Direct-Connect Hardline Splitter With Fewer Signal-Loss Junctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional splitters in hybrid fiber-coaxial networks face issues with signal degradation due to multiple junctions, mechanical engagement challenges, and manufacturing complexities, including durability concerns with zinc die cast housings and brass ports, which affect performance and ease of installation.
Innovation Solution
A splitter design with equidistant output ports and integral brass ports, featuring a housing with a printed circuit board assembly that directly engages input and output cables, minimizing junctions and using a hardline nut for permanent attachment, which enhances signal balance, durability, and manufacturing simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional splitters use multiple junctions with adapters and jumper cables to connect hardline cables, then mechanical engagement flexibility is improved, but signal degradation increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hardline connector and adapter functions into a single integrated hardline connector assembly that directly couples to the splitter housing. This eliminates the separate jumper cable and intermediate adapter connections, reducing the number of junctions from 3-4 to 1, thereby maintaining mechanical engagement flexibility while significantly reducing signal degradation at junctions.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional splitters use zinc die cast housings with press-fit brass ports, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but connection durability and weather sealing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction where a zinc die cast housing provides the main structure, while integral brass ports are formed within it. The brass ports are specifically designed with threaded configurations and weather-sealing features that address the durability issues of press-fit connections, while maintaining the cost advantages of zinc housing.
3Reliability
If conventional splitters use integral brass ports, then connection durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the brass ports directly into the zinc die cast housing as integral components formed during the die casting process. This merging eliminates the need for separate port manufacturing and assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the durability and weather-sealing advantages of integral brass construction.
4Reliability
If conventional splitters use multiple junctions and jumper cables, then vibration isolation is improved, but installation complexity and clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration isolation function directly into the hardline connector assembly through integrated mounting features and rigid coupling structures. This eliminates the need for separate jumper cables that provide vibration isolation, thereby reducing installation complexity and clutter while maintaining effective vibration isolation through the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A splitter for allowing a hardline cable to be connected to the spotter as an input and a connector to be connected to the splitter as an output includes a housing portion. The housing portion includes an input portion; the input portion is configured to receive a hardline input cable; the housing portion includes an output portion; the input portion includes an engagement portion configured to engage a hardline back nut; the sputter is configured to connect to the hardline input cable; and the connection of the splitter to the hardline input cable is configured to allow the splitter to be installed on the hardline input cable without additional hardware to connect the splitter to the hardline input cable.