable termination therein. The mating element 962 may also include a protrusion portion 968 provided in the middle or between the guide portions 964. The protrusion portion 968 may be structurally configured to engage or interact with a forked element of an opposing cable termination, thereby forming a locked configuration between two opposing cable terminations 900. Hence, the cable termination 900 may be structurally configured to provide concurrent electrical connections from the respective wire connection portions 940 and distal contact 930 for each signal carrying wire 922 when a separate cable termination 900 of another connector, or network element, is rotated ninety degrees relative and inserted into the cutout portion 934. As such, the cable termination 900 may reliably provide separate physical and electrical connections from each signal carrying wire 922 to one or more separate cable terminations 900 of another connector. The cutout portion 934 may be configured with a shape to mate with, and make electrical connection with, a cutout portion of another connector as detailed further below.

[0079] Returning to FIGS. 9 and 10, according to certain embodiments the substrate 910 may be disposed within a cap portion 902, the cap portion 902 having an internal volume shaped substantially similar to the shape of the substrate 910. The cap portion 902 may also mirror or mimic the shape of the substrate 910, including the cutout portion 934. The cap portion 902 may further include an opening or aperture so as to leave the cutout portion 934 of the substrate 910 exposed when inserted therein. In this manner, the distal contacts 930 may remain accessible to any opposing cable terminations that may be coupled to cable termination 900. The cap portion 902 may also be sufficiently large enough to accommodate the substrate 910 as well as amajority of the wireguide portion 918 as seen in FIG. 10. Specifically, the cap portion 902 may include a proximal portion 904 which may be substantially shaped or contoured to match or correspond with a base portion 906 of the wireguide portion 918 to form a corresponding fit when disposed thereon.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the cable termination 900 may also include a shield portion 908. The shield portion 908 may be used to couple the wireguide portion 918 to the cladding of the cable portion 310. Disposed an opposing lateral sides of the shield portion 908 are a pair of locking portions 912, each locking portion 912 having a number of apertures 914 defined therein. Each aperture 914 may be configured to interact or engage with a ground portion 916 of the substrate 910. Specifically, one end of the ground portion 916 may be embedded in the substrate 910, while the opposing end of the ground portion 916 may extend through or outside of the cap portion 902. As seen in FIG. 10, the opposing end of the ground portion 916 may be inserted into and engaged with an aperture 914 defined in the locking portion 912 of the shield portion 908, thereby forming a ground circuit while also ensuring that the cap portion 902 remains locked to the wireguide portion 918.

[0081] According to certain embodiments and as best seen in FIG. 13, the substrate 910 may have a plurality of edge contacts 928 disposed around the corresponding inside edges of a pair of wire connection portions 940. The edge contacts 928 may also be disposed along the outside longitudinal edges of the substrate 910 as seen in FIG. 11 . In certain embodiments, the substrate 910 may have a ground contact 950 defined in either edge or side of the substrate 910, the ground contact 950 being structurally configured to accommodate or receive an end of the ground portion 916 therein. Each of the wire connection portions 940 may correspond with one of the pair of wires 922. For example, in certain embodiments each wire termination 920 corresponding to each of the pair of wires 922 may be electrically connected to a respective edge contact 928 defined in a proximal lateral end of the substrate 910. The size, shape, and orientation of the respective wire connection portions 940 is not required or limited to a particular configuration, but may each have a bare, or insulated, section of a signal carrying means to establish an electrical pathway from the respective contacts 928 to the respective wires 920. Additionally, an electrical pathway 952 may be provided on each side of the substrate 910, specificallybetween the edge contacts 928 of the wire connection portions 940 and the distal contacts 930 disposed within the cutout portion 934 to efficiently and directly transfer the signal from the cable portion 310 through the substrate. On the opposing longitudinal side of the substrate 910, a separate electrical pathway 952 may be provided between the remaining one of the edge contacts 928 with the remaining one of the distal contacts 930. In other words, each edge contact 928 may be connected to a distal contact 930 via a respective electrical pathway 952 provided on a corresponding opposing side of the substrate 910.

[0082] In some embodiments and as seen in FIGS. 11 and 15, the wire connection portions 940 may have piercing contact portions 932 to allow for the penetration of a wire jacket or the wire terminations 920 to establish an electrical connection to the cable portion 310 or conductor.

[0083] The wire connection portions 940, in other embodiments, may include spring contacts 938 that are structurally configured to apply a consistent force onto a signal carrying wire as seen in FIG. 12. Specifically, the spring contacts 938 may press each of the respective wire terminations 920 into the corresponding edge contacts 928 provided in each of the wire connection portions 940. In certain embodiments, the cutout portion 934 may include an alternative mating element 970 disposed therein. The alternative mating element 970 may include a pair of opposing mating contacts 972, with each mating contact 972 being disposed on in the inside surface of a forked element 966. Each mating contact 972 may also be in contact with an electrical pathway formed within the substrate 910, for example electrical pathway 952, and with the contact pad 960. In certain embodiments, each mating contact 972 may have the ability to flex or bend in order to accommodate the incoming mating contacts of an opposing cable termination.

