Coaxial Connector Torque Indication via Visual Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaxial cable connections often result in service outages due to improper tightening of connector parts, leading to under-tightening or over-tightening, which degrades signal quality and increases repair costs, as technicians frequently rely on subjective torque application without using torque wrenches.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial connector design featuring a rotatable nut with indicators that correlate relative rotation to a predetermined torque specification, allowing for accurate tightening without a torque wrench, ensuring proper connection integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If technicians use a torque wrench to tighten connector parts to the recommended torque specification, then the connection integrity and signal quality are improved, but the complexity of the operation and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system performs self-verification of proper installation through the interaction between the torque indication feature on the nut and the alignment feature on the connector body. The system automatically indicates when the correct torque has been applied through the visual alignment of features, eliminating the need for external torque measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical torque measurement system (torque wrench) with a simplified mechanical indication system consisting of aligned features on the nut and connector body. This substitution maintains the reliability of proper torque application while eliminating the complexity of using specialized tools.
2Ease of operation
If technicians apply torque subjectively without measurement, then the operation is simpler and faster, but the connection integrity deteriorates due to under-tightening or over-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The torque indication feature on the nut provides immediate visual feedback to the technician during the tightening process. When the indication feature aligns with the corresponding feature on the connector body, it feedbacks that the correct torque has been applied, guiding the technician to stop tightening at the proper point without requiring subjective judgment or measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indication features (which can be interpreted as color or visual changes) on the nut and connector body that align when proper torque is achieved. This visual signal allows technicians to easily determine when the correct torque has been applied, maintaining both ease of operation and connection integrity.
3Reliability
If different torque specifications are used for different coaxial connector types, then the connection integrity for each specific type is optimized, but the time to look up and remember specifications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the torque indication mechanism into connector-type-specific designs. Each coaxial connector type has its unique pattern of indication and alignment features that correspond to its specific torque requirements. This segmentation allows technicians to identify the correct torque specification by matching the connector type with its corresponding feature pattern, eliminating the need to look up specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies or representations of the torque specification information directly on the connector components themselves. The indication and alignment features serve as a visual copy of the torque requirements, allowing technicians to determine the correct torque by observing the connector's own features rather than consulting external references.
Data Source
AI summary
A male coaxial connector is rotatably tightened onto a female coaxial connector to a recommended torque specification by visually observing relative positions of indicators of both connectors, beginning at a pre-torque relationship and continuing tightening with a wrench.