Circular Connector Hinged Termination for AV Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio visual (AV) cabling solutions, such as VGA, RCA, and HDMI connectors, are not field terminable and are not suitable for pre-assembly offsite, nor can they be easily pulled through electrical conduits, limiting their application in AV installations.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing a circular connector with an integrated hinged termination method that allows for field or factory termination of twisted pair cabling, featuring a wire cap with primary and secondary hooks and a divider crossbar, enabling secure termination and easy cable management without damaging the connectors during conduit installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional AV connectors (VGA, RCA, HDMI) are used, then connection reliability is maintained, but field termination capability is lost and conduit installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separable components: a reusable connector body and a replaceable cable assembly with termination elements. This segmentation allows the cable to be terminated in the field while the connector body remains intact and reusable, resolving the contradiction between field termination capability and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary termination mechanism (lever-actuated termination element) is introduced between the cable conductors and the connector contacts. This intermediary component enables reliable electrical connection through a controlled termination process that can be performed in the field without compromising the connector's reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional AV connectors are used, then connector stability is maintained, but pre-assembly offsite and conduit pulling capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a movable termination lever and flexible cable management features. These dynamic components allow the assembly to adapt during installation (enabling pre-assembly and conduit pulling) while maintaining structural stability during operation through controlled engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly incorporates flexible elements that allow the cable to bend and flex during conduit installation without damaging the connector. The flexible cable management system enables pre-assembly offsite while maintaining the structural integrity and stability of the connector during and after installation.
3Productivity
If fast termination is implemented, then installation time is reduced, but termination security and cable management may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with alignment features, pre-positioned termination elements, and guide structures that prepare the assembly for rapid termination. The cable is pre-striped and pre-arranged in the correct sequence, allowing fast termination while ensuring proper alignment and secure connection without compromising termination security.
Solution Approach 2:
The termination mechanism incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features that automatically ensure proper termination security during the fast termination process. The lever-actuated system provides self-verifying engagement that confirms secure termination without requiring additional manual verification steps, maintaining both speed and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system has a support and a communication connector attached to the support wherein the connector assembly has a termination lever. The system can further include a wire cap connected to a plurality of cable conductors. The wire cap can include a cover cap. The cover cap latches to the connector assembly when the wire cap and the plurality of cable conductors is terminated to the communication connector assembly. The support can be one of a faceplate, a patch panel, a surface mount box, or a media distribution unit.