Universal Compression Connector for Corrugated Coaxial Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coaxial cable connectors require specific sizes to match the cable, leading to poor performance due to improper sizing and installation variations, which affect the electrical and mechanical connection.
Innovation Solution
A universal connector assembly with a compression cap, clamp ring, and deformable washer that crumples the corrugated outer conductor, ensuring a secure and consistent connection regardless of cable size variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specifically-sized connectors are chosen for each cable size, then the electrical connection quality can be optimized for that specific size, but the complexity of device selection and installation increases, and performance deteriorates due to improper sizing or installation variations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with a universal inner bore that can accommodate multiple cable sizes through a single compression surface geometry. The compression surface is shaped to work effectively with various outer conductor diameters, allowing one connector design to serve multiple cable sizes while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression surface geometry is specifically designed to adapt to different cable parameters. The surface profile changes the corrugation collapse pattern based on the cable's outer conductor size, enabling consistent electrical contact across varying cable dimensions without requiring multiple connector variants.
2Reliability
If properly-sized connectors are selected for each cable, then electrical performance can be maintained, but installation reliability deteriorates due to variations in actual cable dimensions from manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The compression surface is designed with a profile that accommodates a range of outer conductor diameters. The surface geometry allows the corrugation collapse mechanism to adapt to manufacturing variations in cable dimensions, maintaining consistent electrical contact pressure and signal quality across the tolerance range.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression mechanism creates a dynamic adaptation during installation. As the connector is crimped, the compression surface progressively deforms the corrugation to match the specific cable diameter, allowing the connection to self-adjust to actual cable dimensions rather than requiring precise pre-matching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal connector design is implemented to accommodate cable variations, then ease of installation and versatility improve, but the precision of electrical connection may deteriorate without proper compression mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The compression surface geometry is specifically engineered to maintain precise electrical contact across universal cable sizes. The surface profile controls the corrugation collapse to create consistent contact pressure and electrical conductivity regardless of the starting cable dimension, preserving connection precision while achieving universality.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression surface acts as an intermediary element between the connector body and the cable's outer conductor. It mediates the interface by transforming various cable geometries into a standardized compressed state that ensures precise electrical connection, bridging the gap between universal adaptability and connection precision.
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 connector assembly provides a reliable, easy-to-install solution that maintains strong contact forces and improves electrical and mechanical connections by collapsing the corrugation between compression surfaces, enhancing signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the compression surface and the first end of the clamp are structured to crumple therebetween a corrugation of the outer conductor of the coaxial cable under the condition that the clamp is axially advanced into proximity of the compression surface
Data Source
AI summary
A compression connector for connecting to a coaxial cable is provided. The compression connector is provided in a first state for fitting onto an end of the cable, after which it may be compressed to a second state, thereby joining the connector to the cable to make a coaxial cable assembly. The connector is comprised of a tubular connector body and a compression cap structured to slidably engage the second end of the tubular body. The connector is further internally configured with means for collapsing the first exposed corrugation of the outer conductor of the coaxial cable in the axial direction when the compression cap is compressed onto the tubular connector body.