Coaxial Connector Spring Basket Reduces PIM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaxial connectors in RF communication systems face issues with Passive Intermodulation Distortion (PIM) due to asymmetrical interconnections and mechanical stress, which degrade over time, affecting the entire RF system's performance.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable-connector assembly featuring a dielectric spacer and a spring basket with radially inward fingers that engage the outer conductor, combined with a rear body and outer connector body with securing features, ensuring secure electro-mechanical engagement and reduced PIM by maintaining stable contact through resilient fingers and barbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coaxial connectors are used with threaded coupling nuts, then secure electro-mechanical engagement is achieved, but Passive Intermodulation Distortion (PIM) increases due to asymmetrical interconnections and mechanical stress over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a spring basket with radially inward fingers that engage the outer conductor in a non-symmetrical manner, creating a more uniform stress distribution that reduces PIM. The spring-loaded fingers provide consistent contact pressure around the circumference, eliminating the asymmetrical stress concentrations found in traditional threaded coupling designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring basket introduces dynamic elements to the connector design. The spring-loaded fingers can dynamically adjust to mechanical stress, vibration, and thermal cycling, maintaining consistent electro-mechanical engagement. This dynamic adaptation prevents the degradation and shifting problems that occur with static threaded connections over time.
2Ease of operation
If field-fit connectors are used for cable termination, then ease of installation is improved, but manufacturing precision and consistency deteriorate, adding time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The spring basket mechanism provides self-service functionality during cable termination. The spring-loaded fingers automatically adjust and secure the outer conductor without requiring precise manual positioning or complex assembly steps. This self-adjusting mechanism maintains high precision and consistency even when installed in the field by non-specialists, eliminating the trade-off between ease of installation and termination quality.
3Reliability
If connectors are designed to withstand mechanical stress and vibration, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional securing features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the spring basket component. It simultaneously provides mechanical support, electrical contact, stress distribution, and vibration damping through its spring-loaded finger structure. This consolidation achieves high mechanical stability without adding multiple separate securing features, as the spring basket performs all these functions through its integrated design.
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
The assembly provides improved mechanical stability and reduced PIM by ensuring consistent and secure electrical connections, enhancing the overall performance of RF communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring basket with rearwardly-extending fingers, the spring basket positioned radially inwardly of the outer connector body, the fingers of the spring basket engaging the inner surface of the outer conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial cable-connector assembly includes a coaxial cable, a coaxial connector, and a rear body. The coaxial cable includes: an inner conductor; a dielectric layer circumferentially surrounding the inner conductor; an outer conductor circumferentially surrounding the dielectric layer, the outer conductor having an inner surface and an outer surface; and a jacket circumferentially surrounding the outer conductor. The coaxial connector includes: an inner contact electrically connected with the inner conductor; an outer connector body spaced apart from and circumferentially surrounding the inner contact, the outer connector body including a first securing feature; and a dielectric spacer interposed between the inner contact and the outer body. The rear body has a main section and a front collet with forwardly-extending fingers, the fingers engaging the outer surface of the outer conductor of the cable, the fingers including a second securing feature, wherein the second securing feature engages the first securing feature to maintain the outer connector body and the rear body in position on the cable.