Inline Compression RF Connector 360-Degree Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF connectors face challenges in providing consistent ground signal integrity and 360-degree grounding while handling wide tolerance variations, and are often limited in their application scope and packaging, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to complex designs and limited compatibility with hybrid RF and power signals.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial connector design featuring a spring-biased center conductor and ground slide with a conductive sleeve that provides inline compression and 360-degree grounding, eliminating the spring from the ground path to ensure consistent impedance and supporting hybrid RF and power applications, with customizable dimensions for various cable sizes and frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring elements are incorporated into the ground path to provide 360-degree grounding, then grounding coverage is improved, but impedance consistency deteriorates due to spring flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spring element from the ground path, eliminating it as a source of impedance variation. The spring is retained only for its biasing function on the center conductor, while the ground path uses rigid conductive elements (conductive paste, conductive fabric, or conductive foam) that do not introduce impedance inconsistencies when compressed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary materials between the spring and the ground path to prevent direct electrical connection. The insulator body and isolated conductive elements act as intermediaries, ensuring the spring provides mechanical biasing without becoming part of the electrical ground path, thus maintaining impedance consistency while still achieving 360-degree grounding coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compressible interposer components with elastomeric layers are used to address tolerance issues, then tolerance variation handling is improved, but ground signal integrity deteriorates due to inconsistency in compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions: the insulator body provides structural support and electrical isolation, while the conductive elements (paste, fabric, or foam) provide localized compliance and electrical connection. This regional differentiation allows the connector to accommodate tolerance variations without compromising ground signal integrity, as each material performs its specialized function optimally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spring-biased ground elements are used to provide compliance, then adaptability to tolerance variation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the grounding function and compliance function into integrated structures. The conductive elements (paste, fabric, or foam) are incorporated directly into the connector body or contact assembly, eliminating the need for separate spring-loaded ground elements. This integration maintains compliance and adaptability while reducing the total component count and simplifying the overall device structure.
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 achieves consistent ground signal integrity and scalable compatibility with hybrid RF and power signals, addressing tolerance variations and reducing complexity and cost by eliminating the spring from the ground path, ensuring reliable performance across a wide range of frequencies and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is configured to engage an outer surface of the body element and is positioned to abut the ground slide for biasing the ground slide with respect to the body element.
Implementation Method 2
A spring-biased center conductor element is configured for engaging the inner conductor of a cable
Implementation Method 3
The conductive sleeve includes a plurality of integral spring fingers at a front end thereof that are configured for contacting the front end of the movable ground slide for providing electrical connection with the body element at a front end of the connector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A coaxial connector (10) includes a body element (12) that has an inner bore (62) configured for receiving a cable (16) having inner and outer conductors (50), (54). A center conductor element (20) is configured for engaging an inner conductor (50) of the cable (16). A tubular ground slide (18) extends over the center conductor element (20) and has a front end (30) and rear end (32) with the rear end (32) of the slide (18) engaging the body element (12) for being axially movable on the body element (12). A spring (36) is configured to engage an outer surface of the body element (12) and abut the rear end of the ground slide (18) for biasing the ground slide (18) with respect to the body element (12). A conductive sleeve (14) has a rear end (32) configured for press fitting onto the body (12). The sleeve (14) is further configured for capturing the spring (36) and ground slide (18) with the body element (12) and has a plurality of spring fingers (92) at a front end (30) thereof that contact the front end (30) of the movable ground slide (18) for providing electrical connection with the body element (12).