Compression Seal for Coaxial Connectors with Axially Compressible Bellows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial cable connector seals are prone to installation errors, complicate procedures with heat or chemicals, and are limited by length, making them difficult to install and remove, while also allowing moisture ingress due to internal voids and exposed seams.
Innovation Solution
A compression seal with a main body having varying diameters and a bellows portion that is axially compressible, allowing easy installation and removal, and capable of sealing a range of terminal port lengths without obstructing connector turning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tight fitting seal ring is used to prevent moisture ingress, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but installation difficulty increases and removal becomes even more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is designed with a non-circular cross-section that allows it to be flexible and deformable during installation, enabling it to pass through the connector and terminal interface, then it expands to provide a tight seal. This dynamic behavior allows easy installation while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring utilizes a flexible membrane structure that can deform during installation and then maintain a tight fit when installed. The flexibility allows it to be inserted easily while providing reliable moisture protection once in position.
2Reliability
If a seal ring covers most of the threads on the appliance port to achieve a tight seal, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but connector turning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is designed with different functional zones: a sealing portion that contacts the terminal port to provide moisture protection, and a non-sealing portion that leaves the threads exposed. This local differentiation allows the seal to be effective while not interfering with connector installation and removal operations.
3Reliability
If a specific length seal ring is matched with a terminal port of compatible length, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is designed with a universal length that can accommodate various terminal port lengths. The flexible nature and strategic placement of the seal portion allow a single seal ring design to work across different terminal configurations, eliminating the need for multiple sized seal rings and simplifying inventory and installation procedures.
4Reliability
If external sealing components such as flexible boots and grommets are used, then sealing coverage is improved, but internal voids are created where moisture can collect
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from separate external components and integrates it into a single seal ring that fits within the connector-terminal interface. This eliminates the need for external boots and grommets that create voids, while still providing comprehensive moisture protection through the integrated seal ring design.
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 compression seal effectively prevents moisture ingress, is easy to install and remove, and accommodates various terminal port lengths, ensuring a reliable and efficient sealing solution for coaxial cable connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a compression seal with a main body having varying diameters and a bellows portion that is axially compressible
Implementation Method 2
the main body has a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inner surface... an upward facing surface on the outer surface at the first end
Data Source
AI summary
A compression seal for a coaxial cable connector has a main body with an upward facing surface or flange on the outer surface thereof, the upward facing surface or flange facing away from the main body. The outer surface of the main body also has at least one first portion having a first diameter and at least one second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter. The compression seal may also have an outer body that receives the main body and also engages a connector at both ends.