[0084] As a result of the structural configuration of the wire connection portions 940, the mating elements 962 / 970, and edge contacts 928, the cable termination 900 may provide efficient installation and establishment of an electrically conductive pathway from the wires or conductors of a cable to the respective contacts 928 / 930 of the cable termination 900. However, the arrangement of the wire connection portions 940 of the cable termination 900 shown in FIGS. 11 -13 are not required and may becustomized to accommodate a variety of different wires, different installation techniques, and different amounts of reliability for maintaining the electrical connection over time. The cable termination 900, in other embodiments, may be constructed with different numbers and types of electrical contacts via a rigid substrate 910. For instance, multiple different pads, of matching or dissimilar sizes, shapes, or electrical contact material, may be present on various aspects of a rigid substrate 910 while different numbers or types of cantilevered springs may extend from the substrate 910 with the ability to concurrently engage and connect each signal carrying wire 922 when the cable termination 900 engages another cable termination of another connector or cable.

[0085] For instance, the wire connection portions 940 may have different sizes, or shapes, than shown in FIGS. 11-13, that allow a cable wire to physically engage an edge contact 928 in a customized manner that is conducive to efficient installation, reliable operation, or both. Similarly, embodiments of the wire connection portions 940 may arrange the edge contacts 928 with one or more components such as spring or biasing contact portions 938 shown in FIG. 12 or piercing contact portions 932 shown in FIG. 11 that apply force, such as a biasing force, onto a signal carrying wire, which may provide physical feedback during installation as well as consistent physical retention of contact with the signal carrying aspects of a wire to promote reliable operation and enhanced connection continuity during operation (i.e., by maintaining an electrical connection portion during normal or intended use operational parameter in accordance with single pair ethernet industry standards without be subject to extraordinary circumstances) despite the presence of movement, vibrations, and environmental conditions over time.

[0086] Detail of how two substantially similar cable terminations 900, 900’ may be connected to each other may be seen in FIGS.14A-14C and FIG. 15. Specifically, a first cable termination 900 and a second cable termination 900’ may be directed toward each other, with each cable termination 900, 900’ being rotated 90 degrees relative to one other as seen in FIG. 14C, namely with the forked elements 966 of the first cable termination 900 being aligned with the mating elements 962 disposed on the opposing second cable termination 900’. As the cable terminations 900, 900’ are brought together, the forked elements 966 of the first cable termination 900 are inserted intothe mating elements 962 of the second cable termination 900’, and vice versa. The guide portions 964 of the mating elements 962 guides each respective forked element 966, while the protrusion portion 968 in turn may ensure that once an opposing forked element 966 has been fully inserted into the mating element 962, a secure connection is formed and maintained in a substantially interdigitated configuration as seen in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

[0087] When the first and second cable terminations 900, 900’ are fully connected, a secure signal or electrical pathway may be formed between the cable terminations 900, 900’ as seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15. For example, a signal from a first cable portion 310 may traverse through a corresponding one of the wire terminations 920 and into the substrate 910 via edge contacts 928 and / or piercing contact portions 932. The signal may travel through the internal electrical pathways disposed within the substrate 910 including through the contact pad 960 and into the distal contacts 930. The distal contacts 930 may include an additional set of edge contacts 928, or mating contacts 972 as seen in FIG. 15 according to certain embodiments. The signal may then be transferred to the mating or edge contacts of the opposing cable termination 900’ and then subsequently to an opposing cable portion 310’ or other connector.

[0088] Through the use of a cable termination that utilizes efficient wire capture and connection, electrical contact may be reliably established and maintained. Customization of a cable termination substrate 910 may provide multiple different electrical contacts and capture portions that allow for cyclic wire interchanging along with consistent physical and electrical engagement. As a result, cable termination 900 may optimally terminate a signal carrying cable, such as an SPE cable, with a substrate 910, such as a printed circuit board, that allows for efficient and reliable connection with a corresponding port, terminal, or coupler.

