Parallel Feed Cable Antenna Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems operating above a ground plane face challenges due to the crimp sleeve and minimum bend radius of the feed cable, which restrict their use in certain products by requiring the feed cable to be perpendicular to the ground plane, limiting their application.
Innovation Solution
An antenna connector system that includes a feed probe and a conductor tab, allowing the feed cable to be electrically coupled with the antenna while being arranged substantially parallel to the ground plane, eliminating the need for crimp sleeves and complex connectors, and using off-the-shelf parts like screws and metal tabs for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a crimp sleeve is used to connect the feed cable to the antenna, then the connection is secure, but the feed cable must be perpendicular to the ground plane which limits product application
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a connector assembly with conductor tab and feed probe, and a separate crimp connector. This segmentation allows the feed cable to approach the antenna at different angles while maintaining secure electrical connection, eliminating the requirement for perpendicular cable orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor tab acts as an intermediary element between the feed cable and the antenna. It provides a flexible connection point that can accommodate various cable orientations, mediating between the fixed antenna position and the variable feed cable routing requirements of different products.
2Ease of operation
If the feed cable is arranged perpendicular to the ground plane, then the connection is straightforward, but the profile height increases which is problematic for space-limited products
Solution Approach 1:
The feed cable connection is transitioned from a vertical arrangement (perpendicular to ground plane) to a horizontal arrangement (parallel to ground plane). This dimensional change allows the cable to route along the ground plane surface, significantly reducing the profile height while maintaining connection effectiveness through the conductor tab and feed probe mechanism.
3Length of stationary object
If complex connectors are used to achieve parallel cable arrangement, then the profile height is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed with multi-functionality, combining the conductor tab for electrical connection, the feed probe for signal transmission, and the crimp connector for mechanical attachment. This universal design achieves the parallel cable arrangement and reduced profile height using a integrated structure rather than multiple complex separate components, thereby controlling device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system is provided. The antenna system includes a ground plane, an antenna, a feed cable, a cable connector, and an antenna connector. The ground plane has a first ground side and a second ground side. The antenna operates on the first ground side of the ground plane. The feed cable has a center conductor that is configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the antenna. The cable connector couples the feed cable with the second ground side of the ground plane. The center conductor of the feed cable is electrically isolated from the ground plane and electrically coupled with the antenna connector. The antenna connector electrically couples the center conductor with the antenna. The antenna connector is connected to the center conductor and the feed cable is substantially parallel to the ground plane from the antenna connector to the cable connector.