Multi-Terminal Header Connector for Wireless Antenna Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual and labor-intensive process of connecting multiple antenna cables to wireless cards, particularly with emerging standards requiring three or more antenna connections, is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a header connector with multiple terminal pairs and a connector plug that securely mates with the wireless card, allowing each antenna cable end portion to connect with a corresponding terminal pair, reducing the need for individual manual connections and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual press-fit micro connectors are used for each antenna cable, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the connection process becomes manually intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual connector functions into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector assembly includes multiple contact elements arranged in specific patterns that simultaneously establish multiple electrical connections when a single coaxial cable is inserted, eliminating the need for separate manual press-fit operations for each antenna connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is segmented into multiple independent contact elements within a unified structure. Each contact element can be independently designed and positioned to match specific antenna cable requirements, while the overall assembly functions as a single unit during installation, combining segmentation with integration benefits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna connections are required for emerging wireless standards, then bandwidth and data rates increase, but the complexity of manual cable connections increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed with universal applicability across multiple wireless standards (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular). The modular design allows the same basic connector structure to support different antenna configurations and cable arrangements, enabling a single product to serve multiple wireless communication protocols and standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential connection (one cable at a time) to multi-dimensional simultaneous connection. The connector assembly arranges multiple contact elements in spatial patterns (rows, columns, matrices) that enable parallel establishment of multiple electrical pathways, effectively adding dimensional complexity to the connection architecture while simplifying the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for connecting a plurality of antenna cables to a wireless card includes a header connector and a connector plug. The header connector includes a header connector housing and multiple terminal pairs positioned in the header connector housing, each terminal pair including a first terminal and a second terminal. Each terminal includes a connection surface for securing the terminal to a substrate. The connector plug houses and positions multiple antenna cable end portions, each including an inner conductor and an outer conductor. The connector plug is configured to be mated with the header connector such that each cable end portion mates with one of the terminal pairs of the header connector, the inner conductor of the cable end portion mating with the first terminal of the terminal pair, and the outer conductor of the cable end portion mating with the second terminal of the terminal pair.