RF Module With Separable Shielding And Adjustable Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional RF connector assemblies for backplane systems are time-consuming and costly to assemble due to individual mating of lead end connectors and require flexible coaxial cables that can strain and misalign connections, especially in compact spaces.
Innovation Solution
The RF module features a grounding block with separable shielding bodies and contact inserts that include a compressible coil spring and RF contacts with axial and radial adjustability, allowing for secure, efficient, and flexible mating without cables, enabling direct connection between a backplane and daughtercard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead end connectors are individually and separately mated with board connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual connector mating operations into a single modular RF module assembly. The module integrates multiple contacts and shielding structures that can be mated with the board as one unit, eliminating the need for separate mating of each lead end connector. This reduces assembly time while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF module is pre-assembled with all contacts, shielding bodies, and grounding structures configured in their final positions before mating with the board. The contacts are pre-positioned within the module housing, and the shielding bodies are pre-installed, allowing the entire assembly to be mated in a single operation rather than assembling components individually during the mating process.
2Volume of moving object
If spacing between housing and board connectors is reduced to less than one inch, then space utilization is improved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector system into modular components: the RF module with integrated contacts and shielding, and the board connector interface. This segmentation allows the module to be designed with compact dimensions while maintaining assembly ease through standardized interfaces. The modular design enables tight spacing without increasing assembly difficulty because each module is self-contained with pre-configured components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where shielding bodies are positioned within the module housing, and contacts are positioned within the shielding bodies. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to occupy minimal space while maintaining their individual functions. The compact nested arrangement enables the module to fit in tight spaces with less than one inch spacing while preserving assembly simplicity through the integrated nested design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coaxial cables are bent to provide proper routing, then flexibility is improved, but connection position accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the coaxial cables from the connector assembly, replacing them with direct rigid or flexible printed circuit board traces and contacts. By removing the cables that require bending for routing, the invention eliminates the source of position inaccuracy while maintaining the necessary flexibility through alternative means such as flexible PCBs or rigid contacts with tolerance compensation features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable routing system with an integrated contact system where electrical connections are made through rigid contacts or flexible PCB traces that are inherently positioned accurately. This substitution eliminates the need for cable bending and the associated position errors, while flexibility is maintained through the design of the contact interfaces and PCB routing rather than through cable flexibility.
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
This solution facilitates a cost-effective, timely, and reliable assembly of RF modules that reduce assembly complexity and space usage by eliminating the need for cables, ensuring consistent and adaptable connections even in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The RF contact may include a center contact pin slidably connected to a lead, and a compressible coil spring biased within the contact insert. The compressible coil spring allows for the center contact pin to axially adjust with respect to the lead in response to varying mating forces.
Data Source
AI summary
An RF module includes a contact insert having a separable shielding body retaining an RF contact. The RF contact includes an RF mating tip connected to a signal tail. The mating tip and the signal tail extend out of shielding body. The shielding body includes first and second body members. The RF contact is positioned within the first body member and the second body member is removably secured to the second body member so that at least a portion of the RF contact is contained between the first and second body members. The RF module may also include a grounding block. The contact insert may be removably secured within the grounding block.