Floating Coaxial Connector Assembly for Dense Cable Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial connectors face challenges in achieving higher density while maintaining electrical performance, particularly when using smaller diameter cables for longer lengths, and struggle with mating opposing connectors effectively.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial connector assembly with a connector module that includes contact cavities and biasing springs, allowing for rear-loading of coaxial contacts and accommodating large diameter cables with a small diameter mating interface, enabling a dense array of contacts and floating of the connector module during mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the diameter of coaxial connectors and cables is reduced to increase contact density, then the density of coaxial contacts is improved, but the electrical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coaxial contact is divided into two distinct segments: a smaller diameter mating interface segment that engages with the connector, and a larger diameter cable interface segment that connects to the cable. This segmentation allows the contact to provide both high density (through the small mating interface) and good electrical performance (through the large cable interface), resolving the contradiction between contact density and electrical performance.
2Quantity of substance
If the diameter of coaxial connectors is reduced to increase contact density, then the density of coaxial contacts is improved, but the difficulty of mating opposing connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coaxial contact incorporates a floating mechanism that allows it to move dynamically during the mating process. The contact can float into position and self-align with the mating connector, making the mating process easier despite the high density of contacts. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between high contact density and ease of mating.
3Ease of operation
If biasing springs are added to coaxial contacts to enable floating during mating, then the ease of mating is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing spring is integrated within the coaxial contact structure in a compact manner, using a flexible element that provides the necessary floating capability without adding significant external complexity. The spring is housed within the contact assembly itself, maintaining a relatively simple overall structure while enabling the floating mating function.
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
This solution enhances the density of coaxial contacts, facilitates easier mating, and maintains or improves electrical performance by allowing the use of larger diameter cables with a smaller mating interface, addressing the limitations of existing connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing spring coupled to each of the coaxial contacts, the biasing springs being located between the cover and the mating segment of the corresponding coaxial contact to bias the coaxial contact in the mating direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
A coaxial connector assembly (100) includes a connector module (102) having a connector body (126) that includes contact cavities (126) extending between a front side (132) and a rear side (134) of the connector body. The connector module (102) has a cover (140) having openings (180). Coaxial contacts (200) are received in corresponding contact cavities (126) each having a coaxial signal element (204) and outer contact (206). The outer contact (206) has a cable segment (210) coupled to a coaxial cable (202) and a mating segment (212). The cable segment (210) has a front section (214) and a rear section (216) having a larger diameter (220) than the front section (214) and located rearward of the cover (140) to receive the cable (202). The front section (214) passes through the opening (180) into the contact cavity (126) to engage the mating segment (212). Biasing springs (208) are located between the cover (140) and the mating segment (212) of the coaxial contact (200) to bias the coaxial contact (200) in the mating direction (110).