Self-Aligning RF Connector With Collapsible Offset Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid RF connectors often fail to align properly with devices, leading to potential damage and the generation of foreign object debris (FOD) due to off-axis connections, especially in blind connections through structural members, where existing alignment mechanisms are insufficient to accommodate offset tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning RF connector design featuring a collapsible connector support with various O-ring configurations, such as flared, hollow-core, half-moon, D-shaped, acute angle, V-shaped, and caret-shaped rings, which are secured within a recess on the connector body and configured to protrude and collapse, generating a reaction force to align the connector with devices while allowing for offset positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid RF connector is used for connection, then structural strength and durability are improved, but alignment capability and tolerance to offset positions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is divided into a rigid outer structure and a separate collapsible alignment member (O-ring) that can independently deform. This segmentation allows the rigid body to maintain structural strength while the O-ring segment provides alignment capability through controlled collapse during insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The O-ring alignment member transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that can collapse and recover during the connection process. The O-ring deforms elastically during insertion to accommodate misalignment, then returns to its original shape to maintain the connection, providing adaptive alignment without compromising the rigid structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If an O-ring is added at the end location for alignment, then alignment capability is improved, but alignment force and effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring is positioned in a recess on the side surface of the connector body rather than at the end location, utilizing the radial dimension for alignment. This side-mounted configuration allows the O-ring to exert alignment force perpendicular to the insertion direction, providing more effective alignment control during the connection process
3Measurement precision
If alignment force is increased to ensure proper alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but risk of damage and FOD generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring's material hardness and cross-sectional dimensions are carefully selected to provide adequate alignment force through elastic deformation rather than rigid contact. This controlled parameter selection ensures proper alignment while keeping forces within safe limits to prevent damage to the connector or generation of foreign object debris
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
The collapsible connector support effectively aligns the RF connector in nominal positions and accommodates offset tolerances, reducing the risk of damage and FOD by providing a sufficient aligning force without disrupting the connection process, thus enhancing the safety and reliability of RF connector applications.
Implementation Method 1
a collapsible connector support configured to interface with an interfacing surface to facilitate generation of a reaction force... the reaction force can be sufficient to support at least a portion of a mass of the RF connector
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure sets forth a rigid, self-aligning radio frequency (“RF”) connector comprising a rigid body with a first connection end and a second connection end opposite the first connection end. The RF connector can also comprise a recess disposed on an outer surface of the rigid body between the first and second connection ends, and a collapsible connector support that can comprise a connection portion and a collapsible portion. The collapsible connector support can be disposed within and protrude from the recess while also being configured to collapse into the recess. The collapsible connector support can also be configured to interface with an interfacing surface to facilitate generation of a reaction force sufficient to support the RF connector in an offset position relative to the interfacing surface and to nominally align the RF connector with a device to be connected.