Coaxial Connector Translating Grounding Collar ESD Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coaxial connectors face issues with variability in manufacturing tolerances leading to inconsistent compression and mating distances, which can result in unreliable electrical connections and susceptibility to electro-static discharge (ESD) causing damage to electronic equipment.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial connector with a translating grounding collar that establishes a ground path before the electrical connection, compensating for tolerance stack variability and discharging ESD by axially translating to contact the mating connector before the conductors make contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional coaxial connectors are manufactured with standard tolerances, then manufacturing cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability of electrical connection deteriorate due to tolerance stack up
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding collar is made movable relative to the housing through a biasing mechanism (spring), allowing it to dynamically adjust its position axially. This dynamic adjustment compensates for manufacturing tolerances in the mating connector, ensuring reliable grounding contact despite variations in component dimensions. The movable grounding collar transitions from a static to dynamic solution, maintaining grounding reliability without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing.
2Reliability
If the grounding collar is made movable to compensate for tolerance variability, then reliability of grounding contact is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional biasing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism (spring) automatically adjusts the grounding collar's position to maintain reliable contact with the mating connector. The system is self-regulating - as the mating connector varies within its tolerance range, the spring automatically compresses or extends to keep the grounding collar in proper contact. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems or multiple adjustment components, achieving reliability enhancement with minimal added complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the grounding collar contacts the mating connector before the conductor, then protection from ESD is improved, but the compression distance required increases due to the additional translation movement
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding collar is positioned and biased to make contact with the mating connector before the conductor establishes electrical contact. This preliminary grounding action discharges any electrostatic buildup on the mating connector before the signal conductor connects, protecting sensitive electronics from ESD. The biasing mechanism ensures the grounding collar protrudes slightly ahead of the conductor, creating this protective sequence automatically during the mating process.
4Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing tolerances are tightened to reduce variability, then manufacturing precision and electrical connection reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring tight manufacturing tolerances for all components, the grounding collar is designed with dynamic adjustment capability through a biasing mechanism. This allows the grounding collar to compensate for tolerance variations in the housing and mating connector, achieving reliable grounding contact with standard manufacturing tolerances. The dynamic system trades manufacturing precision requirements for mechanical adaptability, reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
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 continuous and reliable electrical and grounding contact, protecting equipment from ESD and maintaining signal integrity by grounding the connector before establishing the electrical path.
Implementation Method 1
the grounding collar and first conductor independently spring-biased towards a first end of the coaxial connector
Implementation Method 2
provide a grounding path between the coaxial connector and the mating connector during mating that can discharge electro-static discharge (ESD) build up
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a coaxial connector with a translating grounding collar for establishing a ground path with a mating connector. The coaxial connector is configured to provide an electrical connection between two mating connectors. The coaxial connector includes a housing with a first conductor and a second conductor mounted within the housing. Further, the coaxial connector comprises a grounding collar mounted to the housing to provide a grounding of the coaxial connector with a mating connector that can discharge electro-static discharge build up before connections are established between the first and second conductors and a mating connector. Thus, the coaxial connector is grounded before establishing an electrical connection between the coaxial connector and a mating connector while also compensating for tolerance stack variability in the coaxial connector. Thus, a continuous and reliable electrical and grounding contact between the connectors can be made through the coaxial connector.