Compression Connector for Coaxial Cable with Simultaneous Conductor Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial cable connectors face challenges in achieving high mechanical stability, electrical shielding, and environmental sealing, especially with spiral corrugated cables, which have an irregular outer surface, and require complex dual-stage compression tools for installation, making it difficult for non-skilled technicians to connect coaxial cables efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A compression connector design featuring an insulator with a central opening for the center conductor and a clamp assembly that uses a transitional surface to simultaneously compress both the center and outer conductors with a single axial force, eliminating the need for a complex dual-stage compression tool and accommodating various types of coaxial cables, including smooth-walled, corrugated, and spiral corrugated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an intermediate connector element is inserted between the connector housing and the clamp to adapt body cavities for impedance matching, then impedance matching is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate connector element (mandrel) is inserted between the connector housing and the clamp assembly. This mandrel serves as a mediator that provides the necessary impedance matching interface while allowing the clamp to compress the outer conductor effectively. The mandrel's specific geometry and material properties enable proper signal impedance without requiring direct contact between the clamp and connector housing.
2Reliability
If a complex dual-stage compression tool is used to independently activate inner conductor and outer conductor mechanisms, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design merges the independent compression mechanisms for the inner conductor (collet) and outer conductor (clamp) into a single compression action. When compression force is applied to the compression sleeve, it simultaneously activates both the collet to grip the center conductor and the clamp to compress the outer conductor, eliminating the need for complex dual-stage tools and enabling installation by non-skilled technicians.
3Strength
If the clamp is designed to make direct contact with the connector housing for mechanical stability, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the adaptability to different cable types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate multiple cable types including smooth-walled, corrugated, and spiral corrugated coaxial cables. The clamp assembly and mandrel are configured to provide consistent mechanical stability and electrical contact across different cable geometries without requiring tool reconfiguration, achieving both strength and versatility.
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
This design ensures reliable and efficient connection of coaxial cables by providing direct contact and mechanical stability without damaging the cable, allowing for easy installation by non-skilled personnel and maintaining flexibility and resilience, while also offering improved impedance matching and environmental sealing.
Implementation Method 1
upon axial advancement of the compression sleeve assembly from the second end to the first end, the first and second clamp means are radially compressed inwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A compression connector for smooth walled, corrugated, and spiral corrugated coaxial cable includes an insulator disposed within the body, wherein the insulator contains a central opening therein which is dimensioned smaller than a collet portion which seizes a center conductor of the coaxial cable. The connector also includes a clamp disposed inside the body as well as a compression sleeve assembly. An intermediate connector element includes a transitional surface which interacts with the clamp. When an axial force is applied to the compression sleeve, the clamp is forced by the transitional surface into the body, causing the clamp to squeeze onto an outer conductor layer of the coaxial cable. At approximately the same time, the collet portion is forced through the central opening of the insulator, causing the collet portion to squeeze onto the center conductor.