Coaxial Cable Connector Silicone Compression Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coaxial cable assemblies fail to maintain Class A++ shielding efficiency over time due to degradation of metal-to-metal contact resistance caused by material creep and galvanic reactions between the coaxial cable braiding and connector ferrule, leading to increased transfer impedance and screening effectiveness issues, especially in CATV networks.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable connector design featuring a compression fitting made of silicone with a slanted surface that applies pressure evenly over the length of the ferrule, preventing creep and galvanic reactions by distributing force across a wider area, ensuring consistent contact pressure and reducing the risk of Common Path Distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional compression fittings are used to connect coaxial cable to connector, then initial contact resistance is acceptable, but contact resistance degrades over time due to material creep
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal or hard plastic to silicone rubber, which has superior creep resistance properties. This material parameter change enables the compression fitting to maintain constant contact pressure over time, resolving the degradation issue while extending service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining silicone rubber material with a specific geometric design (cross-section with flat portion and angled portion). This composite approach leverages the elastic properties of silicone rubber to distribute compression forces evenly, preventing localized deformation and maintaining reliable electrical contact throughout the service life
2Reliability
If compression force is applied to coaxial cable connector, then metal-to-metal contact is achieved, but galvanic reactions occur between dissimilar metals
Solution Approach 1:
The silicone rubber compression fitting serves as an intermediary material between the metal connector components and the metal coaxial cable braid. This non-metallic mediator eliminates direct metal-to-metal contact, thereby preventing galvanic reactions while still providing the necessary compression force to ensure electrical contact and screening effectiveness
3Ease of manufacture
If uneven pressure distribution is applied to compression fitting, then assembly is simple, but contact resistance increases due to localized deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the compression fitting with a cross-section that has a flat portion and an angled portion, creating different local geometries optimized for different functions. The flat portion provides a broad contact surface for uniform pressure distribution, while the angled portion facilitates insertion and compression. This local quality differentiation achieves both manufacturing simplicity and contact pressure uniformity
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 design effectively maintains optimal metal-to-metal contact resistance and screening effectiveness by compensating for material creep and preventing galvanic reactions, thereby ensuring long-term reliability and preventing signal failure and RF screening leakage.
Implementation Method 1
means for applying a pressure force either to the compression fitting such that a surface of the compression fitting applies a force to an outer insulating layer of the coaxial cable surrounding said at least one metal braid layer substantially over the whole length of said surface of the compression fitting
Implementation Method 2
a compression fitting arranged around said ferrule... The compression fitting is made of silicone
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial cable connector (610) for connecting a coaxial cable (600), wherein the connector (610) comprises an elongated ferrule (612) arranged to be configured in electrical contact with at least one metal braid layer (606) of the coaxial cable (600); a compression fitting (614) arranged around said ferrule (612); and means (618) for applying a pressure force to the compression fitting (614) such that a surface (614a) of the compression fitting (614) applies a force to an outer insulating layer (608) of the coaxial cable (600) surrounding said at least one metal braid layer (608) substantially over the whole length of said surface (614a) of the compression fitting (614).