Coaxial RF Connector Solid Insulation and Guiding Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coaxial RF connection systems face issues with unstable electrical and mechanical performance over time, high passive intermodulation, and risk of connector damage due to lack of insulation and poor coaxiality, leading to signal distortion and reduced lifespan.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a solid insulating structure between the central and ground contacts, along with a longer guiding portion and optimized radial clearance, ensures mechanical protection and stable coaxiality, reducing passive and dynamic intermodulation levels while maintaining high RF performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a strong screwing torque is applied to the locking nut to ensure strong axial abutment contact between ground contacts, then passive intermodulation is minimized, but the connector dimensions become large and the torque requirement becomes excessive (30-35 N.m)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassive intermodulationVSAvoidconnector dimensions and torque requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate functional components: a locking mechanism for mechanical engagement and a guiding portion for alignment. This segmentation allows the locking nut to focus solely on providing secure electrical contact without requiring excessive torque, while the guiding portion handles alignment independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding portion with length L/D ≥ 0.5 performs preliminary alignment of the plug and jack before the locking nut is tightened. This preliminary action ensures proper coaxiality is established beforehand, allowing the locking mechanism to apply only the necessary torque for electrical contact rather than needing to overcome misalignment forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the axial operating play (axial gap) is reduced to improve electrical contact, then ground connection stability improves, but the risk of damage to elastic ground contact increases without solid insulation protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground connection stabilityVSAvoidrisk of connector damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A solid insulating structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the central contact and ground contact. This insulator provides mechanical protection to the elastic ground contact during mating operations, allowing the connector to maintain stable electrical contact without risking damage to the elastic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector combines different materials with complementary properties: elastic material for the ground contact (providing compliance and stable contact pressure) and solid insulating material (providing mechanical protection and structural support). This composite approach allows the elastic contact to maintain stability while being protected from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Manufacturing precision

If the guiding portion length is increased to improve coaxiality and reduce tilting angle, then connection stability improves, but the connector length increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoaxiality and tilting angle controlVSAvoidconnector length
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The design optimizes the ratio L/D of the guiding portion length to diameter, specifying L/D ≥ 0.5. This parameter change achieves the desired coaxiality and tilting angle control (α ≤ 7°) while controlling the absolute length increase, balancing precision requirements with compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 long-lasting coaxial connection with low passive and dynamic intermodulation, ensuring consistent RF performance and protecting the connectors from damage, while minimizing size and maintaining high RF signal transmission efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

each of the plug and the jack comprises a solid insulating structure interposed between the central contact and the ground contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical protection:

Implementation Method 2

the free end of the body is in longitudinal mechanical abutment against a part of the plug when they are in mutual connection configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical guidance:

Implementation Method 3

The electrical ground connection between ground contacts 21, 31 is thus produced only by the radial bearing of the elastic ground contact 31 against the interior of the recess of the rigid ground contact 21

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial bearing:

Data Source

PatentEP3193405B1A coaxial connection system for RF signals with high RF performance levels
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 RADIALL SA
  • EP3193405B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3193405B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2A
  • EP3193405B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a coaxial connection system in which solid insulating structures are used and it is provided a lengthening of the guide portion of the connectors, while ensuring an axial immobilization of the ground contacts independently of the locking device that mechanically locks the plug to the jack when they are in mutual connection configuration.