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 applications.
Innovation Solution
A float adapter with a conductive shell and insulators that provide axial and radial float, featuring a bi-gender bullet design allowing for modular float configurations, and a manufacturing method involving stamping and rolling of metal sheets to create a compact and flexible connector assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional RF connector designs are used, then connector size is reduced, but axial and radial float capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components including a receptacle, a separate adapter assembly with insulator and contact, and a housing. This segmentation allows the float capabilities to be achieved through the adapter assembly while keeping the overall connector size compact through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly with insulator and contact is nested within the housing structure. The insulator receives the contact and is positioned within the housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides float capabilities without increasing overall connector dimensions.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional RF connector designs are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but flexibility in axial and radial float deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates dynamic float capabilities through the adapter assembly that allows axial and radial movement. The insulator and contact arrangement provides flexible positioning while maintaining electrical connection, enabling adaptation to different float requirements without redesigning the entire connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter changes in axial and radial float by modifying the adapter assembly configuration. The insulator length, contact position, and housing dimensions can be adjusted to provide different float characteristics while using standard manufacturing processes.
3Area of stationary object
If connector density is increased, then physical space requirement is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly merges the insulator, contact, and housing elements into an integrated unit that can be manufactured as a single assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while enabling high-density connector arrangements through compact geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently through the nested arrangement of components. The insulator and contact are positioned in specific spatial relationships within the housing, allowing high-density packaging by optimizing vertical and radial dimensions rather than only horizontal spacing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making a float adapter for an electrical connector that includes a conductive shell that has opposite first and second ends, and at least one insulator received in the conductive shell. The at least one insulator has an engagement end and an interface end opposite the engagement end. The interface end has a lead-in tip portion that extends outside of one of the first and second ends of the shell. The at least one insulator has an inner bore for receiving an inner contact. A retaining sleeve is disposed around the conductive shell, the retaining sleeve having an engagement member for engaging the at least one insulator.