Snap-on Coaxial Connector with Segmented Thermal Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave connectors with push-on style interfaces face issues such as thermal integration with the connector body during soldering, making the process slow, and require replacement when the soldered outer conductor cracks due to bending, twisting, or pulling, and multiple-position connectors are large and not easily uncoupled.
Innovation Solution
A snap-on electrical connector design with a housing featuring inner and outer diameter regions and a shoulder to securely seat a coaxial cable, along with a mating connector interface that includes a tapered portion and detent for secure engagement, allowing for easy cable insertion and soldering, and a resilient finger structure for snap-on functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cable adaptor is press-fit into the connector body making it thermally integral, then the connector assembly is simplified and structurally robust, but the soldering process speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is segmented into distinct regions with different thermal properties. The cable adaptor press-fit region maintains thermal integration for structural strength, while the cable soldering region is thermally isolated to enable faster soldering. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both structural robustness and soldering speed.
2Ease of repair
If multiple-position connectors are designed to allow individual field replacement, then maintenance flexibility is improved, but the connector size increases to about two inches in diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design nests the cable adaptor within the connector body in a compact configuration. The cable adaptor is received by a press-fit interface that allows individual replacement while maintaining a compact overall diameter significantly smaller than two inches. This nested arrangement enables field replacement flexibility without the large size penalty of traditional designs.
3Device complexity
If the outer conductor is soldered directly onto the connector, then the connection is simple and direct, but the soldered interface work hardens under normal use causing cracks and breaking
Solution Approach 1:
A cable adaptor serves as an intermediary component between the connector body and the coaxial cable. The adaptor is mechanically attached to the connector body through a press-fit interface and provides a separate soldering surface for the cable outer conductor. This intermediary structure prevents direct soldering to the connector body, eliminating work hardening and cracking while maintaining connection simplicity.
4Device complexity
If a single-position connector design is used, then the connector structure is simple, but multiple cables cannot be uncoupled with a single action
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with a universal press-fit interface structure that accommodates multiple cable adaptors. This multi-functional design allows the same simple press-fit mechanism to be used for both single-position and multiple-position configurations, enabling simple structure while supporting efficient multi-cable uncoupling through a single action.
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial transmission connector is provided that includes a housing and a plurality of fingers extending from the first end of the housing. The connector can be mated with a mating connector interface, which can be disposed in a bore extending within a multiple-position connector assembly. Methods for attaching a coaxial cable to a coaxial transmission connector and for mating the connector with the mating connector interface are also provided.