Hydraulic Compression Tool for Coaxial Cable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installers face difficulty in applying sufficient axial force to secure coaxial cable connectors effectively, especially when using different connector types and cable sizes, as off-axis forces do not properly deform the compression member, leading to incomplete closures.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic compression tool with an axially extendable ram and a detachable connector frame, featuring a cable cradle, sliding guide structure, and sleeve, which accommodates various cable sizes and connector types, allowing for the activation of the hydraulic assembly to compress the connector body and secure the cable with the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If manual compression force is applied to secure the connector, then the installation can be performed with simple tools, but sufficient axial force cannot be reliably applied to achieve proper deformation of the compression member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic compression tool that uses hydraulic fluid pressure to generate and transmit axial force to the compression member. The hydraulic system converts small input force into large output force through fluid pressure multiplication, enabling sufficient compression force to be applied reliably while maintaining ease of operation through simple tool activation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed compression tool design is used, then the tool structure can be simple, but it cannot accommodate different connector types and cable sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The compression tool is divided into modular components including interchangeable adapters, segmented compression members, and modular framing structures. This segmentation allows different components to be assembled and disassembled to accommodate various connector types and cable sizes, providing versatility without requiring complete tool redesign for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates adjustable and movable components such as adjustable compression plates, movable adapters, and flexible positioning mechanisms that can be dynamically reconfigured between different connector types and cable diameters. This dynamic adaptability allows a single tool design to handle multiple configurations while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If off-axis force is applied during compression, then the compression action can be initiated, but the compression member is not properly deformed resulting in incomplete closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary components including guide surfaces, alignment features, and friction-reducing coatings between the compression tool and the compression member. These intermediaries ensure that the applied force is transmitted axially without deviation, preventing off-axis loading while maintaining ease of operation by allowing smooth force application through the intermediary interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression tool design creates equipotential force distribution through symmetric compression surfaces and uniformly distributed compression members that apply force evenly across the connector. This equipotential force application ensures axial alignment and proper deformation of the compression member, achieving reliable closure while simplifying the operator's task through automatic force distribution.
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 hydraulic compression tool ensures effective axial compression of the connector, securing the coaxial cable to the connector body across different types and sizes, providing a reliable operative engagement.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic assembly having an axially extendable ram
Implementation Method 2
produce a radial deformation of the compression member into operative engagement with the outer surface of the coaxial cable
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic compression tool for securing a compression type cable connector to a prepared end of a coaxial cable. The tool can include a hydraulic assembly having an axially extendable ram, and a connector frame detachably attached to the hydraulic assembly. The connector frame can include a cable cradle configured to accommodate cables of various sizes and a sleeve for engaging a cable connector. The connector frame can further include a sliding guide structure attached to the cable cradle. The sliding guide structure can include a sliding bar and one or more sliding guides. The sleeve can be attached to the sliding bar. The sleeve can be configured to accommodate connectors of various sizes. Activating the hydraulic assembly can cause the ram to extend, which, in turn, can cause the sliding bar to move along the longitudinal axis of the cable connector compressing the compression member and connector body into operative engagement with the cable.