Coaxial Connector Floating Structure with Elastic Slider

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coaxial connectors face challenges with limited space for floating mechanisms, potential water ingress leading to corrosion and unreliable connections due to separate receptacle and movable parts, and unclear connection states.

Innovation Solution

A coaxial connector design with a floating structure that allows axial and radial movement of the plug within the case, incorporating a movable slider and elastic members for reliable connection and waterproof sealing, ensuring a click feeling for connection confirmation and maintaining stability even in confined spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate receptacle body and movable connection part are provided for floating mechanism, then connection reliability is improved, but the outer shape becomes large and space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidspace consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the receptacle body and movable connection part into a unified structure where the movable connection part is directly formed as an integral component of the receptacle body. This merging eliminates the need for separate floating mechanism components while maintaining the floating functionality, thereby reducing overall space consumption while preserving connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle body is designed to simultaneously serve as both the housing structure and the floating mechanism component. The movable connection part integrated into the receptacle body performs multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling floating movement, and ensuring reliable electrical connection, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated separate components.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a gap is formed between plug insertion hole and plug for floating structure, then floating function is enabled, but water may enter through the gap causing corrosion and short-circuiting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloating functionVSAvoidwater ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible waterproof seal (gasket) that conforms to the mating surfaces between the plug and receptacle. This flexible sealing element maintains water tightness while accommodating the relative movements required for floating functionality, effectively preventing water ingress through the gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

A waterproof seal acts as an intermediary element between the plug and receptacle mating surfaces. This seal fills and closes the gap necessary for floating movement while preventing water from penetrating into the internal structures, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of movement and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If plug is connected to receptacle through housing, then floating structure is achieved, but connection state cannot be confirmed and reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloating structureVSAvoidconnection state confirmation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a visual feedback mechanism in the form of a visible indication element (such as a colored ring or marker) that changes position or appearance based on the connection state. This provides immediate visual confirmation to the user whether the plug is properly connected to the receptacle, enhancing reliability through feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color-coded elements or indicators that change appearance (such as visible through a translucent housing or positioned at the interface) to indicate connection status. Different colors or visibility states clearly communicate whether the connection is proper, enabling easy verification without disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 design ensures reliable connections, prevents water ingress, and provides a stable, waterproof coaxial connector with a clear connection confirmation mechanism, addressing space constraints and connection reliability issues.

Implementation Method 1

a floating structure, in which a plug (7) is held so as to be movable in an axial radial direction with respect to a case (2)... an elastic member that pushes the slider in an axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3982488B1Floating structure of coaxial connector
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 SMK CO LTD
  • EP3982488B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3982488B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3982488B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a floating structure of a coaxial connector having a floating function and ensuring a reliable connection and water cutoff property are ensured. The floating structure of the coaxial connector includes: a plug introduction hole 12 having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the plug; an enlarged diameter hole 13 communicating with the tip side of the plug introduction hole 12; a locking ring 14 fixed in the enlarged diameter hole 13; a slider 15 having a slide ring 151 disposed movably in the axial direction and the axial radial direction; and an energizing elastic member 16 that energizes the slide ring 151 toward the locking ring 14. The plug body 6 is coupled to the slider 15, and the plug body 15 is held in the plug insertion part 9 movably in the axial direction and the axial radial direction.