Axial Torque Tool for Bent F-Type Coaxial Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increased density of TV devices in small spaces makes it difficult to install, remove, and tighten F-type coaxial cable connectors due to the need for sharp bends in cables, which increases torque requirements beyond what can be achieved by hand, and existing tools are ineffective in confined areas.

Innovation Solution

A tool comprising a tubular wrench portion with arc portions and a hollow grasping portion, equipped with a C-shaped fastening ring, provides mechanical advantage to connect or disconnect male F-type coaxial cable connectors from female connectors, even when cables are bent, preventing wear on the connector ring and allowing operation in tight spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a standard open-end wrench is used to tighten the F-type connector, then sufficient torque can be applied, but the tool requires radial open space that is not available in high-density installations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetorqueVSAvoidradial open space
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from radial torque application (standard wrench) to axial torque application (pushing tool). The tool pushes along the cable axis to rotate the connector, eliminating the need for radial clearance while maintaining torque application capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specialized pushing tool as an intermediary device that converts linear pushing force into rotational torque. The tool includes a hexagonal drive interface that engages the connector and a pushing surface that transmits axial force to rotate the connector in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cable is bent to fit tight spaces, then device density increases, but the torque required to install or remove the connector increases beyond finger capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice densityVSAvoidtorque
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The pushing tool serves as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies the user's pushing force into sufficient torque to overcome the increased resistance caused by cable bends, enabling connector installation/removal in high-density configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool design allows dynamic adaptation to different cable bend scenarios. The pushing mechanism can apply variable force along the cable axis, adjusting to the specific torque requirements imposed by different bend radii and cable stiffness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the cable is straightened to facilitate connector installation, then connector installation becomes easier, but the available space in high-density installations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector installationVSAvoidavailable space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of straightening the cable to ease installation (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by keeping the cable bent and using a pushing tool that operates axially along the bent cable to install the connector

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 secure attachment and detachment of F-type coaxial cable connectors in high-density installations by providing the necessary torque and mechanical advantage, overcoming the challenges of bent cables and confined spaces, while preventing wear on the connector ring.

Implementation Method 1

the arc portions have an outer surface for installing the C-shaped fastening ring thereon to generate torsion and an inner surface formed with a shaped portion to engage with the shaped outer surface of the connector ring. The arc portions are outwardly extended by the torsion when the predetermined torsion is enough to deform the arc portions of the tubular wrench portion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion: Torque

Implementation Method 2

provides mechanical advantage to connect or disconnect male F-type coaxial cable connectors from female connectors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS20080087145A1Tool operable for connecting a male f-type coaxial cable connector
Publication Date: 2008.04.17 PHOENIX COMM TECH INT
  • US20080087145A1 patent drawing
  • US20080087145A1 patent drawing
  • US20080087145A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A tool operable for connecting a male F-type coaxial cable connector includes a tubular wrench portion and a hollow grasping portion. The tubular wrench portion comprises a first end, a second end, a hollow body portion located between the first and second ends and a plurality of arc portions located at the first end. The hollow body portion has a first slot extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the arc portions have an outer surface for installing the C-shaped fastening ring thereon to generate torsion and an inner surface formed with a shaped portion to engage with the shaped outer surface of the connector ring. The arc portions are outwardly extended by the torsion when the predetermined torsion is enough to deform the arc portions of the tubular wrench portion. The hollow grasping portion having an annular front end disposing on the second end of the tubular wrench portion, a distal end, and a second slot formed between the annular front end and the distal end and connected to the first slot of the hollow body portion. The tool is particularly useful for attaching (or detaching) the male connector to the female connector when the coaxial cable is bent.