Floating RF Connector Assembly for Data Module Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data communication systems face alignment issues between communication modules and racks, leading to excessive normal forces and potential connector damage during mating and removal, due to tolerance and alignment discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a floating RF connector assembly with a module housing and retention member that allows the RF connectors to float perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, enabling alignment with complementary connectors on the rack, and a support housing that maintains the module's position, facilitating easy insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If communication modules are rigidly fixed to the rack using alignment members, then structural stability is improved, but connector alignment precision deteriorates due to tolerance accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is made movable relative to the module housing through a retention member mechanism, allowing the connector to dynamically adjust its position to compensate for alignment tolerances while the module itself remains stably mounted in the rack
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is divided into two independent parts: the module housing (fixed to rack) and the connector housing (movable within module housing), allowing each component to be optimized independently for stability and precision respectively
2Reliability
If connectors are forced into alignment during module insertion, then connection reliability is improved, but connector damage risk increases due to excessive normal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member enables the connector housing to move dynamically during insertion, allowing connectors to self-align without forcing, thereby maintaining reliable contact while eliminating excessive forces that could cause damage
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connector housing acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs alignment mismatches before they can transmit harmful forces to the connectors themselves
3Measurement precision
If alignment members are used to ensure correct module positioning, then module orientation accuracy is improved, but connector alignment precision deteriorates due to tolerance and other factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functions of module positioning (handled by alignment members) from connector alignment (handled by movable connector housing), allowing each to optimize its specific function without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing's ability to move independently allows it to compensate for alignment errors that occur despite accurate module positioning, effectively decoupling module orientation accuracy from final connector alignment precision
Data Source
AI summary
A data communication system includes a rack and one or more modules pluggable into the rack along a longitudinal direction. The rack can include one or more of an electrical connector, an RF cable connector, and an optical connector. One or both of the RF cable connector and the optical connector can float in one or more directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to align with respective connectors of the rack when the modules plug into the rack.