Coaxial Cable Connector Sealing via Translucent Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial cable connectors often fail to provide a secure and watertight seal, leading to performance degradation due to improper fitting and moisture ingress, and require complex sealing mechanisms or multiple O-rings, which increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable connector design featuring a tubular mandrel with a translucent retainer and telescopically engaging bushing that allows visual confirmation of cable seating and creates a sealing engagement without additional O-rings, using a snap-fit assembly and lubricated components for easier installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple O-rings and complex sealing mechanisms are used to ensure watertight seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes O-rings and complex sealing mechanisms from the connector design. Instead, it uses a simple telescoping bushing that relies on friction and geometric interference to create the seal, extracting the harmful complexity while maintaining sealing reliability through a different physical mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping bushing creates its own sealing action through its geometric design and friction-based engagement with the cable jacket. The system serves itself by using the insertion force and material properties rather than requiring additional sealing components, eliminating the need for O-rings and complex mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If visual confirmation of cable seating is implemented, then installation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is made translucent to allow visual observation of cable seating. This optical property change enables the installer to see through the retainer wall and confirm proper cable insertion without adding mechanical complexity or additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent retainer acts as an intermediary that transmits light from the interior cable seating area to the exterior observer. This allows visual confirmation without requiring the observer to directly view the interior, maintaining a simple sealed structure while enabling precision verification
3Strength
If radial compression is used to grip the cable securely, then connection strength is improved, but water-tight sealing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing transitions from an uncompressed state to a compressed state during installation. The dynamic compression action creates both the gripping force for secure connection and the sealing pressure against the cable jacket, achieving both objectives through a single dynamic mechanism rather than separate static components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the gripping function and sealing function into a single telescoping bushing component. The same friction-based engagement that provides connection strength also creates the water-tight seal, merging two functions that were previously achieved by separate mechanisms
4Reliability
If high installation force is applied to secure the cable, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector components are pre-assembled with lubrication applied to the bushing and retainer surfaces before installation. This preliminary action reduces friction during the installation process, allowing the necessary compression force to be applied more easily without requiring excessive installation effort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter by applying lubrication to the contacting surfaces of the bushing and retainer. This parameter change reduces the installation force required while maintaining the final compression force needed for reliable connection, decoupling the installation ease from the connection reliability requirements
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
Ensures a secure, watertight connection with reduced installation force and complexity, providing universal suitability for both indoor and outdoor applications by eliminating the need for multiple O-rings and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
lubricated components for easier installation
Implementation Method 2
translucent retainer that allows visual confirmation of cable seating
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial cable connector is provided with a generally tubular mandrel. An attachment element and a retainer are associated with the mandrel and a bushing is telescopically mounted on the retainer. The bushing is adapted for axial movement along the retainer to a closed position wherein the bushing biases a first portion of the retainer into sealing engagement with a seating surface on the exterior of the mandrel. The retainer is sufficiently translucent to permit visual observation of a cable inserted into the retainer.