Coaxial Connector PCB Mechanical Load Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coaxial connectors are not designed to withstand significant mechanical loads, leading to damage of printed circuit boards during installation, removal, shock, vibration, and clamping of cables.
Innovation Solution
A durable coaxial connector design featuring a conductive contact, a ground interface member with a radial spring for mechanical isolation, and a heat sink with thermally conductive bosses to distribute mechanical loads and facilitate thermal energy transfer, preventing PCB damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional surface mount coaxial connectors are used, then signal connection between coaxial cable and PCB is established, but the connectors cannot withstand significant mechanical loads causing PCB damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a connector body for signal connection, a ground interface member with radial spring for mechanical isolation, and a heat sink for thermal management. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the ground interface member specifically handling mechanical load isolation to protect the PCB
Solution Approach 2:
The ground interface member with radial spring acts as an intermediary between the connector body and the PCB. The radial spring provides resilient biasing that absorbs mechanical shocks and vibrations, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the PCB while maintaining electrical ground connection
2Reliability
If the ground interface member is rigidly attached to the PCB, then stable ground connection is achieved, but mechanical loads are transmitted to the PCB causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The ground interface member incorporates a radial spring that provides dynamic, resilient connection rather than rigid attachment. The spring can compress and expand to absorb mechanical energy from shocks and vibrations while maintaining continuous electrical contact, achieving both stability and mechanical isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The radial spring changes the mechanical parameter of connection rigidity while maintaining electrical conductivity. By introducing elastic deformation capability through the spring, the system transforms from a rigid connection that transmits loads to a compliant connection that absorbs loads
3Reliability
If mechanical isolation is implemented using resilient components, then PCB protection is improved, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground interface member serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing electrical ground connection, absorbing mechanical shocks, damping vibrations, and facilitating thermal transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall connector complexity while achieving PCB protection
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 effectively isolates PCBs from mechanical loads while ensuring reliable signal propagation and thermal dissipation, reducing the risk of damage during assembly and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The ground interface member can include a substantially cylindrical radial spring member, and at least one slot defined in the radial spring member. The slot can facilitate flexure of the radial spring member from a resiliently biased state
Implementation Method 2
a heat sink with thermally conductive bosses to distribute mechanical loads and facilitate thermal energy transfer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A durable coaxial connector (100) for providing a reliable signal connection to a printed circuit board (PCB) (118) while isolating the PCB from mechanical loads that are applied to the connector, and an electrical system incorporating the same. The connector can include a connector body (102) having a connector interface member (106), at least one flange (104), and a ground interface member (304) having a first portion (306) configured to be fixedly attached to the PCB and a second portion (308) configured to slideably mate to a ground interface receptacle defined in the connector body. A connector interface can be defined on an inner surface (410) of the connector interface member. A fastener (124) can couple the connector body to a heat sink (112). A thermally conductive boss (116) can be provided to mount the connector body (102) and transfer thermal energy from the connector body to the heat sink.