Hardline Coaxial Connector Locking Ferrule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardline coaxial cable connectors face issues with unwanted rotation or twist of the cable outer conductor during tightening, requiring two hands and sometimes allowing cable rotation post-tightening due to lack of positive locking mechanisms, and previous solutions have increased costs with separate press-fit components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an integral locking feature with teeth or splines as part of the connector body and slots in the ferrule, which interlock when the connector is closed, preventing rotation and twist of the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If compression rings are actuated by a threaded coupler to grip the cable outer conductor, then the ferrule can be driven closed about the cable, but the rotational force causes unwanted rotation or twist of the cable outer conductor in relation to the cable center conductor and connector components
Solution Approach 1:
A locking ferrule is introduced as an intermediary component between the compression rings and the cable outer conductor. The locking ferrule includes a locking mechanism that prevents rotation of the cable outer conductor while allowing the compression rings to apply gripping force, thus mediating between the need for strong grip and the need for alignment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ferrule is constructed as a composite structure combining a ferrule body with an integrated locking mechanism. This composite design allows the ferrule to simultaneously provide compression force through the compression rings and prevent rotation through the locking mechanism, resolving the contradiction between grip strength and alignment stability.
2Reliability
If a separate press-fit component is added to provide positive ferrule locking, then cable rotation is prevented, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the ferrule body to form an integrated locking ferrule. The locking mechanism is formed as an integral part of the ferrule through processes such as injection molding or die casting, eliminating the need for separate press-fit locking components and reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable positive locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ferrule serves multiple functions: it provides the compression force through integrated compression rings, prevents rotation through the locking mechanism, and maintains electrical continuity. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated locking components, reducing overall component count and manufacturing cost.
3Stability of the object's composition
If two hands are used to manipulate wrenches and a third hand to restrain the cable during tightening, then rotation during tightening is prevented, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ferrule is designed to automatically engage and lock the cable outer conductor in place during the tightening process. As the threaded coupler is rotated to tighten the connector, the locking mechanism self-activates to prevent rotation of the cable outer conductor, eliminating the need for a third hand to restrain the cable and simplifying the installation process to require only two hands for wrench manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A hardline coaxial cable connector is disclosed. The coaxial cable connector comprises an integral locking feature formed in one or both of a body and a ferrule. The integral locking feature is monolithic with at least one of the body and the ferrule. The integral locking feature may comprise cogs part of and monolithic with the body, and slots, flats, pegs or fins part of and monolithic with the ferrule. In this way, cogs engaging with the slots, the flats, the pegs, or the fins act to lock the ferrule in stable position, and, thereby, retain the cable in a stable, non-rotatable position in the connector.