Clamping Block Assembly for Coaxial Cable PCB Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for electrically connecting multi-core coaxial cables to printed circuit boards are complex and inefficient, lacking a simple and reliable means to establish effective contact without compromising high-frequency signal integrity.

Innovation Solution

The use of clamping blocks with metal or electrically conductive components, which are either soldered or press-fitted onto conductor tracks on the printed circuit board, along with a support ring and metal foil, to create a secure and low-resistance electrical connection for each core of the coaxial cable, allowing for easy assembly and reliable contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If existing methods are used to electrically connect multi-core coaxial cables to printed circuit boards, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connection process becomes complex and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection process complexityVSAvoidconnection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated connector assembly. The clamping blocks serve both as mechanical fastening elements and electrical connection elements, eliminating the need for separate clamping mechanisms and connection terminals. This merging of functions simplifies the overall connection process and reduces the number of assembly steps required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly is designed to handle multiple cores simultaneously through multiple clamping blocks arranged in a housing. Each clamping block can independently clamp and electrically connect one core, while the entire assembly operates as a unified connection system. This multi-functional design allows a single connector to establish multiple electrical connections in one operation, significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If simple clamping methods are used, then assembly is easy, but reliable electrical contact with low resistance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidelectrical contact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping blocks are made of electrically conductive material, combining mechanical clamping function with electrical conduction function in a single component. This composite approach ensures that the same element providing mechanical pressure for secure clamping also provides the electrical pathway for reliable low-resistance contact, eliminating the need for separate contact elements that would complicate assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping blocks are designed to automatically establish electrical contact through their inherent conductive structure. When the clamping blocks secure the cores, the electrical connection is established simultaneously without requiring additional adjustment or separate connection steps. The single-piece design means that proper clamping automatically ensures proper electrical contact, making the system self-regulating and reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional connection methods are used, then electrical connection is established, but high-frequency signal integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector divides the connection task into multiple independent clamping blocks, each handling one core. This segmentation allows each clamping block to be optimized for maintaining the specific geometric and electrical properties needed for high-frequency signals, while the overall assembly remains relatively simple. Each segment can be independently designed to minimize signal distortion and maintain integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each clamping block is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its function: the geometry, material properties, and clamping force distribution are tailored to preserve the electrical and geometric integrity of each individual core. This localized optimization ensures that high-frequency signal requirements are met at each connection point without requiring complex overall system design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If multiple separate connection elements are used, then reliable contact is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple clamping blocks are integrated into a single housing assembly, allowing all clamping and electrical connection functions to be performed simultaneously in one assembly operation. The housing provides a unified structure that positions and secures multiple cores together, eliminating the need to perform separate clamping and connection operations for each core individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping blocks are pre-positioned and pre-configured within the housing at their optimal locations for each core. This preliminary arrangement means that during assembly, the cores simply need to be inserted into their designated positions, and the connection is automatically established without requiring complex alignment or adjustment procedures. The pre-configured structure significantly reduces assembly time while maintaining reliable contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables a straightforward, reliable, and low-resistance electrical connection that maintains high-frequency signal quality by using clamping blocks and a metal foil to secure the coaxial cable cores, ensuring efficient electrical contact without altering the cable's cross-section and allowing for strain relief.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (11), in particular a compression spring, which generates the clamping force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a metal foil (8), in particular a copper foil, which is pushed over the exposed area of the core (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 3

The clamping block is soldered to a conductor track on the printed circuit board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Data Source

PatentEP2471144B1Assembly for making an electrical connection, in particular electrical contact, between a multiwire coaxial cable and a printed circuit board, circuit assembly and electrical device
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2471144B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2471144B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2471144B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Assembly for making an electrical connection, in particular electrical contact, between a multiwire coaxial cable and a printed circuit board, circuit assembly and electrical device, wherein a wire of the coaxial cable to be connected in each case is exposed in the axial end regions, in particular in different axial end regions, wherein the exposed regions are connected by clamping by means of terminal blocks, in order to produce an electrical connection, in particular to a metal foil and/or the terminal block.