MCX Connector Jack Pin Protection via Metallic Cap

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Solution Overview

Problem

MCX connectors redesigned for 75 ohm impedance compromise mechanical integrity by removing the dielectric insulator, leaving the pin contact fragile and prone to damage from misaligned plug insertions, requiring special care and often leading to costly reworking due to deformation or breakage.

Innovation Solution

A multipurpose metallic cap is designed to cover the receptacle of the female center pin, providing stability and protection by allowing expansion around the inserted male pin, with a tapered entry to guide alignment and radially strengthened sidewalls to resist bending forces, maintaining 75 ohm impedance while safeguarding the pin contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the dielectric insulator is removed to achieve 75 ohm impedance, then the impedance requirement is met, but the mechanical integrity of the pin contact is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveimpedanceVSAvoidmechanical integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A metallic cap is introduced as an intermediary component between the pin contact and the external environment. This cap provides mechanical support and protection to the pin contact while maintaining the required 75 ohm impedance, effectively mediating between the electrical performance requirement and mechanical integrity requirement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs a composite structure combining dielectric material for insulation and metallic material for mechanical support. The metallic cap provides structural strength while the dielectric components maintain electrical insulation and impedance characteristics, creating a composite solution that satisfies both mechanical and electrical requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If the pin contact is left unguarded to simplify the design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability is compromised due to susceptibility to damage from misaligned insertions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidresistance to damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The metallic cap serves as a protective shield that is in place before any potential misaligned insertion occurs. It provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing the mechanical stress from misaligned plug insertions, preventing direct contact between the misaligned plug and the pin contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The metallic cap acts as an intermediary protective layer between the vulnerable pin contact and potential external damage sources. It mediates the interaction by providing a first line of defense that protects the pin contact from misaligned insertions while not interfering with proper connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8449326B2Coaxial connector jack with multipurpose cap
Publication Date: 2013.05.28 HOLLAND ELECTRONICS LLC
  • US8449326B2 patent drawing
  • US8449326B2 patent drawing
  • US8449326B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A 75 ohm MCX coaxial cable connector jack includes multipurpose metallic pin cap.