Coaxial Connector Wedge Grip Ring Inner Conductor Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial cable connectors face issues with longitudinal movement of the inner conductor due to thermal expansion differences between inner and outer conductors, leading to undesirable passive intermodulation (PIM) distortion and increased manufacturing and installation complexities, particularly with threaded connections.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial connector design featuring a grip ring with a tapered wedge surface that securely engages the inner conductor through a c-shaped grip ring seated in a groove, allowing for radial inward movement to maintain contact and reduce PIM, using a minimal number of elements and simplified installation steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner conductor is allowed to longitudinally float with bias-type contact mechanism, then the installation is simplified, but longitudinal movement occurs due to thermal expansion differences causing PIM distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the contact mechanism from a bias-type spring finger to a rigid wedge-shaped contact surface. This parameter change in the contact interface geometry eliminates longitudinal movement while maintaining installation simplicity, as the wedge shape provides inherent mechanical retention through geometric constraint rather than elastic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the longitudinal retention function from a separate bias-type contact mechanism and integrates it into the wedge-shaped contact surface of the connector body. This consolidation eliminates the need for spring fingers while maintaining both electrical contact and mechanical retention functions in a single structural element.
2Reliability
If threaded elements or screws are used to provide mechanical interconnection, then longitudinal retention is improved, but manufacturing costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical retention function previously requiring separate threaded elements or screws into the wedge-shaped contact surface itself. The connector body integrates both the electrical contact function and the longitudinal retention function into a single monolithic structure, eliminating multiple components and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the retention mechanism from separate threaded components and embeds it directly into the connector body's wedge-shaped contact surface. This integration eliminates the need for additional fastening elements while maintaining strong mechanical interconnection.
3Strength
If circumferential contact with flared outer conductor is used, then mechanical securing is achieved, but the inner conductor floats longitudinally causing PIM distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetric wedge-shaped contact surface that provides different functions at different locations: the broader base provides mechanical retention for the inner conductor, while the tapered edge provides electrical contact. This asymmetric geometry simultaneously secures both the outer and inner conductors, eliminating the floating inner conductor problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a simple circumferential contact interface to a three-dimensional wedge-shaped interface that engages the inner conductor in multiple dimensions. The wedge shape provides radial compression and longitudinal retention simultaneously, preventing floating while maintaining electrical contact.
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 minimizes PIM distortion and reduces manufacturing and installation complexities by providing a secure, reliable interconnection with reduced material and tooling requirements, enhancing the coaxial cable connector's performance and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a connector body bore receiving the inner conductor and having an annular wedge surface with a taper between a maximum diameter at a connector end side and a minimum diameter at a cable end side
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial connector with a connector body provided with a connector body bore. The outer conductor electrically coupled to the connector body. An insulator supporting an inner contact coaxial with the connector body bore. A grip ring seated in an annular grip ring groove of the inner contact. The grip ring groove provided with a wedge surface having a taper between the connector end of the wedge surface and the cable end of the wedge surface. The grip ring movable along the wedge surface, longitudinally within the grip ring groove. The grip ring provided with a grip surface oriented to engage a surface area of the inner conductor as the inner contact is coupled with the inner conductor by insertion of the coaxial cable into the connector body bore. The grip surface dimensioned to couple with the surface area, inhibiting removal of the inner conductor towards the cable end.