Quick Connect Coaxial Cable Connector with Split Conical Retention Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coaxial cable connectors require significant time to establish threaded connections, particularly for linemen working at heights, such as near telecommunications towers, due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect and release mechanism for coaxial cable connectors featuring a split conical retention ring and a retention ring engager, allowing for rapid assembly and disassembly by engaging and disengaging the retention ring from radial steps and a shoulder surface, facilitating easy connection and disconnection without the need for extensive tooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded connections are used to connect coaxial cable connectors, then mechanical connection strength is improved, but connection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components: a connector body with an annular cavity, a separate retention ring, and a retention ring engager. This segmentation allows the retention ring to be independently manipulated for quick engagement and disengagement, eliminating the time-consuming threaded connection process while maintaining structural integrity through the retention ring's interaction with radial steps and shoulder surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention ring is designed as a dynamic component that can be engaged and disengaged from the radial steps and shoulder surface. The retention ring engager provides a mechanism to dynamically change the state of connection, allowing rapid transition between connected and disconnected states without the static, time-consuming process of threading.
2Reliability
If conventional compression tools and stripping tools are used to prepare cable connections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates features that facilitate self-preparation and self-connection. The annular cavity with radial steps and the retention ring mechanism are designed to work with the cable structure itself, allowing the connector to guide and secure the cable without requiring external stripping or compression tools, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
3Strength
If threaded connections are used for coaxial cable connectors, then mechanical connection strength is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The retention ring is designed as a dynamic component that can be engaged and disengaged from the radial steps and shoulder surface. The retention ring engager provides a mechanism to dynamically change the state of connection, allowing rapid transition between connected and disconnected states without the static, time-consuming process of threading.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into modular components: a connector body with an annular cavity, a separate retention ring, and a retention ring engager. This segmentation allows the retention ring to be independently manipulated for quick engagement and disengagement, eliminating the time-consuming threaded connection process while maintaining structural integrity through the retention ring's interaction with radial steps and shoulder surfaces.
4Reliability
If conventional cable connection methods are used, then connection security is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention ring is designed as a dynamic component that can be engaged and disengaged from the radial steps and shoulder surface. The retention ring engager provides a mechanism to dynamically change the state of connection, allowing rapid transition between connected and disconnected states without the static, time-consuming process of threading.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into modular components: a connector body with an annular cavity, a separate retention ring, and a retention ring engager. This segmentation allows the retention ring to be independently manipulated for quick engagement and disengagement, eliminating the time-consuming threaded connection process while maintaining structural integrity through the retention ring's interaction with radial steps and shoulder surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect and release mechanism is provided for a coaxial cable connector comprising a first connector body having an annular cavity accessible by a tubular opening. A conical retention ring is disposed in the annular cavity and engaging at least one radial step form along a rearwardly facing surface of the annular cavity and, furthermore, being configured to engage a retention surface of a second connector body upon insertion of a tubular sleeve thereof. Furthermore, a retention ring engager is disposed over a portion of the first connector body and has a sleeve portion extending into the tubular opening to urge the retention ring from engagement with the at least one radial step while also disengaging the retention surface of the second connector. As a consequence, the second connector is released from the first connector.