Coaxial Connector Radially Compressible Grounding Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting coaxial cables to other cables or RF devices require multiple specialized tools and a complex process, including the use of a stripping tool and compression tool, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in establishing a reliable electrical and mechanical connection.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable connector design featuring an outer conductor engager, a body with an annular ring, a rotatable coupler, a radially compressible grounding member, and an end cap, which allows for a secure and reliable electrical grounding path even when the coupler is loosely tightened, eliminating the need for folding the outer conductor over the compliant outer jacket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional compression tools and specialized tools are used to connect coaxial cables, then reliable electrical and mechanical connection is achieved, but the connection process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grounding/retention post, compression mechanism, and alignment features into a single integrated connector assembly. The grounding post integrates the electrical connection function with the mechanical retention function, eliminating the need for separate compression tools and simplifying the connection process while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design enables self-alignment and self-compression features. The grounding post automatically aligns with the cable conductor and the compression mechanism engages without requiring external tools, allowing the connection to be made simply by screwing the connector onto the cable.
2Reliability
If grounding/retention post is compressed into the cable using external tools, then secure electrical connection is achieved, but the process requires multiple specialized tools and holding fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding post is designed with self-compression features that eliminate the need for external compression tools. The post automatically compresses the cable's outer conductor and insulation when the connector is screwed onto the cable, providing secure electrical grounding without requiring specialized compression equipment or holding fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the requirement for external compression tools and holding fixtures by integrating the compression function directly into the connector assembly. The grounding post itself performs the compression action through its structural design, extracting the need for separate compression equipment from the connection process.
3Ease of operation
If coupler is loosely tightened to the interface port, then ease of installation is improved, but reliable electrical grounding path may not be established
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding member is pre-configured in a compressed state that maintains electrical contact with the interface port's grounding structure before the coupler is fully tightened. This preliminary grounding action ensures that a reliable electrical path is established even when the coupler is loosely installed, and the grounding is maintained throughout the tightening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding member is designed with dynamic compliance, allowing it to maintain electrical contact through varying degrees of coupling tightness. The grounding structure can accommodate different installation forces while maintaining reliable electrical connection, enabling the coupler to be loosely tightened for ease of installation while still establishing a secure grounding path.
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 reliable electrical ground, secure axial connection, and watertight seal across leakage-prone interfaces, simplifying the connection process and enhancing the stability of coaxial cable connections.
Implementation Method 1
The forward end of the outer conductor engager has a tapered inner surface configured to radially compress the grounding member as the grounding member is urged into the forward end of the outer conductor engager
Implementation Method 2
as the coupler is threadably coupled to the interface port, the end cap slides axially in the groove and urges the grounding member into a forward end of the outer conductor engager
Implementation Method 3
The coupler is rotatably mounted relative to the outer conductor engager and the body
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector includes an outer conductor engager portion configured to receive an end of a coaxial cable, a coupler portion connected with the outer conductor engager portion, and a radially compressible grounding portion at a forward end of the outer conductor engager portion. The radially compressible grounding portion is configured to be radially compressed when the coupler portion is coupled with an interface port and to establish an electrical grounding path between the outer conductor engager portion and the interface port, even when the coupler portion is only loosely coupled with the interface port.