Patch Cord Connector Slideable Retention Feature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional patch cord connectors fail to meet stringent electrical requirements for high-speed signal transmission due to inadequate retention of the connector to the multi-pair cable, leading to distortion in the twisted pair core and individual pairs, which adversely affects electrical performance.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a slide-on retention arrangement that engages the cable's double-layered jacket, using flexible tabs to bite into the jacket during assembly, providing secure retention without additional parts and maintaining electrical performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional securing components are added to improve connector retention, then connector retention is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retention feature is merged with the connector body itself, eliminating the need for separate securing components. The retention feature is formed as an integrated part of the connector housing through molding, combining the structural support and retention functions into a single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the electrical contacts, and incorporates the retention feature for securing to the cable jacket. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated securing components while maintaining retention performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional connector designs are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but connector retention is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidconnector retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention feature utilizes the physical properties of the cable jacket material by designing tabs that can elastically deform during assembly and then maintain a secure grip. The design changes the interaction parameters between the connector and cable jacket to achieve reliable retention without additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed to work with the double-layered cable jacket structure, where the retention tabs engage with the outer jacket while the inner jacket provides additional support. This composite interaction between the connector tabs and the layered jacket structure achieves superior retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If inadequate retention is used, then device complexity is reduced, but electrical performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structureVSAvoidelectrical performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention feature is segmented into multiple tabs distributed around the connector body, allowing each tab to independently engage with the cable jacket. This segmentation provides uniform retention force while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using additional components to achieve retention, the design inverts the approach by making the connector body itself the retaining element. The retention feature is built into the basic connector structure, reversing the conventional wisdom that retention requires separate securing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 ensures improved connector retention and strain relief for the cable, inhibiting longitudinal movement of the outer and inner jackets, thus enhancing electrical performance and reducing alien crosstalk while maintaining manufacturing cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The retention arrangement includes a first resilient tab and a second resilient tab. The resilient tabs are configured to be deflected in an axial direction of the connector as the multi-pair cable is inserted into the connector.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8684763B2Connector with slideable retention feature and patch cord having the same

Publication Date: 2014.04.01 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A patch cord including a connector attached to an end of an electrical cable. The connector includes a boot member that slides over a portion of a wire manager to actuate a retention arrangement of the connector. Certain types of retention arrangements are actuated by deflecting flexible tabs of the wire manager inwardly to bite into at least an outer jacket of the electrical cable.