Dielectric Coupling Sleeve for Solder-Free High-Frequency Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-frequency connection technologies require complex soldering processes for capacitive coupling between electrical conductors, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A high-frequency connection adapter utilizing a dielectric coupling sleeve with a first sleeve section and a second barrel portion of smaller diameter, allowing for capacitive coupling without soldering, made from materials like PTFE, PE, or ceramic, and designed for efficient insertion and frictional engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a capacitor is soldered onto a printed circuit board to filter DC components, then DC isolation is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDC isolationVSAvoidsoldering process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical soldering process with a friction-based mechanical insertion system. The dielectric coupling sleeve is inserted into the conductor cavity and held in place by friction forces, eliminating the need for soldering while achieving the same electrical connection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric coupling sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor. It provides both mechanical support and electrical isolation, while the receiving space extends into the second sleeve section to increase capacitance for effective DC blocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional capacitive coupling is used with soldering, then electrical connection is established, but production time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the time-consuming soldering process with a quick friction-based mechanical insertion system. The dielectric coupling sleeve is simply inserted into the conductor cavity where friction forces hold it in place, dramatically reducing assembly time and increasing production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction forces between the dielectric coupling sleeve and the conductor cavity automatically secure the connection without requiring additional fastening operations or external tools. The system self-secures upon insertion, eliminating the need for separate mounting steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the receiving space extends into the second sleeve section, then capacitance is increased for better DC blocking, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecapacitanceVSAvoidsleeve structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the receiving space with the second sleeve section by extending the receiving space at least partially into the second sleeve section. This integration increases the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the electrical conductors and dielectric coupling sleeve while maintaining a unified, manufacturable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving space is nested within the dielectric coupling sleeve structure, with the receiving space extending into the second sleeve section. This nested arrangement maximizes the capacitive coupling volume within the available space without requiring separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables cost-effective capacitive coupling of electrical conductors with increased capacitance and galvanic separation, reducing signal attenuation and eliminating the need for complex soldering processes.

Implementation Method 1

a high-frequency connection adapter with a dielectric coupling sleeve for the capacitive coupling of a first electrical conductor to a second electrical conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The dielectric coupling sleeve can be made of a dielectric material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), or ceramic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

one end of the second sleeve section is frustoconical, conical, or dome-shaped. This provides the advantage of efficiently facilitating the insertion of the dielectric coupling sleeve into the conductor cavity of the second electrical conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

the first electrical conductor can be held in the one-sided enclosed receiving space by friction, and the second sleeve section can be held in the conductor cavity by friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3218976B1High frequency connection adapter with a dielectric coupling sleeve
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3218976B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3218976B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3218976B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dielectric coupling sleeve (100) for capacitive coupling of a first electrical conductor to a second electrical conductor, wherein the second electrical conductor has a conductor cavity, comprising: a first sleeve section (101) with a first diameter, wherein a receiving space (105) closed on one side is formed in the first sleeve section (101) and the first electrical conductor can be inserted into the receiving space; and a second sleeve section (103) with a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter, and wherein the second sleeve section (103) can be inserted into the conductor cavity.