Cluster RF Connector Mechanism for Low-Force Field Disconnection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF cluster connectors require significant force for connection and disconnection, are susceptible to damage from excessive forces, and are difficult to access in close proximity on antennas, especially in field deployments like cell towers.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism featuring a connector body with lever arms and draw arms, coupled with dual hook structures, that facilitates easy and reliable engagement and disengagement of RF conductors using controlled forces, allowing for precise alignment and reduced manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple RF connections are integrated within a single cluster connector body, then the number of RF ports is increased, but the total force required for connection and disconnection becomes considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The cluster connector is divided into multiple independent RF connection units, each with its own lever arm and draw arm mechanism. This segmentation allows each connection to be operated independently with controlled force, rather than requiring simultaneous manipulation of all connections together.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs dynamic lever arms and draw arms that can move through defined arcs to engage and disengage connections. The lever arms rotate about pivot pins, and the draw arms rotate about arm link pins, providing mechanical advantage and controlled force application throughout the connection process.
2Reliability
If a precise RF engagement mechanism is used to support 30+ GHz frequencies, then connection reliability is improved, but the mechanism becomes susceptible to damage from excessive lateral or torsional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arms and draw arms provide controlled, gradual engagement through rotational motion, preventing sudden lateral or torsional forces from being applied to the precision RF contacts. The mechanical advantage provided by the lever arms ensures smooth force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The draw arms are positioned and oriented before engagement occurs, ensuring proper alignment of the RF connectors prior to contact. This preliminary positioning prevents misalignment forces that could damage the precision engagement mechanism.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cluster connector ports are disposed on the antenna in close proximity, then antenna size is reduced, but access to each individual cluster connector for insertion and removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each RF connection within the cluster connector is segmented into its own operational unit with independent lever arm actuation. This allows field technicians to access and operate individual connections even when connectors are closely spaced, as each connection can be engaged or disengaged independently without manipulating the entire cluster.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arms extend outward from the connector body in a direction perpendicular to the RF cable connections, providing access to the actuation mechanism from a different spatial dimension. This allows field installation even when connectors are closely spaced on the antenna surface.
4Strength
If considerable force is applied for connection and disconnection of each RF connection, then connection strength is improved, but the risk of damage to the RF engagement mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arms provide mechanical advantage, allowing connection strength to be achieved through controlled rotational motion rather than direct application of excessive force. The draw arms translate this rotational motion into the linear force needed for secure engagement, distributing the force application over the engagement sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed with built-in force distribution and control features that prevent excessive force from being applied to any single point. The lever arm geometry and draw arm positioning are configured to cushion and distribute forces evenly throughout the engagement process.
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
Enables easy, consistent, and reliable connection and disconnection of RF connectors, reducing the risk of damage and improving accessibility, especially in crowded antenna environments and field installations.
Implementation Method 1
each bearing pin is configured to press against the upper first hook when engaging the plurality of RF connector conductor combinations to their corresponding RF port conductor combinations
Implementation Method 2
each bearing pin is configured to press against the lower second hook when disengaging the plurality of RF connector conductor combinations from their corresponding RF port conductor combinations
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of lever arms rotatably coupled to the connector body at a corresponding pivot pin disposed on the connector body
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of draw arms, each rotatably coupled to a corresponding lever arm by an arm link pin at a proximal end
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) cluster port having a port body including a number of apertures, each configured to hold a corresponding one of a number of RF ports, each RF port having an RF port conductor combination. The port body may include a number of dual-hook structures, each dual hook structure having a upper first hook and a lower second hook, wherein the upper first hook is configured to have a first pressure applied to it by a bearing pin of a cluster connector when the cluster connector engages the number of RF port conductor combinations to a corresponding number of RF connector conductor combinations, and wherein the lower second hook is configured to have a second pressure applied to it by the bearing pin of the cluster connector when the cluster connector disengages the number of RF port conductor combinations from the corresponding number of RF connector conductor combinations.