Shielded Coaxial Connectors with Waveguide RF Ingress Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coaxial cable connectors are inadequately shielded, leading to unwanted RF ingress and egress, which affects CATV and satellite television signal distribution systems, and current solutions are either expensive, impractical, or unreliable.

Innovation Solution

The use of disconnect switches and electromagnetic radiation shields with waveguides, such as perforated metallic structures, to isolate exposed conductors and restrict RF signal transfer in coaxial cable connectors, even when they are left open.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional shielding methods are used in coaxial connectors, then some RF protection is provided, but the shielding is inadequate and allows unwanted RF ingress and egress

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF ingress and egressVSAvoidshielding effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding structure is divided into multiple segments including an inner conductor, outer conductor, and intermediate shield sections. Each segment provides a specific function in the RF shielding path, creating multiple barriers against RF ingress and egress rather than relying on a single shielding layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested shielding configuration where the inner conductor is surrounded by a dielectric, which is then surrounded by an outer conductor, forming concentric shielding layers. This nested structure provides progressive RF attenuation as signals pass through each layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If connectors are left open for accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but RF ingress increases due to exposed conductors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector accessibilityVSAvoidRF ingress through exposed conductors

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is pre-configured with shielding structures and disconnect switches that are ready to prevent RF ingress before any exposure occurs. The disconnect switch is positioned to automatically isolate exposed conductors, and the shielding layers are pre-installed to provide immediate RF protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A disconnect switch serves as an intermediary element between the exposed conductor and the RF environment. When engaged, it actively isolates the exposed conductor from RF signals, providing a controlled barrier that maintains both accessibility and RF protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding structures are added to reduce RF ingress, then RF protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF signal transferVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding functions are merged into the existing connector body structure rather than being added as separate external components. The inner and outer conductors are integrated into the connector housing, and the disconnect switch is incorporated within the same assembly, reducing overall structural complexity despite enhanced shielding capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: the conductors provide both electrical connection and RF shielding, the disconnect switch provides both mechanical isolation and RF blocking, and the dielectric material provides both insulation and structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple shielding layers are implemented, then RF attenuation is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF signal attenuationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite construction combining different materials (conductors, dielectrics, and shielding layers) in a unified structure. These composite components are designed to be manufactured as integrated assemblies, reducing the number of separate manufacturing steps and assembly operations required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Effectively reduces RF signal ingress and egress by attenuating specific frequencies, maintaining a suitable impedance match and minimizing return loss, thereby improving signal quality and reducing interference in CATV distribution systems.

Implementation Method 1

The connector includes a waveguide with an aperture for receiving a center conductor. The waveguide is configured to shield selected connector body internals from ingress of radio frequency signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

electromagnetic radiation shields with waveguides, such as perforated metallic structures, to isolate exposed conductors and restrict RF signal transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS10340638B2Shielded and multishielded coaxial connectors

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 HOLLAND ELECTRONICS LLC

AI summary

A shielded coaxial connector including a central conductor and a waveguide to shield the central conductor from RF signals.