Coaxial Connector Alignment Device for Terminal Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors face challenges in protecting coaxial terminals during shipping, handling, and mating, as they are prone to damage due to exposure and improper alignment, which can lead to stubbing and require replacement.

Innovation Solution

An alignment device with a planar plate portion and alignment members is used to support and protect coaxial terminals, moving between positions to ensure proper alignment and protection before mating, preventing damage and ensuring secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If alignment plates are used to facilitate positioning of terminals, then alignment and protection of terminals is improved, but clearance required for movement of alignment plates prevents proper sealing of the connector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal alignment and protectionVSAvoidsealing integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment device is segmented into a plate portion with multiple receiving openings for different terminal types (coaxial and non-coaxial), allowing each terminal type to be positioned independently while maintaining overall alignment functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment device serves as an intermediary component between the connector housing and the terminals, providing a movable platform that facilitates terminal positioning while the seal member mediates between the alignment device and the housing to maintain sealing integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the front end of the connector housing is open to receive the mating connector, then connectivity and mating functionality is improved, but contaminants and objects can enter the receiving cavity and damage the electrical contacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemating functionalityVSAvoidcontaminant exposure and physical damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment device is positioned in advance within the receiving cavity to provide preliminary protection and alignment for the terminals before the mating connector is inserted, preventing contaminants and objects from damaging the contacts during assembly and handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment device acts as a protective barrier that cushions the terminals from harmful factors before the mating operation occurs, and the seal member provides beforehand sealing protection to prevent contaminant ingress during the open-state operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11437759B2Coaxial connector assembly with alignment member

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH

AI summary

An alignment device for use in an electrical connector or electrical connector assembly having coaxial terminals. The alignment device includes a planar plate portion having a first wall and an oppositely facing second wall. A plurality of coaxial terminal receiving openings extend through the plate portion. The coaxial terminal receiving openings are configured to receive mating ends of the coaxial terminals. Alignment members extend from the second wall of the plate portion in a direction away from the first wall, the alignment members are positioned proximate the coaxial terminal receiving openings.