Self-aligning RF Connector with Spring-loaded Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-aligning connectors face challenges with precise alignment and misalignment issues due to mechanical tolerances between test adapters and devices, leading to potential damage or incorrect test results, as they require high forces for tilting and lack automatic restoration to centered positions.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning connector design featuring a connector body with elastic elements and springs for adjustable movement in three degrees of freedom, allowing for precise alignment and automatic restoration to a centered position without significant force, using a centering collar and guide within a housing for coaxial RF connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a self-aligning connector uses a high spring force to restore the connector body to centered position, then alignment precision is improved, but the force required for tilting adjustment becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is divided into two independent adjustment mechanisms: axial movement (along the longitudinal axis) and tilting movement (angular adjustment). The axial spring only acts on axial position, while tilting is achieved through a separate pivot point mechanism with a tilt stop, eliminating the need for high tilting forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting adjustment is achieved by rotating the connector body around a pivot point rather than forcing it against a spring in the same axial dimension. This dimensional change allows angular adjustment without overcoming the axial spring force.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connector body is held firmly in position during operation, then connection stability is improved, but automatic restoration to centered position after disconnecting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The axial spring is pre-loaded to automatically push the connector body toward the centered initial position as soon as the mating connector is removed. This preliminary restoring action occurs before any manual intervention is needed, ensuring automatic centering.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system uses the axial spring to self-restore the connector body to its initial centered position automatically after disconnection, without requiring external force or manual adjustment. The system serves itself by utilizing the stored elastic energy in the spring.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical tolerances are reduced to achieve precise alignment, then connection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on fixed mechanical tolerances, the connector body is made dynamically adjustable through spring-loaded axial movement and pivot-based tilting. This allows the connector to actively compensate for manufacturing tolerances and achieve precise alignment through movement rather than through tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector allows changes in position parameters (axial distance and angular orientation) through spring force and pivot rotation, enabling the system to adapt to varying manufacturing tolerances and achieve optimal alignment dynamically rather than being fixed at manufacturing stage.
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
Enables precise alignment and automatic restoration of the connector body to a centered position, reducing the risk of misalignment and damage, and facilitating easy coupling without high forces, thus improving the reliability of test connections.
Implementation Method 1
an axial spring configured to be compressed before the first axial spring, such that the mating connectors are coupled before the first axial spring is compressed
Implementation Method 2
When the connector interface is not connected to a mating connector, it is preferably forced into an initial position by the elastic springs
Implementation Method 3
Movements in these three degrees of freedom are preferably preloaded by elastic elements and/or springs
Implementation Method 4
The connector body is further supported tiltably against its longitudinal axis and slidably along its longitudinal axis within the connector guide
Data Source
AI summary
A self-aligning RF connector interface comprises an electrical feed-trough with a connector body and an internal connector. The connector body defines a longitudinal axis. The connector interface further comprises a centering collar, a connector guide and an outer housing. The centering collar is spring loaded by a second axial spring and retractable with respect to the connector body. The connector body is spring loaded by a first axial spring and retractable and tiltable with respect to the connector guide. The connector guide is movable in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis.