Coaxial Connector Radial Compression Swivel Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coaxial connectors face issues with security against environmental conditions like moisture and electromagnetic radiation, and often damage the coaxial cable during installation due to twisting or inadequate sealing, while also lacking effective clamping mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A coaxial connector design featuring a swivel member with a radially compressible end and an inwardly extending projection, which is securely engaged with the main body without rotating the cable, combined with sealing members to prevent water and electromagnetic interference, allowing for a one-piece construction and easy assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a swivel interface is used to connect the coaxial connector, then the connector can be mounted to the mating component, but the interior parts are twisted during mounting causing damage to the coaxial cable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidcable integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate functional parts: a swivel member for rotational engagement with the mating component, and a cable retention member that remains stationary. This segmentation allows the swivel interface to rotate independently without twisting the coaxial cable, resolving the contradiction between mounting capability and cable integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If sealing rings are used to protect against water entry, then sealing is provided, but imperfections or wear cause water to penetrate the connector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater protectionVSAvoidsealing durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sealing rings are combined at different locations within the connector assembly. The cable retention member includes a first sealing ring at its forward end, and the swivel member includes a second sealing ring. This merging of sealing functions at multiple points creates redundant protection, ensuring that if one sealing ring deteriorates, others continue to provide water protection, thereby improving sealing durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the coupling nut relies on finger flexibility for clamping, then the structure is simple, but only a small force can be achieved for manual operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structureVSAvoidclamping force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking shroud can be moved axially to engage or disengage from the connector nut. When engaged, the shroud provides rotational fixation. Additionally, the inwardly extending projection on the swivel member works with the inclining surface to dynamically compress the swivel member radially, generating significant clamping force that overcomes the limitation of simple finger-flexibility-based designs while maintaining relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the connector allows rotation during mounting, then the threaded engagement can be achieved, but the coaxial cable and centre conductor are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreaded engagementVSAvoidcable and conductor integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is segmented into a swivel member that handles rotational engagement with the mating component and a cable retention member that secures the coaxial cable in a fixed position. This segmentation allows the threaded engagement to proceed through rotation of the swivel member independently, while the cable retention member prevents any rotation from being transmitted to the coaxial cable and centre conductor, thus protecting their integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design ensures a secure, moisture-proof, and effective electromagnetic shielding connection without damaging the cable, with simplified assembly and enhanced durability, particularly suitable for outdoor use.

Implementation Method 1

the inner inclining surface region of the nut being adapted to cooperate with the outer inclining surface region of the swivel member so as to radially compress the second end of the swivel member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the inner surface of the nut engaging with the outer surface of the swivel member to prevent substantial rotation of the nut in relation to the swivel member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrictional engagement: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the quality of the physical connection is an indication of the shielding against electromagnetic radiation achieved by the connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP2149937B1Coaxial connector and method for connecting the coaxial connector to a mating component
Publication Date: 2013.01.09 JOHN MEZZALINGUA ASSOC INC
  • EP2149937B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2149937B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2149937B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a coaxial connector (1) for connecting a coaxial member to a mating component (38). The coaxial connector comprises a swivel member (4) defining a central axis and having first (20) and second (22) opposing ends, the first end having an outer (21) and an inner (17) surface and a threaded region (5) for threadingly engaging the first end of the swivel member with a matching threaded portion of the mating component (38); a main body (2) having first (3) and second (6) opposing body ends and a central bore defining a longitudinal axis which is coaxial with the central axis of the swivel member, the first body end having an outer cylindrical surface (15); a centre conductor (9) extending along the longitudinal axis; and a nut (3) having a central aperture (29) defining an inner surface (28) and first (33) and second (34) opposing side walls, the first side wall being adapted to slidingly engage and abut the mating component (38), and an inner inclining surface region (25). The swivel member extends through the central aperture of the nut, the inner surface of the nut engaging with the outer surface of the swivel member to prevent substantial rotation of the nut in relation to the swivel member. Moreover, the swivel member is rotatably received on the outer cylindrical surface of the first body end of the main body and the outer cylindrical surface is adjacent to a recessed region (18) so as to form a shoulder (19). Finally, the second end of the swivel member has an inwardly extending projection and an outer inclining surface region (24) and is radially compressible, the inner inclining surface region of the nut being adapted to cooperate with the outer inclining surface region (24) of the swivel member (4) so as to radially compress the compressible second end (22) of the swivel member (4) in order to bring the inwardly extending projection (37) into engagement with the shoulder (19).