Coaxial Cable Ground Connection Elastomeric Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ground connection devices for coaxial cables lack stability, causing detachment of the internal contact during cable manipulation and resulting in electrical disconnection between the coaxial cable and ground cable.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical connection system using a metallic outer shell with an elastomeric gasket and a contact bar, where the contact bar is crimped onto the ground cable and inserted into a pocket seat with a pass-through section, utilizing an elastomeric thrust to maintain a stable engagement between the hook and slot, ensuring a secure electrical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a protuberance is used to connect the contact bar to the internal contact, then the device structure is simple, but the connection stability deteriorates causing detachment during cable manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidelectrical connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by using an elastomeric material that can dynamically adapt to mechanical stresses. The elastomeric connection allows the contact bar to move with cable manipulation while maintaining electrical contact, transforming the rigid static connection into a flexible dynamic one that absorbs movement without detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the connection material from rigid (metal protuberance) to elastic (elastomeric material). This parameter change allows the connection to maintain stability under mechanical stress while preserving structural simplicity, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If welding is used to connect the contact bar to the ground cable, then the electrical connection is stable, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical welding process with a purely mechanical elastomeric connection system. The elastomeric material provides stable electrical connection through elastic deformation and friction, eliminating the need for welding equipment, heat control, and complex assembly procedures while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric connection component is designed as a simple, inexpensive, single-use element that replaces expensive and complex welding operations. While the elastomeric material may have limited service life compared to welded joints, its low cost and ease of replacement make it economically advantageous.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 provides a stable and reliable electrical contact between the coaxial cable and ground cable, resisting mechanical stress and maintaining coupling without welding, thereby preventing disconnection during cable installation and operation.

Implementation Method 1

a second section (9) closed by a bottom (10)... characterized in that the second section (9) and the bottom (10) are made of an elastomeric material... the elastomeric thrust with which the bottom (10) acts on the contact bar (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3111514B1Improved device for the ground connection of coaxial cables
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 FIMO TEC SPA
  • EP3111514B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3111514B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3111514B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for the ground connection of coaxial cables, of the type comprising an internal contact (12) electrically connected to the secondary conductor (22) of the coaxial cable (20), a contact bar (4) electrically connected to the above-mentioned internal contact (12) and having an end (5) to which the grounding cable (6) is fixed and an opposite end (7), a gasket (3) made of an elastomeric material provided with a seat (11) for the above-mentioned internal contact (12), and a pocket seat (8,9) having a bottom (10) for said end (7) of the contact bar (4), an outer metallic shell (2) also being envisaged for closing said device. In the device of the invention, a system is envisaged which effects and maintains the connection between said contact bar (4) and the above-mentioned internal contact (12), due to the elastic action (F1, F3) exerted by said gasket (3) made of an elastomeric material on the end (7) of the contact bar (4) housed inside said pocket seat (8, 9). With respect to analogous devices of the known art for the ground connection of coaxial cables, that according to the present invention offers the advantage of ensuring the stability of the electrical contact between the ground cable and the coaxial cable, at the same time maintaining the necessary coupling between the contact bar and the internal contact, effected without weldings and by means of mechanical connection.