Coax Connector Washers for Fiber Injection Grounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for installing fiber optic micro cables deeper into the network require digging and trenching, which damage customer landscaping and utilities, and lack a connector that can accommodate hydraulic fittings for coax ejection and fiber injection while maintaining electrical grounding.

Innovation Solution

A connector system with two bodies and washers that securely hold and guide the aluminum shield of hardline coaxial cables and tubular members, allowing for coax ejection and fiber optic cable injection while providing a continuous electrical ground and resisting movement to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional digging and trenching methods are used to install fiber optic micro cables, then fiber deployment is achieved, but customer landscaping and utilities are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber deployment efficiencyVSAvoiddamage to landscaping and utilities

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful digging and trenching operations from the fiber deployment process by utilizing the existing coaxial cable pathway. The aluminum shield of the hardline coax cable is repurposed as a conduit, eliminating the need for new excavations and thereby protecting landscaping and utilities while achieving fiber deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a tubular member as an intermediary element that facilitates fiber optic cable injection through the existing coaxial cable pathway. This tubular member acts as a mediator between the injection mechanism and the fiber cable, enabling deployment without direct digging or trenching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate connectors are used for hydraulic fitting, fiber injection, and tubing connection, then each function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidnumber of connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate connector functions into a single integrated connector assembly. This unified connector incorporates the hydraulic fitting interface, fiber injection capability, and tubing connection features, thereby reducing the number of separate components while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple operations: accommodating the hydraulic fitting for coax ejection, facilitating fiber optic cable injection, and connecting the plastic tubing to the aluminum shield. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the aluminum shield is not securely held during coax ejection, then the ejection process is simple, but the cable may hack out of the connector causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoax ejection simplicityVSAvoidcable retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a washer component that provides beforehand cushioning and support for the aluminum shield during the coax ejection process. This washer is positioned to prevent the cable from hacking out of the connector while accommodating the high pressures involved in the ejection operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design includes preliminary anti-action features such as the washer and positioning structures that counteract the potential harmful movement of the aluminum shield during coax ejection. These features are built into the connector beforehand to prevent cable damage before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Ease of manufacture

If electrical ground is not maintained during connector assembly, then assembly is simpler, but electrical continuity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidelectrical continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical grounding function with the mechanical connection features in the connector design. The washer and connector body are configured to maintain electrical continuity between the aluminum shield and the connector assembly, integrating grounding into the basic connection structure rather than adding separate grounding components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11581667B2Connectors for use in high pressure coax core ejection and fiber optic cable injection

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 PPC BROADBAND INC

AI summary

A connector includes a first connector body having a through hole configured to receive a conduit, a first washer disposed in the first connector body, the first washer being configured to permit the conduit to be pushed in a first direction through the through hole while resisting movement of the conduit in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a second connector body configured to be coupled to the first connector body, the second connector body having a through hole configured to receive a tubular member, and a second washer disposed in the second connector body, the second washer being configured to permit the tubular member to be pushed in the second direction through the through hole of the second connector body and into the second connector body while resisting movement of the tubular member in the first direction.