RF Cable Connector With Stable Shield Clamping for Pre-Tests

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and fragility of coaxial RF connectors, combined with the need for frequent connection and disconnection during pre-tests of radiofrequency subcomponents, pose challenges in efficiently and reliably connecting coaxial cables without damaging them or affecting RF and intermodulation performance.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly that allows quick and reliable connection and disconnection of coaxial cables without soldering, crimping, or wrapping, using a mechanism with a stable opening position for shield grounding and a microstrip transmission line for inner conductors, ensuring minimal risk of damage and maintaining performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coaxial RF connectors are used for connecting cables during pre-tests, then reliable RF connection is achieved, but cost increases and damage risk increases due to frequent connection/disconnection operations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, fragile RF connectors with a simple, robust pressing mechanism that can be repeatedly operated without damage. The pressing means with stable opening/closing positions provides reliable connection when closed, and allows easy disconnection when opened, eliminating the need for delicate RF connectors that are at risk of damage during frequent connection/disconnection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If coaxial RF connectors are used for temporary connections, then secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnector installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of connection from complex RF connectors, retaining only the necessary pressing and grounding elements. The connector assembly uses a simplified structure with a pressing means, conductive ground block, and cable guide, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining reliable electrical connection and shield grounding through the stable opening/closing positions of the pressing means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If frequent connection and disconnection operations are performed, then pre-testing efficiency is improved, but cable shield damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-test efficiencyVSAvoidshield damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a cable guide that preliminarily positions and guides the cable shield into the correct location before the pressing means engages. This preliminary guidance action ensures proper alignment and prevents misalignment damage during repeated connection and disconnection operations, enabling efficient pre-testing without compromising shield integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3176877B1A radiofrequency cable connector
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 ALCATEL LUCENT SHANGHAI BELL CO LTD
  • EP3176877B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A radiofrequency cable connector for connecting two coaxial cables, comprising: - means for electrically connecting the inner conductors (IC1, IC2) of the two coaxial cables; - means for electrically connecting the shields (S1, S2) of the two coaxial cables, comprising: -- a conductive ground block (GB1) adapted to receive the shield (S1) of the first cable, and being electrically connected to the shield (S2) of the second coaxial cable; -- and pressing means (PP1, F1) for pressing the bare shield (S1) of the first cable against the conductive ground block (GB1); The pressing means comprise a pressing part (PP1) and a fastener (F1) that can be set alternately in a stable pressing position, and in an stable opening position, this latter position enabling to introduce the bare shield (S1) of the first coaxial cable between the pressing part (PP1) and the conductive ground block (GB1).