Coaxial Cable Connector Retainer for Correct Insertion and Waterproof Fitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coaxial cable connectors lack a terminal position assurance mechanism, leading to irregular insertion issues and compromising waterproof performance by allowing incorrect fitting with mating connectors.

Innovation Solution

A coaxial cable connector design featuring a retainer with a first and second lock protrusion, where the second lock protrusion is positioned to prevent fitting at irregular insertion positions and aligns with the first lock protrusion at regular positions, ensuring secure engagement only when the cable is correctly inserted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional coaxial cable connector without TPA mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of correct cable insertion is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structureVSAvoidcorrect insertion position

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is pre-configured with a lock protrusion positioned to engage with the fitting protrusion before cable insertion. This preliminary positioning ensures that the cable must be inserted to the correct depth for the lock protrusion to align with and engage the fitting protrusion, preventing incorrect insertion without adding complex active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design uses the cable insertion action itself to trigger the locking mechanism. As the cable is pushed into the housing, the cable's movement directly causes the retainer to shift and the lock protrusion to engage with the fitting protrusion. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to activate the position assurance mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuators or control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If an interference protrusion accommodation opening is formed on the fitting protrusion surface, then the ease of operation for cable insertion is improved, but the waterproof performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable insertionVSAvoidwater infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is extracted from the fitting protrusion surface and transferred to a separate retainer component. The retainer includes the lock protrusion that engages with the fitting protrusion, but this engagement occurs through a lateral engagement surface rather than through an opening in the fitting protrusion. This separation allows the fitting protrusion surface to remain intact and waterproof while still providing the necessary locking mechanism for correct cable insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the cable assembly and the housing. It provides the locking engagement surface laterally on the fitting protrusion without requiring an opening through the protrusion. The retainer mediates between the need for insertion feedback and the requirement for waterproofing by creating a lateral engagement path that doesn't compromise the sealing surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the second lock protrusion is positioned to prevent fitting at irregular positions, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidretainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer combines multiple functions into a single component: it holds the cable in position, provides the lock protrusion for engagement with the fitting protrusion, and shifts laterally in response to cable insertion. By merging these functions into one integrated retainer structure rather than using separate mechanisms for each function, the design achieves reliable connection security without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer is designed as a multi-functional component that performs cable retention, position verification, and locking engagement simultaneously. The same retainer structure that holds the cable also provides the lock protrusion that engages with the fitting protrusion to prevent incorrect connections. This universal design approach ensures connection security without requiring additional dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11799236B2Cable connector having a fitting protrusion for insertion into a mating connector

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 JST MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A cable connector includes: a housing including a cylindrical fitting protrusion to be inserted into a fitting opening of a mating connector; and a retainer that enables insertion of the fitting protrusion into the mating connector only when a cable accommodated in the housing is at a regular insertion position, in which the retainer includes a lock protrusion that is at a position where fitting with the mating connector is prevented when a cable accommodated in the housing is at an irregular insertion position, and is movable to a position where fitting with the mating connector is enabled when the cable is at the regular insertion position.