Slotted Clamped Termination Ring for Electrical Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connector assemblies face challenges in efficiently terminating multiple inner conductive shields and allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly without damaging the shields, as conventional methods often result in misalignment and deformation due to compression-based engagement.

Innovation Solution

A slotted, clamped termination ring with a circumferential clamp and backshell assembly that allows inner conductive shields to be folded back and secured, enabling non-rotatable engagement with the front connector body and backshell assembly, while maintaining a void for flexible alignment and easy disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If compression-based engagement is used to terminate inner conductive shields, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but misalignment and deformation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical attachmentVSAvoidalignment and deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The termination ring is divided into multiple slots, each accommodating individual inner conductive shields. This segmentation allows each shield to be independently positioned and terminated without interfering with others, eliminating misalignment and deformation caused by compression-based engagement of multiple shields together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional termination methods are used, then connector assembly is achieved, but disassembly and repair are difficult without damaging shields

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector assemblyVSAvoiddisassembly and reconnection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The termination ring is designed with a flexible structure that can be dynamically adjusted. During assembly, the ring is compressed to engage shields, but during disassembly, the flexibility allows the ring to be expanded or deformed to release shields without causing permanent damage, enabling easy repair and reconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for temporary deformation of the termination ring during disassembly to release shields, with the expectation that the ring can be recovered and reused. The flexible material and structure enable the ring to return to its original shape after shield release, maintaining its functionality for future assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid engagement structures are used, then stable connection is achieved, but adaptability to varying shield arrangements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidshield arrangement accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The termination ring is divided into multiple independent slots, each capable of accommodating shields of varying sizes, shapes, and positions. This segmented design provides stability within each slot while allowing overall adaptability to different shield arrangements, as each slot can be independently adjusted to fit its specific shield.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The termination ring incorporates flexible materials and variable geometric parameters that allow it to adapt to different shield configurations. The ring can change its effective engagement parameters (such as compression force, slot width, and position) to accommodate varying shield arrangements while maintaining stable connection through the flexible structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3332455B1Slotted, clamped termination ring for an electrical connector assembly
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 GLENAIR INC
  • EP3332455B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3332455B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3332455B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A termination ring for an electrical connector has slots for receiving multiple inner conductive shields of a cable. The shields pass through the slots, are folded back onto a rear portion of the termination ring, and are clamped onto the termination ring. After assembling a backshell onto the connector over the termination ring, a void remains between the interior surface of the backshell and the clamped inner conductive shields, thereby enabling proper mechanical engagement of the connector, termination ring, and backshell.