Hybrid Feedthrough Connector Grounding via Split Ring Washer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF connectors for coaxial cables, particularly those with superflex conductors, face challenges in maintaining secure electrical grounding while accommodating variations in cable sizes and requiring expensive machining tolerances, which complicates assembly and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The RF connector design incorporates a grounding device with a driver, contact ring, and spring clamp, featuring a split ring washer that compressively engages the corrugated outer conductor, ensuring reliable electrical contact and grounding even when the connector loosens, using a compression cap to maintain the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If machined spiral clamps are employed to produce a highly conductive mating interface, then electrical grounding is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to tight machining tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from precision machining to forming processes. The spiral clamp is formed using stamping or rolling operations that can accommodate normal tolerances, eliminating the need for tight machining tolerances while maintaining electrical conductivity and grounding reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a formed spiral clamp that can be manufactured more economically through forming processes rather than expensive machining. This allows for cost-effective production while still achieving the required electrical grounding performance
2Reliability
If tight machining tolerances are held during manufacture, then electrical grounding reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from machining operations requiring tight tolerances to forming operations that naturally accommodate broader tolerances. This simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces complexity while maintaining grounding reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral clamp design allows the corrugated outer conductor to naturally engage with the clamp features during assembly, eliminating the need for complex precision machining and tight tolerance control
3Reliability
If machined spiral clamps with tight tolerances are used, then electrical contact reliability is improved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing method to forming processes that produce parts with relaxed tolerances, making assembly easier and less skill-intensive while maintaining reliable electrical contact through the spiral clamp design
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral clamp and corrugated conductor design allows for self-aligning and self-adjusting during assembly, reducing the need for skilled technicians and complex assembly procedures while ensuring reliable electrical contact
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
This design enhances electrical grounding, reduces the likelihood of passive intermodulation, and maintains a secure connection despite variations in cable sizes, thereby improving assembly efficiency and reducing costs by eliminating the need for tight machining tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
Upon delivering a compressive clamping force to the compression cap, the spiral corrugations of the outer conductor compressively capture the split ring washer therebetween to electrically connect the outer conductor to the connector body
Implementation Method 2
the split ring washer is captured between adjacent peaks or corrugations of the outer conductor... to electrically connect the outer conductor to the connector body
Implementation Method 3
a spring clamp having a split ring washer disposed therebetween... ensuring reliable electrical contact and grounding even when the connector loosens
Data Source
AI summary
An RF Connector and grounding device therefor comprises a driver, a contact ring and a spring clamp having a split ring washer disposed therebetween. The split ring washer interposes the driver on one side of the washer and the contact ring on the other side thereof and defines an aperture for receiving a prepared end of a coaxial cable. The washer is connected to one side of an annular ring while a shouldered flange is disposed on the opposing side of the ring. Upon delivering a compressive clamping force to a compression cap, the split ring washer is captured between adjacent peaks or corrugations of the outer conductor.