Cable Connector Jacket Retention via Radial Displacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for connectors that can efficiently remove the cable core from coaxial cables and securely attach the outer conductor and jacket, especially when transitioning to fiber optic infrastructure, as existing solutions fail to effectively manage the separation and protection of the outer conductor from environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a connector system comprising a back coupler sleeve, an actuator sleeve, and a front coupler sleeve, which securely engage the outer surface of the coaxial cable, using tapered surfaces and annular rings to radially inwardly displace and secure the outer jacket, preventing slippage and moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cable core is removed from the coaxial cable, then fiber optic cable installation becomes possible through existing infrastructure, but the outer conductor and jacket become vulnerable to environmental factors and slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: a compression fitting for securing the outer conductor, a seal assembly for environmental protection, and a strain relief mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to address specific requirements independently, enabling fiber optic installation while maintaining protection against environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary device between the removed cable core and the fiber optic cable. It provides a transition mechanism that secures the outer conductor and jacket while creating a protected pathway for fiber installation, thus enabling adaptability without compromising reliability.
2Productivity
If the outer conductor and jacket are separated from the cable core, then fiber optic cable can be installed through existing coaxial infrastructure, but the outer surface becomes susceptible to moisture ingress and slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs preliminary protection actions by securing the outer conductor and jacket before fiber optic cable installation. The compression fitting and seal assembly are pre-configured to prevent moisture ingress and slippage, ensuring protection is established before the cable core removal process completes.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly utilizes flexible sealing elements that conform to the outer conductor and jacket surfaces. These flexible seals create moisture barriers while accommodating the separated cable structure, preventing harmful factors from affecting the installed fiber optic cable.
3Strength
If a connector is designed to secure the outer surface of the cable, then structural integrity is maintained, but the device complexity increases with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protective functions are merged into an integrated connector assembly. The compression fitting, seal assembly, and strain relief features are combined into a single unit that secures the outer surface while maintaining structural integrity. This merging reduces the practical complexity despite the multifunctional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: securing the outer conductor, preventing moisture ingress, providing strain relief, and enabling fiber optic installation. This multi-functionality addresses all protection requirements through a single device rather than multiple separate components.
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 connector system effectively secures the outer jacket of coaxial cables, preventing slippage and moisture ingress, ensuring reliable cable core removal and fiber optic installation, while maintaining the structural integrity of the outer conductor.
Implementation Method 1
engagement of inner surface of the front coupler sleeve and the outer surface of the back coupler sleeve is adapted to displace the annular ring of the back coupler sleeve radially inwardly to secure the outer surface of the cable or conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Connectors and methods for attaching connectors to one or more cables and/or conduits are disclosed. The disclosed connectors and methods may secure an outer surface of the cable (e.g., an outer jacket of a cable) or conduit. A front coupler sleeve engages a sub-assembly comprising a back coupler sleeve and an actuator sleeve disposed around the cable or conduit. During engagement of an inner surface of the front coupler sleeve and an outer surface of the back coupler sleeve, an at least partially annular protrusion of the back coupler sleeve is displaced radially inwardly to secure the outer surface of the cable or conduit.