Coaxial Cable Recess for PCB Positioning Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

The direct assembly of coaxial cables on printed circuit boards by hand soldering is inaccurate and undefined, especially in the high-frequency range, and additional space-saving strain relief is not possible through continuous milling in the circuit board material.

Innovation Solution

A recess is created on the printed circuit board to precisely position the coaxial cable, allowing for a press fit and strain relief, with the cable's end inserted into the recess and its inner conductor soldered to a contact point, and an optional cover provides mechanical and electrical protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If hand soldering is used to assemble coaxial cables on printed circuit boards, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but positioning accuracy and reproducibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A recess is pre-formed in the printed circuit board at the exact location where the coaxial cable needs to be positioned. This preliminary structural preparation enables accurate and reproducible cable placement without requiring complex assembly procedures, as the recess naturally guides and positions the cable during insertion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The recess acts as an intermediary structure between the printed circuit board and the coaxial cable. It provides a defined interface that ensures precise positioning while simplifying the assembly process, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized soldering techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If continuous milling is used in the circuit board material, then strain relief can be achieved, but additional manufacturing steps and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrain reliefVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The recess formation and strain relief functionality are merged into a single structural feature. The same recess that positions the coaxial cable also provides strain relief by distributing mechanical stress, eliminating the need for separate continuous milling operations or additional strain relief components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The recess serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides precise positioning for the coaxial cable, acts as a strain relief structure, and creates a defined interface for assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of manufacturing steps while improving overall reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If the coaxial cable is positioned at the edge area of the printed circuit board, then space utilization in the housing is optimized, but cable routing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidcable routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is pre-positioned at the edge area of the printed circuit board to anticipate the cable routing requirements. This preliminary structural preparation at the edge enables straightforward cable exit and routing, as the cable can be directly inserted and routed outward without requiring complex internal pathways or additional routing components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3482459B1Coaxial cable installation on thick printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 HIRSCHMANN CAR COMMUNICATION
  • EP3482459B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3482459B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3482459B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Method for connecting a printed circuit board (1) to a coaxial cable (3), wherein the coaxial cable (3) has an internal conductor (5) which is surrounded by a dielectric (7) which, in turn, is surrounded by a shield (6), wherein the dielectric (7) is surrounded by an outer casing (4), wherein the internal conductor (5) is soldered to a contact point (8) on the printed circuit board (1) for the purpose of making electrical contact, characterized in that the printed circuit board (1) has a recess (2) which starts from the surface of said printed circuit board, and the end region of the outer casing (4) of the coaxial cable (3) is inserted at least partially into the recess (2).