Compression Connector for Coaxial Cable Simultaneous Conductor Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 irregular surfaces, and require complex tools for dual-stage compression to connect both inner and outer conductors effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compression connector design featuring an insulator with a central opening, a clamp, and a compression sleeve assembly, where an intermediate connector element with a transitional surface interacts with the clamp to simultaneously compress both the outer and center conductors using a single axial force, eliminating the need for a complex two-stage operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an intermediate connector element is inserted between the connector housing and the clamp to maximize contact area, then the electrical contact and mechanical stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate connector element is inserted between the connector housing and the clamp to maximize the actual area of contact between components that undergo wiping during assembly. This intermediary component ensures proper electrical and mechanical contact while managing the complexity through a dedicated transition member.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: the connector housing, the intermediate connector element, and the clamp. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
2Reliability
If dual-stage compression is used to independently activate both inner conductor and outer conductor mechanisms, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation and installation simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-stage compression mechanism is merged into a single-stage compression operation. The compression sleeve, when installed, simultaneously activates both the inner conductor collet mechanism and the outer conductor clamp mechanism through a single compression action, eliminating the need for complex two-stage tools and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression sleeve serves multiple functions: it compresses the collet onto the center conductor, compresses the clamp onto the outer conductor, and provides environmental sealing. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single component that simplifies the installation process while maintaining reliable connections.
3Device complexity
If the clamp is designed to make direct contact with the connector housing, then the number of contacts in series is reduced, but the adaptability to different cable types (smooth walled, corrugated, spiral corrugated) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate connector element features different surface characteristics in different regions: a smooth outer surface for contact with the connector housing and a transitional surface with specific geometry for contact with the clamp. This local differentiation allows the single component to accommodate various cable types while maintaining direct contact pathways.
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 allows for efficient and stable connection of coaxial cables by ensuring direct contact between the clamping elements and the cable conductors, providing mechanical stability, electrical shielding, and environmental sealing without damaging the cable, while simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
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.
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.