Coaxial Connector Spring Alignment for Miniaturized HF Board Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical plug connections for high-frequency technology are complex to assemble and require high manufacturing tolerances, making them inadequate for miniaturization and efficient signal transmission between circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial connecting element with a conductive outer housing and contact springs that apply both axial and radial forces to ensure self-centering and secure alignment, reducing the size of the mating connector and simplifying assembly while maintaining high-frequency transmission capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coaxial connecting elements are used for high-frequency technology, then signal quality is maintained, but assembly complexity increases and manufacturing tolerances become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into modular components: an outer housing that can be separately manufactured and assembled with the inner conductor assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, simplifying assembly while maintaining the coaxial structure necessary for high-frequency signal transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element incorporates self-centering features where the outer housing automatically aligns with the mating connector during insertion. The geometric design of the housing includes alignment features that guide the inner conductor into proper position without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms, thereby reducing assembly complexity while ensuring reliable electrical contact
2Reliability
If conventional coaxial connecting elements are used for high-frequency technology, then signal quality is maintained, but manufacturing tolerances become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The design modifies critical dimensions and geometric parameters of the outer housing and inner conductor assembly to create a tolerance-friendly interface. By optimizing the fit parameters and contact surface geometries, the connecting element achieves reliable high-frequency transmission with relaxed manufacturing tolerances compared to conventional designs
3Length of moving object
If miniaturization is pursued in connecting elements, then distance between circuit boards is reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer housing and alignment features are merged into a single integrated component rather than separate parts. This consolidation eliminates the need for additional assembly steps to attach alignment features, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the miniaturized form factor necessary for reduced board spacing
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 enables reliable, high-frequency signal transmission up to 8 GHz with improved assembly efficiency and reduced insertion force, suitable for miniaturized applications.
Implementation Method 1
The contact springs (14) act on the outer housing (5) via the first contact area (15) in order to establish electrical contact and a mechanical connection between the first plug connector (9.1) and the first mating plug connector (10.1)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An electrical connector (13) is provided, comprising a connecting element (4) with a first electrical connector (9.1) arranged at a first end (4.1) and a first mating electrical connector (10.1). The first mating connector (10.1) has contact springs (14), and the first connector (9.1) has an electrically conductive outer housing (5) with a first contact area (15) that is at least partially annular in shape. The contact springs (14) act on the outer housing (5) via the first contact area (15) to establish electrical contact and a mechanical connection between the first connector (9.1) and the first mating connector (10.2). According to the invention, the contact springs (14) act on the first contact area (15) such that the outer housing (5) is oriented with a contact area along a longitudinal axis (LG) of the first mating connector (10.1).1) is subjected to an axial force (FA) which presses the outer housing (5) against an axial end stop (21) of the first mating connector (10.1) and/or that the contact springs (14) are designed such that they exert a radial force (FR) on the outer housing (5) acting orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (LG) of the first mating connector (10.1) on the first contact area (15) and on a second, at least partially annular, circumferential contact area (23) of the outer housing (5), which is axially offset to the first contact area (15) along a longitudinal axis (L) of the connecting element (4).