Coaxial Connector Unit for PCB Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coaxial connector systems for motor vehicle antennas face challenges with tolerance issues and assembly complexity, particularly in achieving precise electrical and mechanical connections to printed circuit boards, which can lead to interference and increased assembly costs.

Innovation Solution

A coaxial connector unit with multiple coaxial connectors aligned parallel to each other, featuring projections for secure mechanical and electrical connection to the printed circuit board, allowing for precise positioning and shielding of high-frequency conductors, and enabling assembly as an SMD component through reflow soldering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple coaxial connectors are installed separately on the printed circuit board, then each connector can be individually positioned, but the assembly complexity and tolerance accumulation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector positioning precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple coaxial connectors into a single integrated connector unit that is pre-assembled with precise grid positioning. This unit is then installed as one component on the printed circuit board, eliminating the need for separate installation of each connector and reducing tolerance accumulation while simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If coaxial connectors are mounted parallel to the printed circuit board plane, then the connection structure is simplified, but the high-frequency shielding and decoupling performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structure simplicityVSAvoidhigh-frequency interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the connector orientation from parallel to perpendicular relative to the printed circuit board plane. The connector unit is designed to stand vertically with its axis perpendicular to the board, allowing the outer conductor to extend through the board and provide effective high-frequency shielding and decoupling while maintaining a simple connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If elastic spring elements are used to accommodate tolerance deviations in coaxial connector mating, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity and assembly cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector mating reliabilityVSAvoidelastic mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates precise grid positioning and alignment features directly into the connector unit during manufacturing, before installation. The connectors are pre-positioned with accurate spacing and orientation, eliminating the need for elastic spring elements to compensate for tolerance deviations during assembly, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1801932B1Coaxial high frequency connecting device eletrically connected to a conductor board
Publication Date: 2008.04.23 KATHEIN WERKE KG
  • EP1801932B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1801932B1 patent drawingFigure 3~10
  • EP1801932B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

High frequency plug-type connector arrangement comprises coaxial plug-type connectors (19) arranged axis-parallel and consisting of fixed plug-type connector units (17) connected to a circuit board (9). The inner conductors of the plug-type connector are electrically connected to an outer conductor of the plug-type connector. Protrusions are immersed into recesses in the circuit board and are aligned parallel to the axial direction of the plug-type connector. The plug-type connector unit is positioned perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board. Preferred Features: The ends of the protrusions terminate in front of the plane of the upper side of the circuit board. The recesses are arranged in the circuit board so that a patch antenna is positioned between the recesses.