Ganged Coaxial Connector Cavities for Dense Blind Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
In RF communications systems, existing coaxial cable connectors face challenges in high-density port spacing and efficient connection processes, particularly in limited spaces, where precise alignment is difficult and labor-intensive, especially for ganged connector arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A mated connector assembly comprising multiple coaxial connectors with a shell structure that defines electrically isolated cavities, allowing for axial and radial float, enabling secure and efficient connections in tight spaces with reduced alignment requirements and increased port density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple coaxial connectors are arranged in high-density ganged configurations, then port spacing is reduced and connection efficiency is improved, but alignment precision becomes more difficult and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested shell structures where an outer shell contains an inner shell, and each shell houses multiple coaxial connectors. This nested arrangement allows compact high-density packaging of multiple connectors while maintaining proper spacing and alignment through the hierarchical structural organization, resolving the contradiction between high-density arrangement and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is segmented into multiple electrically isolated cavities within the shells, with each cavity housing a separate coaxial connector. This segmentation allows independent positioning and alignment of each connector within its own cavity, making the overall assembly more manageable and reducing the complexity of achieving precise alignment across all connectors simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If blind mate connectors with spring action are used to accommodate misalignment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes spring elements that provide radial and axial float capability, allowing the connectors to accommodate misalignment through elastic deformation. The spring action changes the mechanical parameters of the connector interface, enabling blind mate operation where connectors can find their proper alignment position through the spring's compliance rather than requiring precise pre-alignment.
3Reliability
If electrically isolated cavities are implemented in the shell structure, then electrical performance is maintained in high-density arrangements, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shell structure is divided into multiple electrically isolated cavities that physically separate the coaxial connectors. This segmentation prevents electromagnetic interference between adjacent connectors while maintaining a unified shell structure, achieving electrical isolation without requiring completely separate housings for each connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested shell configuration allows inner shells to be positioned within outer shells, creating naturally isolated cavities for each connector. This nested arrangement provides electrical isolation through the shell walls themselves, eliminating the need for additional complex isolation structures while maintaining compact high-density packaging.
Data Source
AI summary
A mated connector assembly includes: a first connector assembly, comprising a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a mounting structure and a first shell; and a second connector assembly, comprising a plurality of second coaxial connectors, each of the second coaxial connectors connected with a respective coaxial cable and mated with a respective first coaxial connector. The second connector assembly includes a second shell surrounding the second coaxial connectors, the second shell defining a plurality of electrically isolated cavities, each of the second coaxial connectors being located in a respective cavity. In in a mated condition the second shell resides within the first shell.