Float Adapter for RF Connector Axial Radial Float
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF connectors lack flexibility in axial and radial float, leading to increased size and higher costs, making them less suitable for high-density systems where smaller, more compact connectors are required.
Innovation Solution
A float adapter with a conductive shell and insulator design that provides axial and radial float, featuring a lead-in tip with a tapered outer surface and a reduced diameter middle portion, allowing for modular add-on float capability between connectors, enabling both high and low float configurations without altering the gender of the connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RF connector designs are used, then axial and radial float is limited, but connector size increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a conductive shell providing structural support and grounding, an insulator providing electrical isolation and mechanical guidance, and a reduced-diameter middle portion enabling radial float. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates dynamic float capability through the reduced diameter middle portion that fits within the conductive shell with intentional clearance, allowing radial movement. The engagement member with lip and groove features provides controlled axial float while maintaining electrical connection. This dynamic design enables the connector to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations without requiring oversized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RF connector designs are used, then axial and radial float is limited, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a conductive shell providing structural support and grounding, an insulator providing electrical isolation and mechanical guidance, and a reduced-diameter middle portion enabling radial float. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter utilizes parameter changes in the insulator diameter along its length, with a reduced-diameter middle portion that creates radial clearance within the conductive shell. This geometric parameter change enables radial float capability without requiring complex mechanisms or additional components, thereby controlling manufacturing cost while achieving the desired adaptability.
3Area of stationary object
If connector density is increased, then physical space is reduced, but axial and radial float capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator is nested within the conductive shell, with the reduced-diameter middle portion of the insulator creating radial clearance that enables float capability. The engagement member with lip and groove features provides nested engagement that allows controlled axial movement. This nesting arrangement achieves float functionality within a compact footprint suitable for high-density applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter introduces radial float capability through dimensional clearance in the radial dimension, while the reduced diameter middle portion maintains axial compactness. This multi-dimensional approach allows the connector to provide float in multiple directions without increasing overall connector volume, enabling use in space-constrained high-density applications.
Data Source
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AI summary
A float adapter for an electrical connector that includes a conductive shell and an insulator received in the conductive shell. The insulator includes an engagement end, an interface end that is opposite the engagement end, and a reduced diameter middle portion therebetween. The insulator includes an inner bore that extends through the engagement end, the interface end, and the reduced diameter middle portion. The interface end has a lead-in tip portion that extends outside of the first end of the conductive shell. The lead-in tip portion has a tapered outer surface that terminates in an end face surface and a shoulder remote from the end face surface that defines an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the conductive shell. An inner contact is received in the inner bore of the insulator. The inner contact has socket openings at either end.