Coaxial Cable Connector with Integral RFI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaxial cable connectors face challenges in providing effective radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding and maintaining electrical continuity due to mechanical clearances and improper installation, leading to signal degradation and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
The coaxial cable connector incorporates a monolithic contacting portion that maintains electrical continuity between the post and coupler, forming a circuitous path to prevent RF signal ingress and egress, even when the connector is not fully tightened, by using a contacting portion that is integral to the post or coupler, providing a stable ground path and RF shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate grounding members are used in coaxial connectors, then assembly is simpler, but electrical continuity and RF shielding reliability deteriorate due to mechanical clearances and improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the grounding member with the post or coupler into a monolithic integral structure. The contacting portion is formed as an integral part of either the post or coupler, eliminating separate grounding components and their associated mechanical interfaces. This integration ensures continuous electrical ground path without relying on separate fastening operations or multiple component assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The post is divided into functionally distinct segments: a tubular portion for receiving the coaxial cable and an integral contacting portion extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the contacting portion to maintain constant electrical contact with the coupler while the tubular portion performs mechanical reception and alignment functions.
2Ease of operation
If the connector is not fully tightened to the terminal, then ease of installation is improved, but RF shielding effectiveness deteriorates due to gaps in the electrical path
Solution Approach 1:
The integral contacting portion is pre-configured to maintain electrical contact with the coupler at multiple positions along its length. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that even when the connector is not fully tightened, the continuous ground path remains intact, preventing RF signal ingress without requiring perfect installation tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic construction of the contacting portion provides inherent mechanical compliance and tolerance compensation. The integral structure absorbs installation variations and maintains reliable electrical contact despite misalignment or incomplete tightening, cushioning against the harmful effects of improper installation before RF interference can occur.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical clearances are present between connector components, then ease of assembly is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates due to discontinuities in the electrical path
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the grounding function into the monolithic post or coupler structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate grounding members that would require precise mechanical clearances and alignment. The integral contacting portion maintains electrical continuity regardless of assembly tolerances between the post, coupler, and terminal.
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 solution effectively attenuates RF signals by at least 50 dB up to 1000 MHz, maintaining signal integrity and reducing transfer impedance, ensuring reliable performance regardless of the connector's tightness on the terminal.
Implementation Method 1
The contacting portion facilitates electrical continuity between the post and the coupler to provide RF shielding
Implementation Method 2
The contacting portion extends in a generally perpendicular orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of the connector and is configured to maintain the generally perpendicular orientation. The contacting portion facilitates electrical continuity between the post and the coupler to provide RF shielding
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial cable connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal is disclosed. The connector has a post assembled with a coupler. The post is adapted to receive an end of the coaxial cable and comprises a front end, an enlarged shoulder at the front end, and a plurality of contacting portions. The contacting portions are of monolithic construction with the post, collectively circumscribe the enlarged shoulder at the front end of the post, and extend in a generally perpendicular orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of the connector. The coupler is rotatably attached to the post and comprises an internally projecting lip, having a forward facing surface, adapted to couple the connector to the terminal. The contacting portions are configured to contact the forward facing surface of the lip of the coupler.