Resilient Cable Connector Cover with Selective Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting RF connectors from environmental degradation, such as tape-wrap seals and plastic clamshell covers, face issues with installation time, operator skill dependency, temperature-related material inconsistencies, and brittleness, leading to ineffective sealing and durability problems.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector cover with a unitary body composed of resilient materials, featuring distinct softness characteristics in its interface, intermediate, and cable relief portions, designed for quick installation and removal, with a silicone rubber composition that maintains sealing efficacy across temperature fluctuations and accommodates various connector sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tape-wrap seals are used to protect connectors from environmental degradation, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but installation time and operator skill dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into three distinct portions (interface portion, intermediate portion, cable relief portion) with different material properties, allowing each section to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying the overall installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional tape materials to silicone rubber with specific durometer ranges, and further segments the material softness across different portions, enabling the cover to maintain sealing effectiveness while being quickly installed without skill dependency
2Reliability
If tape materials are used for sealing, then sealing is achieved, but material consistency under temperature fluctuations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies silicone rubber material with durometer ranges of 20-40 for the interface portion and 40-60 for the cable relief portion, which maintains consistent physical properties and sealing effectiveness across wide temperature fluctuations from -65°F to 250°F
Solution Approach 2:
The cover uses composite construction with different silicone rubber formulations in different portions, creating a material system that compensates for temperature-induced dimensional changes while maintaining sealing pressure and consistency
3Productivity
If plastic clamshell covers are used for quick installation, then installation speed is improved, but material brittleness in cold temperatures worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from brittle plastic to elastomeric silicone rubber with specific durometer ranges, which maintains flexibility and ductility in cold temperatures while enabling quick installation without complex closure mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is constructed as a flexible elastomeric body that can be easily installed by stretching over the connector and cable assembly, eliminating the need for rigid plastic shells and complex closure mechanisms while maintaining strength and flexibility across temperature ranges
4Ease of manufacture
If uniform material softness is used throughout the cover, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but functional performance at different locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material softness levels to different portions of the cover: the interface portion (durometer 20-40) is softer to conform to and seal around the connector interface, while the cable relief portion (durometer 40-60) is stiffer to provide structural support and cable management, with the intermediate portion providing a transition
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 cover provides a reliable, quick-to-install, and temperature-resistant sealing solution for RF connectors, ensuring consistent performance and durability by using a silicone rubber material with varying softness levels and a unique spoke configuration for enhanced flexibility and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The interface portion comprises a first resilient material having a first characteristic softness
Implementation Method 2
The cable relief portion has a second characteristic softness which is stiffer than the first characteristic softness of the interface portion
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector cover includes a unitary body configured to receive a connector mounted to a coaxial cable and comprises an interface portion, an intermediate portion and a cable relief portion. The interface portion has a forward inner surface defining a forward space configured to receive and engage an outer surface of an interface component. The interface portion comprises a first resilient material having a first characteristic softness. The intermediate portion has an intermediate inner surface defining an intermediate space configured to receive and engage an outer surface of a connector body. The intermediate space is smaller than the forward space. The cable relief portion has a rearward inner surface defining a rearward space configured to receive and engage the cable portion. The cable relief portion has a second characteristic softness which is stiffer than the first characteristic softness of the interface portion.