RF Connector Outer Conductor Latching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-tolerance latching arrangements in RF connectors lead to discontinuities and increased mechanical forces, affecting the reliability and efficiency of pluggable connections, especially in applications like the automotive field.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring inner and outer conductor contacts with interlocking securing means, eliminating the need for housings and minimizing tolerances by securing only the outer conductors, which enhances the robustness and durability of the connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If latching springs on housing are used to mechanically latch connectors together, then connectors can be securely connected, but high tolerances are introduced that cause discontinuities in RF pluggable connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoidconnection tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the latching function from the housing and relocates it to the outer conductor contact. The housing is eliminated as a load-bearing component, and the outer conductor contact alone performs both the electrical connection and mechanical latching functions through integrated securing means, thereby eliminating tolerance accumulation between housing and contact components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the electrical conductor function and mechanical latching function into a single integrated component (outer conductor contact). The outer conductor contact includes both the electrical conduction path and the plug securing means, eliminating the need for separate housing structures and reducing the number of interfaces that could introduce tolerances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If housing elements including plastic parts are used to transmit forces, then connectors can be assembled easily, but mechanical forces affect the pluggable connection reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidpluggable connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical force transmission system through plastic housing with a direct metal-to-metal force transmission through the outer conductor contact. The cable connection is transmitted directly to the contact elements, bypassing the housing entirely, which eliminates the compliance and deformation issues associated with plastic parts under mechanical load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If high tolerances are used in latching arrangements, then manufacturing is simpler, but discontinuities occur in RF pluggable connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconnection tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using the housing to latch the connectors and the contacts to make electrical connection, the invention inverts this arrangement: the outer conductor contact performs both functions. The plug securing means on the outer conductor contact engages with the mating connector to provide mechanical latching, while simultaneously maintaining electrical connection, thereby eliminating the need for separate housing latching mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20240186748A1Connector, mating connector, and connector system

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 MD ELEKTRONIK GMBH

AI summary

A connector incudes at least one inner conductor contact surrounded by an insulator along a mating direction, and an outer conductor contact surrounding the insulator along the mating direction. The outer conductor contact has at least one first plug securing means, so that the connector is securable to a corresponding mating connector via the outer conductor contact.