Coaxial Cable Connector Snap-In Braid Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial cable connectors, such as F-connectors, face issues with time-consuming preparation processes and potential electrical shorts due to broken braid fragments, and threaded designs can lead to complications like broken threads and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The development of coaxial cable connectors with snap-in features and braid positioning elements that allow for tool-free mating with F-type ports, including spring-like snap elements for flexible engagement and disengagement, enabling connection with both new and existing components, including those with damaged threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded F-type ports are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but thread damage and misalignment issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a snap-in engagement system. The F-type female port uses a compression sleeve with elastic deformation capability that snaps onto the male connector body, eliminating threads entirely. This substitution resolves the thread damage and misalignment issues while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the compression engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter from threaded engagement (rotational motion with specific pitch) to snap-in engagement (linear insertion with elastic deformation). The compression sleeve's elastic modulus and deformation range are optimized to provide sufficient holding force without requiring precise thread matching, thereby eliminating thread-related problems.
2Reliability
If braid folding and flaring process is used, then secure grounding connection is achieved, but installation time increases and braid fragments may break off
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with a compression sleeve and braid retention features during manufacturing. The sleeve is positioned and sized to automatically engage and secure the braided shield upon simple insertion, eliminating the need for field installation of flaring and folding operations. This preliminary preparation dramatically reduces installation time while maintaining secure grounding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex braid preparation steps (flaring and folding) from the installation process. Instead, a simplified retention mechanism is used where the compression sleeve directly secures the braided shield in its natural state, removing the time-consuming manual manipulation steps that also risk creating fragments.
3Strength
If crimping tool is used to secure connector, then strong mechanical bond is achieved, but specialized equipment is required and process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radial crimping mechanical system with an axial compression snap-in system. The elastic compression sleeve deforms axially during insertion to create friction and mechanical interference fit with the connector body, achieving strong bonding without requiring radial crimping tools or complex multi-step processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression sleeve is designed to self-secure during the insertion process itself. As the sleeve is compressed axially onto the connector body, it naturally deforms and locks into place through elastic recovery and friction, making the bonding action self-performing without requiring separate crimping tool intervention.
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 simplifies the connection process, reduces the risk of electrical shorts, and ensures consistent mating without the need for tools, accommodating various component standards and reducing the likelihood of thread-related complications.
Implementation Method 1
The snap element preferably includes one or more cut-out portions which enable at least one snap-in feature to have spring-like characteristics, and thus allow a push on F-connector to rest, flexibly engaged and upon removal, flexibly retract or disengage from a seated position.
Data Source
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AI summary
Connectors and connector assemblies for attaching connectors to one or more cables and/or conduits are disclosed. The disclosed connectors and methods may secure an outer surface of the cable (e.g., an outer jacket of a cable) or conduit. A connector, for example, may include a female port with a port body, having a first port end configured to mate with a male element, a second port end opposing the first port, and a neck disposed between the first port end and the second port end, wherein the second port end engages with a cable gripper element such that a gap for positing the outer conductor layer is formed between opposing surfaces of the second port end and a surface of the cable gripper element.