Coaxial Cable Connector Dynamic Alignment and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing BNC connectors face challenges in minimizing return losses, especially in high-frequency applications and adverse weather conditions, while maintaining proper alignment and preventing signal degradation and shorting between cable layers.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a coaxial cable connector with a forward and rear outer housing that are threadingly engaged, allowing for movement between positions, and includes a biasing member and resilient sealing members to ensure secure alignment and sealing, reducing return losses and protecting against environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional BNC connector design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but return losses increase and signal integrity deteriorates in high-frequency applications
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: a forward outer housing with bayonet coupling features, a rear outer housing with threaded engagement, and an inner body with electrical contacts. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall signal integrity and reducing return losses through precise alignment and controlled impedance interfaces.
2Reliability
If the connector is designed for standard applications, then the structure is simpler, but reliability under adverse weather conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a nested sealing structure where the inner body is received within the rear outer housing, which is itself received within the forward outer housing. Multiple resilient sealing members are nested at different levels: one between the rear outer housing and inner body, and another between the forward outer housing and inner body. This nested arrangement provides progressive sealing protection against moisture and contaminants while maintaining a compact overall structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inner body is fixed in all positions, then alignment is always maintained, but the connector cannot accommodate thermal expansion or assembly variations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates dynamic adjustment capability through the bayonet coupling mechanism between the forward outer housing and inner body. The slot and pin arrangement allows the inner body to be rotated and positioned into engagement, providing both initial alignment during assembly and subsequent adjustment capability. This dynamic coupling maintains electrical contact integrity while accommodating thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances.
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 solution effectively minimizes return losses, maintains accurate alignment, and provides sealing against moisture and contaminants, enhancing signal integrity and reliability in both standard and high-frequency applications, including adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member disposed between the inner body portion and at least one of the forward and rear outer housing members, wherein the biasing member provides a biasing force tending to force the forward outer housing member rearward relative to the inner body portion
Implementation Method 2
a first resilient sealing member disposed between the rear outer housing and the inner body; and a second resilient sealing member disposed between the front outer housing and the inner body
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial cable connector, in one embodiment, includes a first housing, a second housing and an inner body. The inner body is fixed or stationary relative to the first housing based on the position of the second housing. The inner body configured to be moveable relative to the first housing when the second housing is in the first position; and stationary relative to the first housing when the second housing is in the second position.