Coaxial Cable Connector Compression Sleeve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coaxial cable connectors, particularly 'post' style connectors, face difficulties in installing cables like polyethylene and plenum due to the length of the post and barbs, necessitating an alternative method for securing the cable to the connector.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable connector design featuring an outer conductor engager, a body with flexible fingers, a compression sleeve, and a grounding member that radially compresses the outer jacket and conductor against the engager, providing a secure mechanical and electrical connection while allowing for axial movement of the compression sleeve to engage the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional post style connectors are used, then electrical connection is established, but installation difficulty increases for certain cable types
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a compression sleeve for mechanical compression, flexible fingers for cable engagement, and a grounding member for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, making installation easier while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible fingers are designed to be radially compressible, allowing them to dynamically adapt to the cable during installation. As the compression sleeve moves axially, it urges the flexible fingers radially inward to engage the cable, providing both ease of installation and secure mechanical connection.
2Strength
If compression is applied to secure the cable, then mechanical connection is achieved, but cable damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible fingers act as compliant elements that distribute compression forces evenly across the cable jacket. These flexible components deform under compression to engage the cable securely while preventing localized stress concentrations that could damage the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding member is positioned to be sandwiched between the compression sleeve and the cable during compression. This grounding member acts as a cushioning element that protects the cable from direct compression forces while still allowing secure mechanical engagement.
3Reliability
If grounding path is established, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding member combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the electrical grounding path, acts as a cushioning element during compression, and serves as a positioning element between the compression sleeve and cable. This merging reduces assembly complexity while ensuring reliable electrical grounding.
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
This design facilitates easier installation of various coaxial cables by ensuring a reliable electrical ground, secure mechanical connection, and watertight sealing, addressing the challenges posed by conventional connectors.
Implementation Method 1
As the compression sleeve is moved axially relative to the body in a direction toward the coupler, the compression sleeve urges the flexible fingers radially inward to engage an outer jacket of a coaxial cable
Implementation Method 2
The body includes a plurality of flexible fingers spaced about a periphery of the body. The flexible fingers include outer surfaces that extend radially outward from an outer surface of the connector body. As the compression sleeve is moved axially relative to the body in a direction toward the coupler, the compression sleeve urges the flexible fingers radially inward to engage an outer jacket of a coaxial cable
Implementation Method 3
The grounding member is configured to establish an electrical grounding path between the outer conductor engager and the coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector includes an outer conductor engager, a body, a coupler, a compression sleeve, and a grounding member. The outer conductor engager is configured to receive an end of a coaxial cable. The body includes an annular ring portion coaxially aligned with the outer conductor engager along an axis, and the annular ring is configured to circumscribe the coaxial cable. The coupler is rotatably mounted relative to the outer conductor engager and the body, and the compression sleeve is disposed at an opposite axial side of the body relative to the coupler. The grounding member is configured to establish an electrical grounding path between the outer conductor engager and the coupler. The body includes a plurality of flexible fingers spaced about a periphery of the body. The flexible fingers include outer surfaces that extend radially outward from an outer surface of the connector body. As the compression sleeve is moved axially relative to the body in a direction toward the coupler, the compression sleeve urges the flexible fingers radially inward to engage an outer jacket of a coaxial cable.