Foil-Shielded Twisted Pair Connector Assembly with Cam Nut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for foil-shielded twisted pair (FTP) cables face challenges in providing secure and easy-to-assemble connections, with a need for enhanced FTP cable-to-jack connections and improved shielding, as users struggle to securely engage sub-components and maintain continuity of shielding during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The use of deflectable latching members and cam nuts with cam slots allows for secure assembly and interaction between sub-components, including a jack housing, contact insert, printed circuit board, and routing cap, enabling easy assembly and secure engagement of FTP cables, drain wires, and metal foils, ensuring continuity of shielding and interference prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connector assemblies are used for FTP cables, then basic connection functionality is provided, but secure engagement of sub-components and shielding continuity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into distinct sub-components including a housing, contact insert, shielding contact, and cable clamp. Each component performs a specific function and can be separately manufactured and assembled, allowing for modular assembly that maintains reliability while managing complexity through organized segmentation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact insert is positioned within the housing, and the shielding contact is integrated into the housing structure. The cable clamp is positioned to engage both the cable and the shielding contact. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be compactly integrated while maintaining secure engagement and shielding continuity through their hierarchical spatial relationships.
2Ease of operation
If manual assembly of connector components is used, then connection is achieved, but assembly difficulty and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is pre-formed with integrated shielding contacts and positioning features during manufacturing. The contact insert is pre-configured with contact elements before final assembly. These preliminary preparations reduce the complexity of field assembly and minimize assembly time while ensuring proper engagement and shielding continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable clamp is designed to automatically engage and secure both the cable and shielding contact when the connector is assembled. The shielding contact is positioned to automatically contact the cable's shielding layer, creating electrical continuity without requiring additional manual connection steps. This self-securing mechanism simplifies assembly while ensuring reliable shielding engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
Connector assemblies, combinations and methods for use in wiring/cabling applications are disclosed. Connector assemblies include openings that facilitate interaction between plugs and cables, particularly foil-shielded twisted pair (FTP) cables. Connector assembly sub-components and connector sub-assemblies are also disclosed. Connector assemblies and sub-assemblies include securely coupled or joined sub-components. Sub-components are coupled to one another through the use of deflectable latching members of one sub-component engaging corresponding latching slots of another sub-component. Sub-components and sub-assemblies are also coupled to one another through the use of a cam nut engaged into a cam slot of another sub-component or sub-assembly. Connector assemblies, combinations and methods including a contact capable of engaging an FTP cable, drain wire and metal foil or sheath through the application of a cam nut interaction with a cam member are also disclosed.