Compression Connector for Coaxial Cable Outer Conductor Flaring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field-installable coaxial cable connectors face challenges in maintaining consistent impedance and reducing passive intermodulation (PIM) due to changes in the dielectric constant at terminal ends and insecure contact, leading to signal loss and interference in cellular communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an annular clamp with an internally threaded portion and a ramped surface that engages the outer conductor, along with a moveable compression member to flare and pinch the outer conductor, ensuring secure engagement and stable impedance matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a support structure is inserted between the inner conductor and outer conductor to prevent collapse, then the outer conductor collapse is prevented, but the dielectric constant changes causing impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the traditional support structure (dielectric bead) from the connector design. Instead of inserting a separate support component that changes dielectric properties, the connector uses the cable's own outer conductor geometry and the compression force distribution to prevent collapse, eliminating the source of impedance mismatch.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression connector performs multiple functions through a single mechanism: the compression force that secures the cable to the connector body also prevents outer conductor collapse. The ramped surface both guides the outer conductor and provides the necessary support force, eliminating the need for separate support structures.
2Force
If threaded components are used to maintain contact force between connector and outer conductor, then initial contact force is achieved, but threaded components separate over time causing insecure contact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a static threaded fastening system to a dynamic compression system. The compression member can be adjusted and re-compressed over time to maintain optimal contact force, and the ramped surface continuously applies radial compression force to the outer conductor, ensuring persistent secure contact without threaded component separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression connector design allows the compression force to be self-maintaining through the ramped surface geometry. As the outer conductor is compressed, it naturally maintains contact with the ramped surface, and any tendency for components to separate is counteracted by the continuous radial compression force applied by the ramped surface.
3Ease of operation
If field-installable connectors are used instead of pre-fabricated jumper cables, then installation flexibility is improved, but impedance matching and PIM performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with the ramped surface and compression mechanism designed to automatically achieve proper cable clamping and outer conductor support when compression is applied. The geometry is pre-calculated to provide the correct compression force distribution and support force to prevent collapse, eliminating the need for precise manual assembly while maintaining impedance matching.
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 reduces PIM levels below −155 dBc, maintaining reliable communication by stabilizing the impedance and preventing nonlinear contact issues, comparable to factory-installed connectors without the inconvenience of pre-fabricated jumper cables.
Implementation Method 1
a ramped surface proximate the first end of the annular member, wherein the ramped surface is configured to engage an outer conductor of the coaxial cable
Implementation Method 2
clamping the flared out outer conductor between the ramped surface of the internal clamp and the internally ramped surface through axial compression of a compression member
Implementation Method 3
the annular member including an internally threaded portion, the internally threaded portion of the annular member configured to threadably engage a coaxial cable
Data Source
AI summary
A connector comprising a connector body having a first end and a second end, the connector body configured to receive a prepared coaxial cable, the prepared coaxial cable including an outer conductor and a center conductor, a clamp disposed within the connector body, the clamp including an internally threaded portion and a ramped surface, wherein the clamp threadably engages the prepared coaxial cable, a moveable ramped component disposed within the connector body, the moveable ramped component including an internally ramped surface, and a compression member configured for axial movable engagement with the connector body, wherein, upon axial compression of the compression member, the outer conductor flares out and is pressed between the ramped surface of the clamp and the internally ramped surface of the moveable ramped component is provided. Furthermore, a clamp and an associated method are also provided.