Cable Termination Using Compressible Ground Contact Without Drain Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable termination methods face challenges in maintaining signal integrity and flexibility due to the need for additional drain wires, which add weight and reduce flexibility, and require complex operations for termination.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly with a conductive, compressible member is used between the cable's conductive layer and a conductive ground shield, allowing for reliable electrical connection and simplifying the termination process without drain wires, using materials like conductive elastomers with high elongation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable termination with drain wires is used, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but cable flexibility and weight are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the drain wire component from the cable termination structure. Instead of using separate drain wires to connect the conductive layer to the ground shield, the invention uses the conductive layer itself in direct contact with the ground shield through a compressible conductive member, thereby extracting the unnecessary drain wire elements that add weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the drain wire and the conductive layer into a single integrated structure. The conductive layer is positioned to directly contact the ground shield via the compressible conductive member, combining what were previously separate functional elements (drain wire for grounding and conductive layer for shielding) into one unified grounding path.
2Reliability
If traditional cable termination with drain wires is used, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the drain wire assembly steps from the termination process. By eliminating the need to install separate drain wires and their associated connectors, the termination process is simplified while maintaining electrical connection reliability through the direct contact between the conductive layer and ground shield.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layer serves its own grounding function directly without requiring separate drain wire infrastructure. The compressible conductive member enables the conductive layer to self-establish electrical contact with the ground shield, eliminating the need for additional service components and simplifying the overall termination structure.
3Ease of operation
If conductive, compressible member is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic, compressible conductive member that can deform under compression to establish reliable electrical contact. This dynamic element compensates for variations in assembly tolerance and cable positioning, making the termination easier to operate while maintaining electrical contact precision through the material's elastic properties rather than rigid mechanical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the conductive element by using a compressible material that transitions from an uncompressed state to a compressed state during assembly. This parameter change (from uncompressed to compressed) enables the material to conform to surfaces and establish reliable electrical contact, improving ease of operation while the material's inherent properties maintain contact precision.
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 solution enhances signal integrity and flexibility by reducing the weight and complexity of cable terminations, achieving reliable electrical connections with low resistance and maintaining signal integrity for high-frequency signals.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive, compressible member is compressed between the first portion and the second portion of the conductive ground shield so as to make electrical connection between the conductive layer and the conductive ground shield
Implementation Method 2
make electrical connection between the conductive layer and the conductive ground shield
Implementation Method 3
using materials like conductive elastomers with high elongation capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A cable assembly comprising a termination with at least one conductive, compressible member and a conductive ground shield. The conductive, compressible member may be held within a connector module forming the termination such that the conductive compressive member is pressed against, and therefore makes electrical contact with, both an outer conductive layer of the cable and ground structures within the connector module. In some embodiments, these connections may be formed using a conductive, compressible member with an opening configured to receive the end of the cable therethrough. The conductive ground shield may be configured to compress the conductive, compressible member, and to cause the conductive, compressible member to electrically contact the cable's conductive layer. The conductive, compressible member may be formed from a compressible material and may comprise a plurality of conductive particulates configured to provide electrically conductive paths.