HF Coaxial Connector with Integrated Torque Limiter and Centering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HF coaxial connection systems require tools for secure torque application and lack integrated solutions for centering and twist protection, making them cumbersome and prone to improper connections.

Innovation Solution

An HF coaxial connection element with an integrated torque limiter, centering element, and twist protection element, featuring a guiding element with radially arranged indentations and spring-preloaded pressing elements, allows for secure, tool-free connections with a predetermined torque, ensuring correct positioning and preventing twisting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional coaxial connectors are used with external torque tools, then secure torque application is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring additional tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the torque limiter, centering element, and twist protection element into a single integrated connector component. This merging eliminates the need for separate external tools while maintaining secure torque application, directly resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated connector performs multiple functions simultaneously: torque limitation, centering, twist protection, and connection securing. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate tools, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If traditional coaxial connectors without integrated centering are used, then connection is possible, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection easeVSAvoidconnection alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The centering element performs preliminary alignment of the connector components before the final tightening action. This pre-centering ensures precise alignment is achieved automatically during the connection process, eliminating misalignment issues while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If connectors without twist protection are used, then connection is simpler, but reliability deteriorates due to twisting motion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structure complexityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The twist protection element is merged with the torque limiter and centering element into a single integrated component. This combination provides twist protection without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as all three protective functions are achieved through one unified structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The twist protection element utilizes asymmetric geometric features (such as keyhole shapes or shaped protrusions) that physically prevent twisting motion. This asymmetric design effectively blocks rotational misalignment while maintaining a relatively simple overall connector structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Enables easy, safe, and secure one-handed connection of HF coaxial elements with a predetermined torque, enhancing connection reliability and adaptability without the need for additional tools.

Implementation Method 1

a pressing component comprising at least two spring preloaded pressing elements and configured for pressing the least two spring preloaded pressing elements against the at least two indentations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring preloading: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3617534B1Measurement equipment, HF coaxial connection element and torque limiter for an HF coaxial connection element
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3617534B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3617534B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3617534B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a measurement equipment configured to be connected to a measurement device. The measurement equipment comprises an HF coaxial connection element and a torque limiter. The torque limiter is configured for connecting the HF coaxial connection element with the measurement device with a predetermined torque. Furthermore, the invention provides an HF coaxial connection element configured to be connected to a corresponding HF coaxial connection element. The HF coaxial connection element comprises a torque limiter configured for detachably connecting the HF coaxial connection element with the corresponding HF coaxial connection element with a predetermined torque. Furthermore, the HF coaxial connection element comprises a centering element for centering the HF coaxial connection element with respect to the corresponding HF coaxial connection element. The HF coaxial connection element comprises a twist protection element for preventing twisting motion between the HF coaxial connection element and the corresponding HF coaxial connection element. In addition, the invention provides a corresponding torque limiter.