Coaxial Cable Connector With Rotating Locking Collet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaxial cable connectors face challenges in securely connecting to interface ports of varying sizes, maintaining electrical continuity, and preventing noise interference due to loose connections.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable connector design featuring a freely rotatable coupling nut with a locking collet and spring fingers that adapts to different port sizes, ensuring secure mechanical and electrical engagement without requiring complete tightening, and maintaining electrical continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional compression-type connector with a flanged post is used, then mechanical engagement is achieved, but it cannot reliably connect to interface ports of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static flanged post with a dynamic locking collet mechanism. The collet features spring fingers that can radially expand and contract, allowing the connector to adapt to different port diameters while maintaining reliable mechanical engagement. This dynamic adjustment enables the same connector design to securely connect to interface ports of varying sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the structural parameters of the post component. Instead of a fixed flange, the post includes a locking collet with spring fingers whose radial position can change. This parameter variation allows the connector to accommodate different port dimensions while maintaining consistent connection reliability across varying sizes.
2Reliability
If the coupling nut is tightly secured to maintain electrical continuity, then shielding is effective, but the connection may damage threads of the port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary locking collet mechanism between the coupling nut and the interface port. The collet acts as a mediator that distributes the clamping force from the nut across multiple spring fingers, preventing concentrated stress on the port threads. This intermediary structure maintains electrical continuity through reliable mechanical engagement while protecting the port threads from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring fingers of the locking collet provide beforehand cushioning by elastically deforming under applied load. This elastic deformation absorbs excess force that would otherwise be transmitted to the port threads, preventing thread damage while maintaining sufficient clamping force for electrical continuity and shielding effectiveness.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single connector design is used for all port sizes, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but proper mechanical and electrical mating cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single connector body with a multi-functional locking collet mechanism. The collet can adapt to different port sizes through radial adjustment of its spring fingers, allowing one connector design to properly mate with various interface ports. This universal design maintains manufacturing precision across different applications while simplifying production by eliminating the need for multiple connector variants.
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 connector provides reliable and versatile securement of various interface ports, maintaining electrical continuity and reducing noise interference, while simplifying use and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling nut, when rotated, causes greater or lesser amounts of radial movement of a set of defined spring fingers defining the locking collet
Implementation Method 2
The locking collet having an external threaded surface that is engaged by corresponding internal threads of the coupling nut
Implementation Method 3
The post is preferably made from an electrically conductive material, therefore electrical continuity is consistently maintained between the engaged external port and the connector throughout engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for a coaxial cable includes a connector body and a post having a flanged end as well as a coupling nut rotatably attached to the flanged end of the post. The flanged end of the post is defined by an open-ended port retaining portion having an exterior threaded surface that is engaged by respective internal threads of the coupling nut. The port retaining portion defines a locking collet that enables exterior ports of varying diameters to be engaged with and secured to the connector.