Coaxial Connector Biasing Member for Stable RF Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coaxial cable connectors face issues with intermittent contact and signal degradation due to corrosion, rust, and permanent deformation of metallic components, leading to RF leakage and loss of continuity, especially when exposed to environmental elements.

Innovation Solution

A coaxial cable connector design featuring a post, coupling element, and biasing member, where the biasing member is disposed within a cavity to ensure constant contact between the coupling element and the post, preventing permanent deformation and maintaining continuity without hindering rotational movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metallic connector components are used to ensure electrical continuity, then conductivity and ground connection are improved, but corrosion, rust, and permanent deformation occur leading to intermittent contact and signal degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical continuityVSAvoidcorrosion and deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a sacrificial zinc anode that is intentionally designed to corrode preferentially rather than the connector components. This disposable element absorbs the harmful corrosion effects, protecting the main connector structure and ensuring long-term electrical continuity without requiring maintenance or replacement of critical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The zinc-rich coating acts as an intermediary protective layer between the metallic connector components and the corrosive environment. This intermediate zinc layer serves as a galvanic barrier, sacrificing itself through controlled corrosion to prevent direct exposure and damage to the underlying connector metals, thereby maintaining electrical continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If torque is applied to secure the connector to the interface port, then mechanical strength and connection stability are improved, but permanent deformation of metallic components occurs resulting in intermittent contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidcomponent deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes a resilient biasing member that provides dynamic, continuous contact force between connector components. This elastic element maintains constant pressure on the coupling element and post, compensating for any dimensional variations or minor deformations, ensuring sustained electrical continuity without requiring excessive tightening torque that could cause permanent deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient biasing member acts as a pre-compression cushion between the coupling element and the post. This pre-applied elastic force creates a buffer that absorbs mechanical stresses and prevents direct transmission of high torque forces to the conductive components, thereby avoiding permanent deformation while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the connector is designed for outdoor exposure, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but environmental elements cause corrosion and deterioration of metallic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutdoor exposure capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite protection system combining a zinc-rich protective coating with a resilient non-metallic biasing member. This composite structure integrates the galvanic protection of zinc with the environmental resistance and elastic properties of the resilient material, creating a connector assembly that resists outdoor environmental degradation while maintaining mechanical and electrical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The zinc-rich coating serves as a sacrificial, disposable protective layer specifically designed to withstand outdoor environmental exposure. This coating corrodes preferentially in response to environmental elements like moisture and oxygen, acting as a consumable shield that protects the underlying connector components from deterioration, allowing the connector to maintain outdoor adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution ensures continuous contact and stable ground connection, reducing RF leakage and maintaining signal quality even when the connector is not fully tightened, while resisting environmental degradation and deformation.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member disposed within a cavity formed between the first end of the coupling element and the connector body to bias the coupling element against the post

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11811184B2Connector producing a biasing force

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 PPC BROADBAND INC

AI summary

A connector includes, in one embodiment, a first component, a coupling element configured to engage the first component, and a second component configured to engage the first component. The second component, in one embodiment, is configured to produce a spring, pushing or biasing force.