Compression Connector for Annular Corrugated Coaxial Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connectors for annular corrugated coaxial cables face challenges in achieving secure engagement without deforming the cable, particularly due to the corrugated design, which requires precise cutting and intricate installation techniques, often resulting in suboptimal signal quality and increased labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact compression connector with a clamping element featuring through slots and a radially compressible design that ensures engagement within the corrugation valleys, reducing deformation and simplifying the installation process by allowing for easier alignment and secure contact without requiring precise peak cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a C-shaped split ring clamping mechanism is used to engage the connector to the cable, then the connector can be installed without precise peak cutting, but the clamp contacts the outer conductor on a peak causing high contact forces that collapse the peak and lessen electrical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple segments separated by through slots, allowing each segment to independently conform to the corrugated cable surface and distribute contact forces across multiple valleys rather than concentrating force on a single peak
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp features localized contact points at its peaks that are designed to engage specifically with the valleys of the corrugated cable, creating a complementary geometric fit that ensures proper positioning and reduces harmful contact forces
2Ease of operation
If a C-shaped split ring clamp is used to facilitate engagement, then installation is easier, but the clamp rarely ends up situated in a valley and contacts the outer conductor entirely or partially on a peak
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the clamp valleys contact the cable peaks (which causes deformation), the clamp peaks contact the cable valleys, inverting the traditional engagement geometry to achieve proper positioning without deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric corrugated geometry of the cable is matched by the asymmetric peak-valley structure of the clamp, creating a unique fit that guides proper alignment during installation without requiring precise cutting
3Manufacturing precision
If precise cutting at the peak is required to prepare the cable segment, then proper engagement positioning can be achieved, but the installation process becomes labor intensive and requires highly skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp's peak-valley engagement mechanism automatically guides proper positioning and alignment during installation, allowing the system to self-align without requiring precise manual cutting or skilled technician intervention
4Ease of operation
If contact is made on the peaks of the corrugated cable, then engagement is simpler to achieve, but surface deformation occurs and electrical contact is lessened
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with peaks that locally contact the cable valleys, concentrating contact forces on the stronger valley regions rather than the weaker peak regions, thereby preventing deformation while maintaining secure engagement
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 provides a reliable, labor-efficient method for connecting annular corrugated coaxial cables with improved signal quality by ensuring maximum surface contact within the valleys, minimizing deformation, and simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
Upon axial advancement of the compression member in a direction away from the opening of the connector (i.e., toward the second end of the connector body), the clamping element is caused to be compressed radially
Data Source
AI summary
A compression connector for the end of an annular corrugated coaxial cable is provided wherein the compression connector includes a clamp having a plurality of through slots and a spring to enable the cable to be positioned so as to be securely engageable to/within the connector without causing deformation of the cable and also to allow the cable to be prepared by being cut at a corrugation valley rather than a corrugation peak.