Coaxial Connector Grip Ring Anti-Rotation Wedge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial cable connectors face issues with high manufacturing and installation costs, complex installation procedures, and potential for rotation between the connector and cable, leading to electrical discontinuities and environmental seal compromises.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial connector design featuring a grip ring with a wedge surface and bias tabs that securely engage the outer conductor, combined with a clamp ring and spring contact, to provide a stable and anti-rotation interlock, reducing the need for threading and crimping, and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If machine threaded coupling surfaces are used between the metal body and the coupling nut, then a secure mechanical interconnection is achieved, but manufacturing costs and installation time requirements significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded coupling nut and machine threading from the connector design, extracting the problematic threading operation entirely. Instead, it uses a deformation-based coupling mechanism where the coupling element deforms the outer conductor to create a secure mechanical interconnection without requiring threads or nuts, thereby eliminating the time-consuming threading operation while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical threading system with a deformation-based mechanical system. The coupling element uses radial deformation force to compress the outer conductor against the body, creating friction-based mechanical interconnection instead of thread-based interconnection, which eliminates the need for precise threading operations
2Reliability
If a flared end of the outer conductor is clamped against an annular wedge surface via a coupling nut, then an optimized electrical interconnection is achieved, but the installation procedure becomes complex and requires precision cable end flaring operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flaring operation and coupling nut from the installation process. Instead of requiring cable flaring and nut installation, the coupling element directly deforms the outer conductor radially to create both mechanical retention and electrical contact, simplifying the procedure to basic insertion and compression without specialized flaring tools or precision operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical retention function and electrical connection function into a single coupling element and single operation. The same deformation action that secures the cable mechanically also creates the electrical contact, eliminating the need for separate flaring and coupling steps that characterize traditional designs
3Reliability
If additional connector elements are added to avoid damaging the flared end portion during threading, then the outer conductor is protected, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for protective elements by eliminating the threading operation entirely. Since no threading occurs, there is no risk of damaging the outer conductor during installation, making protective elements unnecessary. The design achieves protection through the inherent deformation-based coupling mechanism that applies controlled radial force without sharp edges or threading interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive coupling element that performs its function in a single installation operation without requiring complex protective components. The coupling element is designed to be used once during installation to deform and secure the outer conductor, then remains as part of the permanent assembly without needing additional protective parts
4Ease of operation
If rotation between the connector and cable is allowed, then the installation is simpler, but electrical discontinuities and environmental seal compromises occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates asymmetric features in the coupling element and outer conductor interface, such as non-circular deformation patterns or keyed geometries, that prevent rotation while maintaining simple installation. The asymmetric deformation creates a mechanical keying effect that locks the connector in a specific orientation, preventing rotation that would cause electrical discontinuities or seal failure
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 solution minimizes rotation, ensures secure electrical connections, reduces manufacturing and installation complexities, and maintains environmental seals, while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
A flared end of the outer conductor may be clamped against an annular wedge surface of the connector body, via a coupling nut
Implementation Method 2
A grip ring has a grip surface that faces toward the cable end and is engaged by an outer diameter surface of the outer conductor
Implementation Method 3
A spring contact seated within the connector body bore makes circumferential contact with the outer conductor
Implementation Method 4
A coaxial connector design featuring a grip ring with a wedge surface and bias tabs that securely engage the outer conductor, combined with a clamp ring and spring contact, to provide a stable and anti-rotation interlock
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial connector with a connector body is provided with a connector body bore. A grip ring is retained within the connector body bore, and an outer diameter of the grip ring abuts an annular wedge surface provided with a taper between a maximum diameter proximate the connector end and a minimum diameter proximate the cable end. The wedge surface may be provided directly on the connector body bore sidewall or alternatively on an inner diameter of a clamp ring coupled to the cable end of the connector body. An inner diameter of the grip ring is provided with a grip surface. A spring contact is retained within the connector body bore. The grip surface provided with a rotational interlock with the connector body directly or via an interconnection with the spring contact and/or clamp ring.