Coaxial Cable Connector Attachment Tool with Stop Surface

Solution Overview

Problem

Attaching electrical connectors to coaxial cables is a tedious and potentially damaging process, requiring significant force and care to avoid damaging the connector or cable, with existing methods lacking ease of use and over-tightening prevention.

Innovation Solution

A device with a body having a bore with threaded portions and a stop surface to securely attach a connector to a coaxial cable, allowing for easy rotation and preventing over-tightening, featuring a textured surface for gripping and a mechanism to ensure proper connection without damaging the cable or connector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tool is used to grab and turn the connector, then the attachment process becomes easier, but the connector could be damaged by the tool

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidconnector damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialized attachment tool as an intermediary device that engages with the connector's drive cavity through a drive slot. This intermediary tool provides controlled gripping surfaces and rotational engagement that prevent direct tool-to-connector damage while enabling the necessary turning force for thread cutting into the rubber insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design includes an integrated drive cavity with a drive slot that is part of the connector structure itself. This self-contained feature allows the connector to serve its own function of providing a gripping interface, eliminating the need for external tools that might damage it while still enabling easy attachment through the built-in mechanical interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If one turns the connector by hand, then the connector is not damaged by tools, but the process becomes tiring and harmful to the user's hand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector damageVSAvoiduser effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialized attachment tool as an intermediary device that engages with the connector's drive cavity through a drive slot. This intermediary tool provides controlled gripping surfaces and rotational engagement that prevent direct tool-to-connector damage while enabling the necessary turning force for thread cutting into the rubber insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the connector is turned with great force, then the threads are cut into the casing, but the connector may be over-tightened and damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread cutting forceVSAvoidconnector damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a ratchet mechanism that provides mechanical feedback during the attachment process. The ratchet allows rotational movement in one direction (tightening) while preventing movement in the opposite direction, giving the user tactile feedback on the progression of thread cutting and preventing over-tightening by making reverse movement impossible and forward movement progressively more difficult as threads are formed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specialized attachment tool as an intermediary device that engages with the connector's drive cavity through a drive slot. This intermediary tool provides controlled gripping surfaces and rotational engagement that prevent direct tool-to-connector damage while enabling the necessary turning force for thread cutting into the rubber insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables easy and secure attachment of connectors to coaxial cables with minimal effort, preventing over-tightening and ensuring the connector is properly seated without damaging the cable or tool, thus improving the efficiency and safety of the attachment process.

Implementation Method 1

The body has a bore with a threaded portion adapted to engage the external threads of the connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew threading: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS9614341B2Device for attaching a connector to a prepared coaxial cable

Publication Date: 2017.04.04 PDS ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A device is provided to attach a connector having an internally threaded base and external threads to a cable having a casing. The device includes a body having a bore therethrough. At least a portion of the bore is threaded and the external threads on the connector are threaded into the threads of the bore until a stop surface in the bore is engaged by a portion of the connector. The device may then be turned to thread the base onto the casing of the cable.