Coaxial Connector Seal Assembly for Flexible Ground Path Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaxial cable connectors in CATV and broadband data transmission systems face issues with corrosion and signal quality due to environmental exposure, leading to high maintenance costs and network problems, and existing seal designs are cumbersome and inefficient in providing moisture and corrosion resistance.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable connector with a seal assembly featuring a nut and an elastically deformable tubular seal made of nonconductive and conductive elastomers, which forms a conductive ground path before the center conductor connects, ensuring electrical grounding and preventing signal bursts, even when the nut is loosely connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rubber grommets or seals are used to seal coaxial cable connections, then moisture and corrosion resistance is improved, but device complexity and operator training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and grounding function into a single integrated seal assembly. The seal includes both a nonconductive sealing portion and a conductive grounding portion that work together to provide both moisture barrier and electrical ground path establishment, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides moisture sealing through the nonconductive portion, establishes electrical ground connection through the conductive portion, and prevents signal bursts. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, simplifying both the device structure and installation process
2Reliability
If radial compression seals are used to seal connector connections, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to high friction and difficulty in determining proper tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing action and grounding action into a single assembly operation. As the seal assembly is installed, both the nonconductive sealing portion and conductive grounding portion are compressed simultaneously against their respective surfaces, ensuring both sealing and grounding are achieved in one step without requiring separate tightening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elastomer serves as an intermediary that provides tactile and visual feedback during assembly. Its deformation and color change indicate when proper compression has been achieved, allowing operators to determine when the connection is adequately tightened without requiring specialized training or tools
3Reliability
If axial compression seals are used between connector nut and port surface, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficulty in selecting appropriate seal length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastically deformable seal material that can dynamically adjust to different port lengths and compression forces. The seal compresses axially between the connector nut and port surface, and its elastic properties allow it to accommodate variations in port dimensions without requiring precise pre-selection of seal length, simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The seal's elastic modulus and compressibility are specifically engineered to allow adequate compression over a range of axial distances. This parameter optimization enables the same seal design to work effectively with ports of varying lengths, eliminating the need for multiple seal length specifications and simplifying inventory and assembly
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 effectively maintains signal quality by preventing corrosion and moisture ingress, reducing maintenance costs and network issues, while simplifying the sealing process through a reliable and efficient conductive ground path establishment.
Implementation Method 1
The nonconductive elastomer and the conductive elastomer are configured to flex when a force is applied to the seal so as to maintain conductivity of the conductive ground path
Data Source
AI summary
A grounding device for maintaining a ground path between a component of a connector and an interface port when the grounding device flexes includes a sealing member configured to form a conductive ground path between a component of a connector and an interface port. The sealing member comprises a sealing portion that is configured to overlie a grounding portion toward a radial direction of the connector when the connector is assembled, and the sealing portion and the grounding portion of the sealing member are configured to flex when a force is applied to the sealing member so as to maintain a ground path between the component of the connector and the interface port when the sealing portion and the grounding portion flex and when a force is applied to the sealing member during operation of the connector.