Coaxial Connector Positive Stop and Compressible Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial cable connectors face challenges in easy installation, maintaining electrical contact under varying conditions, and providing secure attachment while being sealed against debris and moisture.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a connector housing and back nut with a ramp and positive stop for easy installation, an electrically conductive compressible coil spring for secure mechanical and electrical connections, and sealing rings for moisture and debris protection, accommodating both corrugated and smooth outer conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional connector design is used, then electrical connection is established, but installation requires torque tools and precise torque control
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design changes the engagement parameter from torque-dependent to displacement-dependent through the positive stop mechanism. The back nut transitions from requiring precise torque control to simply engaging until the positive stop is reached, where the connector housing and back nut define a positive stop when fully engaged, allowing the connector to be attached without a torque wrench or other torque limiting tool.
2Reliability
If a rigid clamp ring is used, then mechanical connection is secure, but electrical contact degrades under thermal expansion and creep conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp ring is changed from a rigid component to a compressible elastic component. The electrically conductive compressible ring applies constant radial force to the outer conductor, allowing it to accommodate thermal expansion, contraction, and creep of the aluminum outer conductor while maintaining reliable electrical contact. The compressible nature of the ring allows it to adapt to dimensional changes in the outer conductor.
3Strength
If the connector is designed for secure attachment, then mechanical strength is improved, but sealing against debris and moisture becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism uses a nested structure where the sealing ring is positioned within the connector housing and back nut assembly. The sealing ring engages with both the connector housing and back nut, creating a sealed chamber that protects the electrical contacts from moisture and debris while maintaining the secure mechanical attachment provided by the threaded back nut engagement.
4Reliability
If the outer conductor is flared for connection, then electrical contact surface is increased, but the outer conductor shape changes due to thermal and mechanical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design changes from relying on the outer conductor maintaining a specific flared shape to relying on the compressible ring maintaining constant contact pressure. The electrically conductive compressible ring compensates for shape changes in the outer conductor by elastically deforming itself, ensuring continuous reliable electrical contact despite thermal expansion, contraction, and creep of the aluminum outer conductor.
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
Facilitates easy installation without torque tools, maintains consistent electrical contact, and provides secure mechanical and moisture-sealed connections, reducing signal distortion and accommodating various cable types.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive compressible coil spring to be compressibly clamped against the outer conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A connector to be attached to a coaxial cable includes a connector housing and a back nut defining a ramp to receive an outer conductor of the coaxial cable thereagainst. The connector housing and the back nut include respective portions defining a positive stop when fully engaged. An electrically conductive compressible coil spring compressibly clamps against the outer conductor opposite the ramp. The connector housing has a rearward portion threadingly received within a forward portion of said back nut. A center contact is to be coupled to the inner conductor. At least one insulator member is in the connector housing for carrying the center contact.