Universal Seal for Helical Corrugated Outer Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial cable connectors face challenges in achieving a reliable environmental seal with helical corrugated outer conductors due to variations in pitch and angle, requiring manufacturer-specific connectors and leading to issues with moisture migration and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial cable connector design featuring a seal member with flexible segments that conform to the helical outer conductor, facilitated by axial compression, to create a universal seal solution that adapts to varying dimensions and patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specifically-designed connectors are chosen for each cable according to manufacturer, then the environmental seal between connector and cable is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to needing multiple connector variants
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is designed with flexible segments that can adapt to different helical corrugated outer conductor geometries from various manufacturers, allowing a single universal connector design to achieve effective environmental sealing across multiple cable types rather than requiring manufacturer-specific connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible segments of the seal member can change their configuration and degree of deformation based on the specific pitch and angle of the helical outer conductor they encounter, allowing the seal to maintain contact and effectiveness across varying cable geometries
2Adaptability or versatility
If variations in actual dimensions of manufactured cable are accommodated, then the adaptability of the connector is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements for the seal member increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member incorporates flexible segments that can deform and conform to the actual dimensions and geometry of the helical outer conductor, compensating for manufacturing variations in cable dimensions without requiring extremely precise seal member tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, flexible structure that can adapt its shape and position during assembly, allowing it to accommodate dimensional variations in the cable while maintaining effective sealing contact
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid seal structure is used, then the manufacturing precision is easier to control, but the adaptability to different helical patterns and cable dimensions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is divided into multiple flexible segments rather than being a single rigid structure, allowing each segment to independently adapt to the helical pattern while maintaining overall seal integrity, balancing manufacturability with adaptability
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
The solution provides a consistent and effective environmental seal across different helical corrugated coaxial cables, enhancing performance and reliability by adapting to the unique dimensions and patterns of the outer conductor, regardless of the cable manufacturer.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of flexible segments disposed along the inner diameter surface, extending radially inward from the inner diameter surface, wherein the flexible segments are configured to conform to a helical outer conductor
Implementation Method 2
a compression member operably attached to the second end of the connector body, wherein axial compression of the compression body towards the connector body facilitates an environmental seal against an outer conductor of a coaxial cable
Data Source
AI summary
A seal member disposed within a coaxial cable connector comprising an annular body portion having an outer diameter surface and an inner diameter surface, and a plurality of flexible segments disposed along the inner diameter surface, extending radially inward from the inner diameter surface, wherein the flexible segments are configured to conform to a helical outer conductor and fill a valley of the helical outer conductor, thereby effectuating an environmental seal around the helical outer conductor is provided. A coaxial cable including the seal member is also provided. An associated method is further provided.