[0089] Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures are interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments describedherein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0090] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connection continuity, comprising: a substrate having a first end and a second end; a mating portion provided on the first end of the substrate configured to mate with a connection element; at least two wire connection portions provided in the second end of the substrate and configured to connect to a corresponding pair of wire portions of a single pair ethernet cable; a support portion connected to the second end of the substrate and to an end portion of the single pair ethernet cable configured to support the cable; wherein the mating portion comprises a receiving portion configured to receive and mate with an end portion of the connection element; wherein the support portion is configured to guide each of the wire portions of the single pair ethernet cable to a corresponding one of the wire connection portions; wherein the receiving portion includes at least a pair of contact portions; and wherein each of the wire connection portions is configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the contact portions by a corresponding one of a pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate so as to provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable connection continuity by inhibiting relative operational movement of the wire portions of the cable and the end portion of the connection element during operation in order to inhibit signal pair ethernet cable connection dis-continuity during operation.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein enhanced single pair ethernet cable connection continuity comprises a single pair ethernet cable electrical connection that is maintained at all times during operation, and wherein the connection element comprises a single pair ethernet cable connector.

3. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a cap portion configured to receive the substrate and connect to the support portion.

4. The device of claim 3, further comprising a locking portion configured to engage a ground portion of the cap portion with the support portion.

5. A device for providing enhanced cable connectivity, comprising: a substrate having a first end and a second end; a mating portion provided on the first end of the substrate configured to mate with a connection element; at least two wire connection portions provided in the second end of the substrate and configured to connect to a corresponding pair of wire portions from a cable; wherein the mating portion is configured to receive and mate with an end portion of the connection element; wherein the mating portion includes at least a pair of contact portions; and wherein each of the wire connection portions is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the contact portions by a corresponding one of a pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate so as to provide enhanced cable connectivity by inhibiting movement of the wire portions of the cable and the end portion of the connection element during operation in order to inhibit signal pair ethernet cable dis-connectivity during operation.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein enhanced cable connectivity comprises a single pair ethernet cable electrical connection that is maintained at all times during operation, and wherein the connection element comprises a single pair ethernet cable connector.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein each of the pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate comprises at least one edge contact portion provided in each of the wire connection portions, and wherein each of the pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate comprises an electrical pathway connecting the at least one edge contact portion to the corresponding one of the contact portions in the mating portion.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein each of the pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate comprises a contact pad disposed on opposing surfaces of the substrate.

9. The device of claim 5, further comprising a biasing contact portion or a piercing contact portion provided in each of the wire connection portions so as to provide physical feedback during installation and maintain signal pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation.

10. The device of claim 5, wherein the at least two wire connection portions each comprise a shape configured to connect the substrate with wire portions of different sizes so as to avoid the need to provide a different device for each cable during operation.11 . The device of claim 5, wherein the mating portion comprises a pair of parallel guide portions configured to receive the end portion of the connection element, and a protrusion portion disposed between the pair of parallel guide portions and configured to engage the end portion of the connection element.

12. The device of claim 5, further comprising a ground portion connected to the first end of the substrate and configured to engage with a wireguide portion connected to the connection element.

13. A device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity, comprising: a single pair ethernet cable mating wire connection element configured to electrically and mechanically couple a mating wire connection portion to a single pair ethernet cable wire portion of a single pair ethernet cable during operation; and wherein the single pair ethernet cable connection element is structurally configured to provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity by inhibiting movement of the single pair ethernet cable wire portion of the single pair ethernet cable relative to the mating wire connection portion of the singlepair ethernet cable connection element during operation in order to inhibit signal pair ethernet cable dis-connectivity during operation.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity comprises a single pair ethernet cable electrical connection that is maintained at all times during operation, and wherein the single pair ethernet cable connection element comprises a single pair ethernet cable connector.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the single pair ethernet cable mating wire connection element comprises a wire connection portion configured to be connected to a single pair ethernet cable wire portion of a single pair ethernet cable, a substrate having a first substrate end portion and a second substrate end portion, a mating portion provided on the first substate end portion, and at least two wire connection portions provided in the second substrate end portion and configured to electrical connect to the single pair ethernet cable wire portion of the single pair ethernet cable during operation, and wherein the mating portion includes at least a pair of mating contact portions.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein each of the pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate comprises at least one edge contact portion provided in each of the wire connection portions.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein each of the pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate comprises an electrical pathway connecting the at least one edge contact portion to at least one contact portion in the mating portion.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein each of the pair of conductive portions disposed on the substrate comprises a contact pad disposed on opposing surfaces of the substrate.

19. The device of claim 15, further comprising a spring contact portion or a piercing contact portion provided in each of the wire connection portions.

20. The device of claim 15, wherein the mating portion comprises, a pair of opposing forked elements provided on the first end of the substrate, and a contact portion provided on each of the pair of opposing forked elements.21 . The device of claim 15, wherein the mating portion comprises a pair of parallel guide portions configured to receive an end portion of the single pair ethernet cable connection element, and a protrusion portion disposed between the pair of parallel guide portions and configured to engage the end portion of the single pair ethernet cable connection element.

22. The device of claim 15, further comprising a ground portion connected to the first end of the substrate and configured to engage with a wireguide portion connected to the connection element.

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