Post-less Self-gripping Coaxial Cable Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial cable connectors require manual preparation of the coaxial cable, including stripping and folding the braided outer conductive grounding sheath, which is time-consuming, prone to inconsistencies, and poses safety risks, and also necessitate the use of a compression tool for attachment.
Innovation Solution
A post-less, self-gripping coaxial cable connector design that allows tool-less attachment by using a retainer with a movable ring and a gripping member with radially inwardly biased spring fingers, which engages the coaxial cable jacket without the need for flaring or folding the outer conductive grounding sheath or axial compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual preparation of coaxial cable is performed using hand tools, then the coaxial cable can be prepared for connector attachment, but the process is time-consuming, prone to inconsistencies, and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to self-grip the coaxial cable jacket through spring fingers that automatically engage when the cable is inserted, eliminating the need for manual flaring or folding of the braided sheath. The connector performs its own cable preparation function through the self-gripping mechanism, reducing both time and inconsistency risks
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the post component from traditional F-connectors, creating a post-less design that directly grips the cable jacket. This extraction of the post element simplifies the attachment process and eliminates the need for manual cable preparation steps
2Reliability
If a compression tool is used to axially compress the coaxial cable connector, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process requires additional tools and operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The spring fingers automatically engage and grip the coaxial cable jacket when the cable is inserted into the connector body, eliminating the need for external compression tools. The connector performs its own attachment function through the elastic engagement of the spring fingers
Solution Approach 2:
The spring fingers provide dynamic, elastic engagement with the cable jacket, allowing automatic adjustment and secure gripping without rigid mechanical compression. This dynamic mechanism replaces static compression tool requirements
3Reliability
If the braided outer conductive grounding sheath is flared and folded manually, then electrical continuity is established, but small fragments may break off affecting grounding continuity or causing electrical shorts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the requirement to flare or fold the braided outer conductive grounding sheath by using a post-less design that directly grips the cable jacket. This removes the source of metal fragment generation while maintaining electrical continuity through the grounding path
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of manual manipulation by eliminating the flaring and folding steps entirely. The spring fingers grip the jacket without disturbing the braided sheath, preventing fragment generation while maintaining grounding integrity
4Force
If manual manipulation of compression tools is required, then axial compression force can be applied, but the process requires correct tool manipulation and operator patience
Solution Approach 1:
The spring fingers automatically generate and apply the necessary gripping force to the cable jacket through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for external compression tools and manual force application. The connector performs its own attachment function
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic spring fingers provide dynamic force application that automatically adjusts to the cable, replacing the static and skill-dependent manual compression process with an self-regulating mechanical system
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
Facilitates quick, consistent, and safe attachment of coaxial cables without the need for manual preparation or compression tools, ensuring reliable electrical continuity and reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring finger extending longitudinally from the base, and wherein the at least one spring finger is radially inwardly biased in a predisposed orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A post-less, self-gripping coaxial cable connector for tool-less attachment to an end of a coaxial cable is disclosed. The coaxial cable connector has a body having a forward end and a rearward end and a longitudinal opening. A retainer positioned in the body has a forward section, a rearward section, and a bore. A ring is movably disposed in the retainer. A gripping member having at least one spring finger is friction fit to the body and is radially inwardly biased in a predisposed orientation. The ring has a pusher feature configured to axially move the ring upon force being applied to the pusher feature by a coaxial cable received by the body causing the gripping member to engage the jacket of the coaxial cable when the coaxial cable is installed in the coaxial cable connector.