Flexible RF Circuit Coaxial Connector Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting radio frequency components printed on flexible supports to coaxial cables are cumbersome and risk damaging the flexible support due to the need for rigid connectors, which can lead to tears when attached by gluing or welding.
Innovation Solution
A connection device that clamps the flexible support between two parts with fixing pins and holes, allowing a standard connector to be used without damaging the support, featuring a coaxial cable connector with a threaded surface and contact pads perpendicular to the support, ensuring secure and flexible attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid connector is attached by gluing or welding directly to the flexible support, then the connector provides stable electrical connection, but the flexible support risks tearing in the long run
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a rigid portion (connector body with electrical contacts) and a flexible portion (support element that interfaces with the flexible circuit board). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function: the rigid part provides stable electrical connection while the flexible part adapts to the flexible support without causing tears.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element transitions from a rigid structure to a flexible structure that can deform elastically. This parameter change in rigidity allows the connector to accommodate the flexibility of the circuit board while maintaining reliable electrical contact, eliminating the tear risk associated with rigid connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a custom connector is designed to connect to the flexible support, then the connection is suitable for the application, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a standardized rigid portion that can interface with common connector types, while the flexible support element provides adaptation to the flexible circuit board. This universal design allows the same connector structure to be used across different applications, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible support element acts as an intermediary between the rigid standardized connector and the flexible circuit board. This intermediary component enables compatibility with standard connectors while maintaining adaptability to flexible supports, avoiding the need for completely custom connector designs.
3Reliability
If the connector is made rigid to ensure stable connection, then the electrical connection is reliable, but it cannot accommodate the flexibility of the support
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into rigid and flexible portions, allowing each to fulfill its specific requirement: the rigid portion ensures stable electrical connection while the flexible portion provides compatibility with the flexible support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector combines rigid materials (for the connector body) and flexible materials (for the support element) into a composite structure. This composite design enables simultaneous achievement of connection stability and flexibility compatibility within a single integrated component.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5C
AI summary
The invention concerns a device (4) for connecting a radio frequency circuit (3) or component printed on a flexible support (2) to a coaxial cable, comprising: -a first part (14) suitable for being disposed against a first face (5) of the support (2) on which the circuit or the component (3) is printed, the first part (14) comprising a recess capable of housing a coaxial cable connector (13), -a second part (15) capable of being disposed against a second face (6) of the support (2), opposite the first face, and in which the first part (14) and/or the second part (15) comprises attachment means for attaching the first part (14) and the second part (15) to each other, the flexible support (2) being clamped between the first part (14) and the second part (15), in such a way as to maintain an electrical contact between the connector (13) and the circuit or component (3).