Connector Cable Retention Teeth Jacket Biting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional patch cord connectors fail to meet stringent electrical requirements for high-speed signal transmission due to inadequate retention of the connector to the multi-pair cable, leading to distortion in the twisted pair core and individual pairs, which adversely affects electrical performance.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a slide-on retention arrangement that engages the cable's double-layered jacket, featuring teeth that bite into the jacket to inhibit longitudinal movement, providing secure retention and strain relief without additional parts or compromising electrical performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional clamping connectors are used, then basic connection is achieved, but connector retention is inadequate causing distortion and poor electrical performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector retentionVSAvoidelectrical performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs a dynamic retention mechanism where the retention member can move between engaged and disengaged positions. The spring element provides continuous force to maintain engagement, allowing the connector to adapt to cable movements while maintaining secure retention, thereby improving both reliability and electrical performance without additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention member is integrated into the connector body itself, utilizing the connector's own structural elements (such as the housing or contact assembly) to provide retention functionality. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate retention components while ensuring adequate connector-to-cable retention and maintaining electrical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If additional securing components are added, then connector retention is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to added materials and assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retention functionality is merged with the existing connector structure. The retention member is integrated into the connector housing or contact assembly, combining the connection and retention functions into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate securing components, reducing material costs and simplifying assembly processes while maintaining adequate retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design makes the existing structural elements serve dual purposes: electrical connection and mechanical retention. The connector housing or contact assembly is designed to simultaneously provide both functions, making the retention system universal to the connector itself rather than requiring additional specialized components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

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

3Reliability

If connector retention is increased, then cable distortion is reduced, but connector complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable integrityVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention member is designed as a movable component that can engage and disengage from the cable jacket. This dynamic design allows the retention function to be performed by a simple mechanical movement rather than a complex fixed structure, reducing connector complexity while effectively preventing cable distortion through secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9413154B2Connector with cable retention feature and patch cord having the same
Publication Date: 2016.08.09 COMMSCOPE CONNECTIVITY UK LIMTIED
  • US9413154B2 patent drawing
  • US9413154B2 patent drawing
  • US9413154B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A patch cord including a connector attached to an end of an electrical cable. The connector includes a single-piece attachment member having a management section, a boot, and collar including a retention arrangement. Certain types of retention arrangements include one or more teeth that protrude inwardly from the collar to bite into at least an outer jacket of the electrical cable.