Common Coaxial Connector Components for Multiple Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high manufacturing cost of coaxial cable connectors due to the need for many different components in various configurations, which complicates and expends the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing common coaxial cable connector components that can be assembled into either field-installable or factory-installable configurations, utilizing common housings, back nuts, forward dielectric bodies, and sealing rings to support center contacts or inner conductors, allowing for impedance matching and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different connector configurations use different components, then each configuration can be optimized for its specific application, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the need for many different components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a common connector body that can accommodate multiple connector configurations through interchangeable components. The common connector body serves multiple functions by supporting different center contacts, gripping members, and sealing elements, allowing a single base component to produce various connector types (e.g., field-installable, factory-installable, different impedance configurations) without requiring unique bodies for each configuration, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining configuration variety
2Ease of operation
If mechanical-type connectors are used, then the connector can be installed in the field without specialized equipment, but the connector becomes more complicated and expensive due to many parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connector into modular components: a common connector body and interchangeable field-installable components (center contact, gripping member, sealing element). This segmentation allows the connector to be assembled in the field from simpler individual parts rather than as a single complex unit, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining field installability. Each component can be independently manufactured and replaced
3Ease of manufacture
If solder-type connectors are used, then the manufacturing cost decreases due to fewer parts, but the connector requires specialized soldering equipment and processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the connector with a common connector body that can be universally used across different configurations, eliminating the need for specialized assembly equipment or processes for each connector type. The standardized body accepts various components through consistent interfaces, allowing the same manufacturing line and assembly procedures to serve multiple connector configurations, thereby achieving cost efficiency without requiring specialized soldering or installation equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making coaxial cable connector components for assembly into either first or second different connector configurations may include forming center contacts for the first connector configuration and forming common connector components for either the first or second connector configuration. The common connector components may include common connector housings; common back nuts, each for clamping a coaxial cable outer conductor in cooperation with a respective common connector housing; and common forward dielectric bodies, each having a passageway therethrough. The common forward dielectric body is for supporting a respective center contact for the first connector configuration, and for alternatively supporting a respective forward portion of a coaxial cable inner conductor for the second configuration. The common forward dielectric bodies may provide impedance matching with a coaxial cable for both the first and second connector configurations.