4.3/10 Coaxial Connector Blocking Structure Against Mini-Din Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 4.3/10 coaxial connectors are prone to erroneous interconnection with Mini-Din connectors, leading to damage of the 4.3/10 connectors and potential mis-directed transmission of signals.
Innovation Solution
The development of a similar interface blocking coaxial connector that is interconnectable with a 4.3/10 coaxial connector connection interface, featuring an inner contact and an outer contact with axially-extending spring fingers, where the spring fingers have radially-inward protrusions to prevent mating with Mini-Din connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the 4.3/10 connector interface is designed with a standard coupling nut and spring fingers, then it achieves ease of operation and compatibility with existing equipment, but it becomes vulnerable to erroneous interconnection with Mini-Din connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric blocking structures (protrusions on spring fingers, annular barriers, or position offsets) that create geometric incompatibility between 4.3/10 and Mini-Din connectors. The 4.3/10 connector includes features such as protrusions extending radially inward from spring fingers or annular barriers positioned at specific diameters that prevent engagement with the smaller Mini-Din interface, while maintaining full compatibility with correctly-matched 4.3/10 connectors. This asymmetric design ensures that only connectors with matching geometric features can be mated.
2Reliability
If blocking structures are added to prevent Mini-Din interconnection, then connection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blocking function into discrete, modular elements that can be independently implemented. Blocking structures are divided into separate components such as individual protrusions on specific spring fingers, annular barriers positioned at defined diameters, or offset positioning features. This segmentation allows the blocking function to be added as a distinct feature rather than requiring complete redesign of the connector assembly, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies blocking structures only at specific local positions where they are most effective. Rather than modifying the entire connector uniformly, the design places protrusions, annular barriers, or position offsets only at critical locations such as the interface diameter or coupling nut engagement zone. This localized application of blocking features prevents Mini-Din interconnection while minimizing the overall structural complexity of the connector.
3Reliability
If the spring fingers are made more rigid to prevent splaying, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements blocking structures that act in advance to prevent erroneous Mini-Din connectors from engaging with the 4.3/10 interface. The protrusions, annular barriers, or position offsets are positioned to create geometric incompatibility before the coupling nut can be fully threaded or the spring fingers can splay. This preliminary blocking action prevents the harmful splaying event from occurring in the first place, thereby maintaining spring finger flexibility and ease of operation for correct connectors while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A 4.3/10 coaxial connector configured to receive a mating 4.3/10 connector includes: an inner contact; a dielectric spacer; and an outer contact, the dielectric spacer separating the inner contact and the outer contact. The outer contact includes an outer wall and a plurality of spring fingers, the spring fingers configured to deflect radially inwardly when the mating 4.3/10 connector is mated. The connector further comprises blocking structure that prevents mating of a Mini-Din connector.