Coaxial Connector Outer Conductor Engager Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Post-less coaxial cable connectors face challenges in assembly difficulty, potential damage to cables, high manufacturing costs, and inferior sealing and coupling performance under applied forces, necessitating an improved design.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable connector featuring a coupler, a conductive outer conductor engager with a biasing element and compression sleeve, which applies axial forces to radially compress the outer conductor, ensuring a secure mechanical and electrical connection while maintaining a watertight seal, using a flange and fingers for enhanced engagement and a sealing member for moisture protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If post-based crimping connectors are used, then mechanical connection and grounding are achieved, but assembly becomes difficult and cable damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the grounding/retention post from the connector design, extracting the problematic element that caused assembly difficulty and cable damage. The outer conductor engagement is achieved directly through the connector body and compression sleeve without requiring a separate post insertion step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of grounding, mechanical retention, and outer conductor engagement into a single integrated structure. The compression sleeve and connector body work together as one system to achieve both electrical grounding and mechanical securing without separate components.
2Ease of manufacture
If post-less connector designs are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sealing and coupling performance deteriorates under applied forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a biasing element that provides dynamic, spring-like pressure to maintain continuous contact between the outer conductor engager and the cable's outer conductor. This dynamic mechanism ensures reliable sealing and coupling performance under varying applied forces while maintaining the post-less simple structure.
3Reliability
If outer conductor engagement is achieved through compression, then electrical connection is established, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector into distinct functional segments: the compression sleeve for mechanical compression, the biasing element for maintaining pressure, and the outer conductor engager for electrical contact. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without over-complicating the overall structure.
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 a reliable electrical ground, secure axial connection, and watertight seal, addressing assembly difficulties and manufacturing costs while improving coupling performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The outer conductor engager is configured to be compressed by the biasing member when the outer conductor engager portion moves relative to the body such that an interior surface of the outer conductor engager portion is compressed radially inward against an outer conductor of the coaxial cable
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for a coaxial cable includes a coupler configured to engage another coaxial cable connector, a body configured to be disposed at least partially within the coupler, and an outer conductor engager made of a conductive material disposed within the body and the coupler. An interior of the body includes a biasing element, and a compression sleeve is disposed at an opposite axial side of the outer conductor engager relative to the biasing element. The compression sleeve, the outer conductor engager, and the body are configured such that opposite axial forces applied to the compression sleeve and the outer conductor engager cause the outer conductor engager to move axially relative to one another and to cause the outer conductor engager to move axially relative to the body when the connector is coupled to the coaxial cable. The outer conductor engager is configured to be compressed by the biasing member when the outer conductor engager portion moves relative to the body such that an interior surface of the outer conductor engager portion is compressed radially inward against an outer conductor of the coaxial cable.