Coaxial Connector Thermal Decoupling via Insulating Washer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coaxial plug connectors fail to minimize heat transfer from the plug to thermally sensitive electronic components, particularly in devices used for high-frequency thermal power measurement, due to inadequate thermal insulation between the cap nut and the outer conductor.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of thermal decoupling between the cap nut and the outer conductor using synthetic materials with low thermal conductivity, combined with roller bearings and specific material combinations for the outer and inner conductors, reduces heat transfer by minimizing frictional torque and utilizing materials with varying thermal conductivities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the cap nut is directly connected to the outer conductor via a sprung ring, then the axial force-fit connection is achieved, but heat transfer from the cap nut to the outer conductor occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial force-fit connectionVSAvoidheat transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A synthetic material element (insulating washer or insulating sleeve) is introduced as an intermediary between the cap nut and the outer conductor. This intermediary component provides mechanical connection while having low thermal conductivity, thereby blocking heat transfer paths from the cap nut to the outer conductor and subsequently to the electronic components in the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If roller bearings are used to reduce frictional torque, then ease of operation is improved, but additional thermal pathways may be created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrictional torqueVSAvoidheat transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The synthetic material element serves as a thermal barrier that interrupts heat conduction pathways through the roller bearing assembly. By positioning the insulating washer or sleeve at critical locations, the patent blocks heat from traveling along the outer conductor and cap nut through the bearing mechanism to the device interior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the sprung ring is made of synthetic material with poor thermal conductivity, then heat transfer is minimized, but the connection strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transferVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The solution employs composite construction where synthetic insulating material is combined with metal components. The insulating washer or sleeve made of synthetic material provides thermal isolation, while the overall connection assembly maintains adequate mechanical strength through the combination of materials and connection geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This solution effectively minimizes heat transfer to thermally sensitive components, ensuring reduced temperature gradients and protecting sensitive electronics from external heat sources.

Implementation Method 1

the opposing surfaces of the cap nut and outer conductor are made of a synthetic material of poor thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the axial force-fit connection between the cap nut and the outer conductor is implemented via at least one roller bearing, for example, a ball bearing, roller bearing or needle bearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Roller

Data Source

PatentUS8333611B2Coaxial plug-connector part with thermal decoupling
Publication Date: 2012.12.18 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • US8333611B2 patent drawing
  • US8333611B2 patent drawing
  • US8333611B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a coaxial plug connector element comprising a metal union nut that is arranged in a rotatable manner on a metal outer conductor and can be screwed onto the external thread of the counter plug connector element. Means for the thermal decoupling of the plug connector element are provided on the inside of the device.