Ganged Coaxial Connector Latch for Floating Alignment and Low PIM
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ganged coaxial connectors face challenges in maintaining predictable and reliable electrical contact due to misalignment and inconsistent latching, leading to issues like passive intermodulation (PIM), particularly in high-performance applications.
Innovation Solution
A ganged connector assembly with a dual-stop latch mechanism that allows coaxial connectors to float axially, radially, and angularly, combined with a pivotable latch engaging projections on posts to secure multiple connectors, ensuring stable and predictable contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single latching mechanism is used to secure ganged coaxial connectors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of electrical contact deteriorates due to inconsistent latching and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is segmented into multiple independent latch fingers (first latch finger, second latch finger, third latch finger, fourth latch finger) that can engage with corresponding posts individually. Each latch finger provides independent latching action, ensuring that each connector is securely retained. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through multiple contact points while keeping each individual latch element relatively simple in structure.
2Reliability
If rigid connector mounting is used to ensure stable electrical contact, then the reliability of contact is improved, but the ability to accommodate misalignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates floating mounting structures that allow connectors to move dynamically within their mounting structures. The connectors are retained by spring-loaded or elastic retention mechanisms that provide both retention force and movement tolerance. This dynamic design allows connectors to self-align during mating while maintaining stable electrical contact through the elastic retention force.
3Reliability
If multiple latching points are implemented to improve secure latching, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latch fingers are merged into a single integrated latch member that pivots as one unit. The first, second, third, and fourth latch fingers are formed as integral parts of a single latch component, sharing a common pivot point and actuation mechanism. This merging approach provides multiple latching points for improved reliability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate latch mechanisms, as a single actuation force engages all latch fingers simultaneously.
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
Enhances secure latching and reduces PIM by allowing flexible alignment and maintaining consistent electrical contact, improving connector integrity and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a latch pivotable between an unlatched position and a latched position, the latch including a cross-member, side walls extending from the cross-member, and a latching member extending from each of the side walls, wherein first and second recesses are present in the latching member. When the first and second connector assemblies are secured in the mated condition by the latch when the latch is in the latched position, the latch engages the projection such that the first and second projections are received in the first and second recesses.
Implementation Method 2
each of the second coaxial connectors being located in a respective second cavity and mounted therein to float radially and axially relative to each of the other second coaxial connectors
Data Source
AI summary
A mated connector assembly includes a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly. The first connector assembly includes a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a substrate, each of the first coaxial connectors connected with a respective first coaxial cable, the first connector assembly further comprising a post extending from the mounting substrate, which first and second projections extend laterally from the post. The second connector assembly includes a plurality of second coaxial connectors and a shell, each of the second coaxial connectors connected with a respective second coaxial cable, the shell defining a plurality of electrically isolated second cavities, each of the second coaxial connectors being located in a respective second cavity and mounted therein to float radially and axially relative to each of the other second coaxial connectors. The second connector assembly includes a latch pivotable between an unlatched position and a latched position, the latch including a cross-member, side walls extending from the cross-member, and a latching member extending from each of the side walls, wherein first and second recesses are present in the latching member. In a mated condition each of the first coaxial connectors is mated with a respective second coaxial connector. When the first and second connector assemblies are secured in the mated condition by the latch when the latch is in the latched position, the latch engages the projection such that the first and second projections are received in the first and second recesses.