Connector Assembly Cable Indentation Holding Force

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The deformation of cables and connectors during connection affects the mechanical holding force and electrical properties of connector assemblies, as existing solutions do not adequately address the structural changes in braided shields post-connection.

Innovation Solution

A connector arrangement with a stepped surface on the cable end and a correspondingly shaped outer conductor contact, featuring a sheath and sleeve configuration that forms an indentation, increases the holding force without additional components, using a plastic ring for enhanced stability and potentially coating with conductive material for improved electrical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the cable is pressed onto the connector to increase mechanical holding force, then the mechanical holding force is improved, but the electrical properties of the connector assembly deteriorate due to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical holding forceVSAvoidelectrical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is pre-formed with an indentation in the connection area before assembly. This preliminary structural preparation allows the outer conductor contact to engage with the pre-formed feature, creating mechanical holding force without requiring excessive pressing force that would deform the cable or connector during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The indentation is created only in the specific connection area of the cable where the outer conductor contact engages, rather than modifying the entire cable structure. This localized structural feature provides enhanced mechanical holding force precisely where needed while leaving the rest of the cable and connector intact to maintain their electrical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If additional components are added to increase holding force, then the mechanical holding force is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical holding forceVSAvoidconnector assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer conductor contact serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection and simultaneously provides mechanical holding force through its engagement with the pre-formed indentation in the cable. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical retention components, maintaining device simplicity while achieving enhanced holding force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable's own structure is modified to provide the mechanical holding feature through the pre-formed indentation. The cable essentially serves itself by incorporating the retention feature into its own construction, eliminating the need for external retention components and simplifying the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3429029B1Connector assembly
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3429029B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3429029B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3429029B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a connector assembly comprising a connector and a cable connected to the connector, wherein the cable has a sheath extending to a stripped area and a sleeve formed in the stripped area and spaced apart from the sheath such that the sheath and the sleeve form an annular groove, wherein the connector assembly has an outer conductor contact extending from the connector to the sheath of the cable and having a radial indentation at the location of the annular groove. The present invention further relates to a method for assembling the connector assembly.