RF Connector Support Sleeve for PCB Stress Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF-connector systems experience mechanical stress at the connection interface due to forces from attached cables, leading to wear and incorrect transmission of RF signals, particularly when connectors are not aligned perfectly with the printed circuit board.
Innovation Solution
An RF-connector system with a support that clamps an adapter, absorbing mechanical stress and preventing it from transferring to the connection interface, using a design that allows for tolerance compensation and wear prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the RF-connector is directly attached to the printed circuit board without additional support, then the device structure remains simple, but mechanical stress from cables and frequent attachments transfers to the connection interface, causing wear and signal transmission issues
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the RF-connector and the cable connection point. This adapter includes a conservation portion that absorbs mechanical stress, preventing it from transferring to the printed circuit board connection interface. The adapter effectively mediates between the cable forces and the connector, protecting the critical connection interface while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system is segmented into distinct functional portions: the RF-connector itself, the adapter with conservation portion, and the cable interface. This segmentation allows the conservation portion to independently absorb mechanical stress through controlled deformation, while the RF-connector remains protected and can be precisely mounted to the printed circuit board without bearing cable loads.
2Ease of operation
If the adapter has a longer lever arm to provide better cable support, then cable stability improves, but mechanical stress and torque on the connection interface increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conservation portion of the adapter acts as a stress-absorbing intermediary that breaks the mechanical leverage chain. Even when the adapter has a longer lever arm for cable support, the conservation portion deforms elastically to absorb the resulting torque, preventing it from transferring to the RF-connector and printed circuit board connection interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The conservation portion is designed with material and structural properties that provide beforehand cushioning against mechanical stress. It is configured to deform elastically under load, absorbing stress and torque before they can reach the connection interface, thereby protecting the connection from wear and damage even during frequent cable attachments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent cable attachments and detachments are performed, then system adaptability improves, but wear on the RF-connector contacting surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter's conservation portion is designed as a sacrificial or wear-prone component that protects the more valuable RF-connector. While the conservation portion may experience wear from frequent cable attachments, the RF-connector's contacting surface remains protected. The adapter can be replaced more easily and cheaply than the entire connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as a mediator that absorbs wear and mechanical stress during cable attachment and detachment operations. The conservation portion of the adapter experiences the friction and mechanical contact, while the RF-connector's precision contacting surface remains untouched, maintaining signal transmission quality over time.
4Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing tolerances are relaxed to reduce production costs, then manufacturing precision improves, but misalignment between the RF-connector and printed circuit board increases, causing mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The conservation portion of the adapter is designed with dynamic compliance, allowing it to deform elastically to compensate for misalignment between the RF-connector and the printed circuit board. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to tolerate broader manufacturing tolerances while maintaining proper electrical connection and preventing excessive mechanical stress on the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter introduces compliance parameters that allow for parameter changes in the mechanical connection. The conservation portion can change its physical state through elastic deformation, adjusting to misalignment conditions caused by manufacturing tolerances, thereby decoupling the precision requirements from the overall assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
RF-connector systems for coupling an RF-cable to a printed circuit board are disclosed herein. According to one aspect, an RF-connector system (1) comprises: a printed circuit board (2), an RF-connector (3) attached to the printed circuit board (2), a clamping sleeve (20) designed to clamp an adapter (4) attached to the RF connector (3), and a joint bearing (30) attachable to a housing (6) of a measuring device. The joint bearing (30) comprises a support (5). The support (5) is designed to receive the clamping sleeve (20) inside of the support (5). And the joint bearing (30) is designed to clamp the clamping sleeve (20) inside of the support (5).