Radially Compliant RF Connector for Small-Pitch Serviceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF connectors are costly and difficult to disassemble for service and repair due to small-pitch configurations, leading to increased assembly costs and inefficiencies in electrical and RF signal connections.
Innovation Solution
The use of conductive and compliant (CC) plugs and pins that allow for radial compression to create reliable electrical connections, enabling a wide range of insertion depths and allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and re-assembly with radial compliance, even in small-pitch arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If small-pitch RF connector configurations are used to increase connector density, then the number of connectors per unit area increases, but the assembly cost increases and disassembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separable components (connector body, compliant element, contact element) that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows individual connectors to be accessed and serviced even in high-density arrays, resolving the contradiction between high connector density and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant element introduces dynamic radial movement capability to the otherwise static rigid connector structure. This radial compliance allows the connector to adapt during assembly and disassembly, enabling easy removal and reassembly of connectors in small-pitch configurations without compromising connection reliability.
2Reliability
If rigid connectors are used for precise electrical connections, then connection reliability is maintained, but tolerance to misalignment is reduced and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties of the compliant element are changed to exhibit radial compliance while maintaining axial stability. This parameter change allows the connector to accommodate radial misalignments through elastic deformation, reducing assembly precision requirements and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly combines rigid components (connector body, contact element) with a compliant component (elastic body or elastomeric material). This composite structure provides both the mechanical stability needed for reliable connections and the radial flexibility needed for easy assembly and misalignment tolerance.
3Productivity
If serviceable RF connector assemblies are designed for easy disassembly, then repair efficiency improves, but connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant element automatically performs the function of alignment adjustment and contact force optimization during assembly through its elastic deformation. This self-adjusting mechanism ensures stable connections are achieved automatically during the simple assembly process, maintaining connection stability while enabling easy serviceability.
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 easy and repeatable assembly and disassembly of RF connectors, maintaining reliable electrical connections while accommodating misalignments, reducing costs and improving serviceability.
Implementation Method 1
radial compression of the CC creates a reliable electrical connection
Implementation Method 2
establish a radially compliant, axially free running electrical connection
Implementation Method 3
radially compliant, axially free running electrical connection
Data Source
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AI summary
A connectable assembly is provided and includes a body defining a recess, a male conductive element supportively disposed proximate to the body and a conductive compliant (CC) plug disposed within the recess for establishing a radially compliant, axially free running electrical connection with the male conductive element.