Coaxial Test Point Adaptor With Conical Sealing Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding connections in test point adaptors for coaxial cables are less reliable in maintaining electrical continuity and watertight seals, which can lead to signal loss and structural damage during testing.
Innovation Solution
A test point adaptor design featuring a body with a center conductor, an outer conductive sleeve, and a cap with conical contact surfaces and an annular groove for sealing, ensuring electrical continuity and a watertight connection without structural damage, even with sliding engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding connection is used in the test point adaptor, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of electrical continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conical contact surfaces instead of traditional sliding interfaces. The cap and adaptor body feature complementary conical surfaces that guide precise alignment and maintain consistent electrical contact throughout the sliding motion, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and electrical continuity reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the connection interface by using conical surfaces with specific angle ranges (15-45 degrees). This parameter change ensures that the sliding connection maintains optimal contact pressure and electrical continuity while remaining easy to operate
2Ease of operation
If a sliding connection is used in the test point adaptor, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of watertight seal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conical contact surfaces create a self-aligning sealing mechanism where the tapered geometry guides the cap into proper positioning, ensuring the sealing surfaces mate correctly and maintain watertight integrity throughout the sliding connection operation
Solution Approach 2:
By specifying conical surface angles between 15-45 degrees, the patent optimizes the balance between ease of insertion and sealing reliability, ensuring that the sliding action naturally progresses to a sealed position without requiring excessive force or precision
3Reliability
If the cap engages the entire outer surface of the outer conductive sleeve, then the electrical continuity is improved, but the risk of structural damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the outer conductive sleeve into two functional zones: an engagement region with larger diameter for mechanical coupling and electrical contact, and an endmost region with smaller diameter that is deliberately excluded from cap engagement. This segmentation protects the endmost region from damage while maintaining electrical continuity through the engagement region
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the outer conductive sleeve are given different diameters and functions: the engagement region is designed for cap contact and electrical continuity, while the endmost region is designed to be protected from engagement. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between electrical continuity and structural protection
Data Source
AI summary
A test point adaptor includes a body having a first and second end along a longitudinal axis. The second end includes an outer conductive sleeve. A cap includes a sleeve and a terminator. The body includes a first and second interface at the first and second ends, respectively. A center conductor extends though the body from the first interface toward the second interface. The second end includes a conical contact surface of the outer conductive sleeve. The cap matingly engages the second interface. The second end includes an electrically conductive contact member in electrical contact with the center conductor and a gripping arrangement electrically coupled with the electrically conductive contact member. The cap includes a conical contact surface to engage the conical contact surface of the outer conductive sleeve. A terminator is received by the gripping arrangement, which electrically couples the terminator to the center conductor.