Blind Mating RF Connector with Floating Unit and Guiding Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power RF connector assemblies with low intermodulation require rigid connections, making quick connection/disconnection difficult and unsuitable for modular applications, especially in remote radio head technology where rapid integration of antenna tower modules is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A blind mating and floating RF connector assembly with a slotted configuration and guiding means, allowing the male and female connectors to float radially and axially, enabling quick connection/disconnection without precise alignment, using a floating unit and elastic members for radial and axial movement, and beveled guide portions for coaxial alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid connection is used between male and female connectors to ensure reliable contact and low PIM, then connection reliability is improved, but connection speed deteriorates due to requirement for precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a floating unit that can dynamically adjust its position relative to the fixed mount unit, allowing the connectors to self-align during insertion rather than requiring precise pre-alignment. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains reliable contact while enabling faster connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the male and female connectors, providing alignment guidance during the connection process. This intermediary structure enables quick blind mating while ensuring proper alignment for reliable electrical contact.
2Reliability
If precise axial alignment is required for rigid connection, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in quick blind mating
Solution Approach 1:
The floating unit provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the connector to automatically adjust to slight misalignments during insertion. This eliminates the need for precise manual alignment while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding means performs preliminary alignment action during the insertion process, automatically orienting the connectors correctly before final engagement. This preliminary alignment action simplifies the operation while ensuring reliable connection.
3Reliability
If high torque is applied to ensure reliable contact in high-power RF connector assembly, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for special tools and sufficient operating space
Solution Approach 1:
The floating unit enables the connector to self-adjust and self-align during assembly, eliminating the need for special alignment tools and reducing the complexity of the assembly process. The connector essentially services its own alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic floating mechanism allows the connector to automatically achieve proper contact pressure and alignment without requiring high assembly torque or special tools, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a blind mating and floating RF connector assembly with low intermodulation, comprising a first connecting device and a second connecting device, wherein the first connecting device comprises a first guide portion and the second connecting device comprises a second guide portion adapted for mating with the first guide portion, wherein the first connecting device has a slotted configuration and is provided, at an end, with a boss projecting radially outwards and the second connecting device is provided with a corresponding inner engaging groove being capable of radially abutting the boss, wherein the second connecting device comprises a fixed mount unit and a floating unit, the floating unit being capable of moving radially and axially relative to the fixed mount unit, in such a way that a plurality of pairs of the first connecting device and the second connecting device can be quickly connected simultaneously via a quick blind mating operation when the first connecting device and the second connecting device are brought together, without necessarily making the first connecting device and the second connecting device be axially aligned precisely with each other. The present invention allows relative floating of connecting devices of a plurality of pairs of low-intermodulation RF connectors, allows simultaneous quick blind mating connection, and improves connecting efficiency and installation reliability.