Rotatable Biasing Electrical Connector for Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Screw clamping connectors used in junction boxes for broadband and CATV networks experience significant signal attenuation at frequencies above 1 GHz due to impedance mismatch, as they are not adequately matched to the cable network.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a rotatable insulating body with a tapered guide channel and a biasing member, such as a torsion spring, allows for the secure insertion and alignment of a conductor pin with an electrically conductive member, eliminating the need for manual screw fixing and ensuring impedance matching up to 3 GHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw clamping connectors are used in junction boxes, then electrical connection can be established, but signal attenuation increases significantly at frequencies above 1 GHz due to impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical connection parameters by replacing screw clamping with a push-fit mechanism featuring tapered guide channels and biasing members. This structural parameter change enables impedance matching across higher frequencies (up to 3 GHz) while maintaining reliable electrical connection, thereby reducing signal attenuation without sacrificing connection reliability
2Reliability
If screw clamping is used to clamp cable conductor core, then electrical connection is established, but manual operation complexity increases and assembly time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a self-aligning push-fit mechanism where the tapered guide channels automatically guide the conductor pin into proper alignment, and the biasing member automatically secures the connection upon insertion. This eliminates the need for manual screw tightening operations while maintaining reliable electrical connection, significantly simplifying the assembly process
3Reliability
If traditional screw clamping connectors are used, then connection can be made, but impedance matching to cable network is poor causing signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the connection interface through tapered guide channels and precisely positioned biasing members. These parameter changes create a controlled impedance pathway that matches the cable network impedance across a broader frequency range (up to 3 GHz), thereby improving impedance matching precision while maintaining connection functionality
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 design achieves effective signal transmission with low signal loss and allows high AC/DC current passage, maintaining low contact resistance and enabling operational frequencies up to 3 GHz and currents up to 15A without significant heating.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member connected to the insulating body, wherein the insulating body is formed with at least one tapered guide channel in which is located an insertion axis and the insulating body is rotatable from a first biased position in which the at least one tapered guide channel is offset from the at least one connection channel
Implementation Method 2
the biasing member is preferably a spring and more preferably a torsion spring
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a connector comprising an electrically conductive member (48) fixed in position within a rotatable insulating body (42), the electrically conductive member (48) comprising at least one connection channel (72, 74), a biasing member (46) such as a torsion spring connected to the insulating body (42), and an insertion axis (94), wherein the rotatable insulating body (42) is formed with at least one tapered guide channel (44) in which is located an insertion axis and the insulating body (42) is rotatable from a first biased position in which the at least one tapered guide channel (44) is offset from the connection channel (72, 74) to a second biased position where the at least one connection channel (72, 74) is aligned with the insertion axis (94). The electrically conductive member (48) is rotatable against a biasing force of the biasing member (46) upon insertion of a conductor pin.