Solderless Test Fixture for Trimmed Coaxial Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing methods for antenna components are expensive and prone to errors due to the need for soldered connectors, which are often faulty and require additional time and expense to re-solder, especially when testing cables and components like diplexers and filters.
Innovation Solution
A solderless test fixture with a base, frames, choke covers, and test bodies that use RF chokes and DIN connectors to test antenna components without direct metal-to-metal contact, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, and utilizing clamps and springs to ensure reliable connections without soldering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldered connectors are used for testing antenna components, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to soldering faults requiring rework
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the soldering process (thermal/chemical mechanical system) with a mechanical compression system. Test fixtures use compression connectors that apply mechanical force to create reliable electrical contact without soldering, thereby eliminating soldering faults and rework while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces compression connectors as intermediary components between the test equipment and antenna components. These connectors serve as mediators that provide reliable electrical connection through mechanical compression rather than soldering, simplifying the manufacturing process and eliminating soldering-related complexities.
2Reliability
If soldered connectors are used for testing antenna components, then electrical connection is established, but loss of time increases due to faulty soldering requiring additional rework
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces soldering with mechanical compression connection, which is significantly faster and does not require cooling time or rework. The compression connectors can be quickly attached and detached, eliminating the time loss associated with faulty soldering and rework cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The test fixtures are pre-configured with compression connectors that are ready for immediate connection. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site soldering operations, allowing testing to begin immediately and reducing overall testing time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are soldered and cut off after each test, then testing of different components is enabled, but loss of substance increases due to discarded connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal compression connectors that can be repeatedly used across multiple testing operations. These connectors are designed to remain attached to the test fixture and serve multiple components, eliminating the need to discard connectors after each test and thereby reducing material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding connectors after each test, the patent implements a system where compression connectors are retained on the test fixture and reused for subsequent testing operations. This recovery and reuse approach significantly reduces connector waste while maintaining testing versatility.
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 solderless test fixture reduces labor and costs by enabling efficient testing and tuning of antenna components with improved PIM performance and impedance matching, allowing for multiple uses of the main frame while easily replacing wear-out components like press bolts.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the first cavity and at least a portion of the second cavity may define a radio frequency (RF) choke for the at least one cable
Data Source
AI summary
A test fixture for testing performance of a trimmed cable and/or antenna components. The test fixture may be connected without the use of solder allowing for accurate testing or tuning of one or more the antenna components.