Outer Conductor Contact Element With Positive-Locking Support Sleeve Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies face a compromise between mechanical holding force and electrical properties, particularly in high-frequency applications, due to the deformation caused by crimping, and require a minimum support sleeve wall thickness for reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a fixing stop in the outer conductor contact element that engages behind the cable-side end face of the support sleeve, providing a positive locking connection without significant deformation, allowing for reduced bending radii and improved holding force even with thin support sleeves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If crimping is used to mount the connector, then mechanical holding force is improved, but electrical properties deteriorate due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a frictional connection between the outer conductor contact element and the cable outer conductor, and a positive-locking connection between the fixing stop and the support sleeve. This segmentation allows each connection type to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines frictional connection and positive-locking connection into a single mounting system. The frictional connection provides initial holding force and positioning, while the positive-locking connection through the fixing stop provides additional mechanical stability without requiring deformation of the cable or connector components.
2Volume of moving object
If support sleeve wall thickness is reduced for compact design, then device size is improved, but holding force deteriorates due to insufficient indentation depth
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing stop extends axially beyond the support sleeve end face, utilizing the axial dimension to create an additional positive-locking connection point. This dimensional extension compensates for the reduced radial dimension (wall thickness) of the support sleeve, maintaining holding force while enabling compact design.
3Reliability
If multiple bends are introduced in the conductor contact element, then positive connection is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to merging bends with thin wall thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The support sleeve serves as an intermediary component that provides a stable mounting surface for the fixing stop. This intermediary structure allows the outer conductor contact element to achieve positive-locking connection without requiring multiple tight bends, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision even when the support sleeve has reduced wall thickness.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an outer conductor contact element (8) for a connector assembly (1), comprising at least one retaining stop (15) which, in a state of mounting the outer conductor contact element (8) on a support sleeve (11), is able to engage behind a cable-side end face (12) of the support sleeve (11) facing away from a front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the connector assembly (1). It is provided that the retaining stop (15) in the outer conductor contact element (8) is formed by a connector-side edge of a material recess (17) in the outer conductor contact element (8) facing the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8). Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the retaining stop (15) in the outer conductor contact element (8) is formed by a separate stop element (20) attached to the inner wall (19) of the outer conductor contact element (8).Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the fixing stop (15) in the outer conductor contact element (8) is formed by an embossing (21) in the outer conductor contact element (8) in the unmounted state.