Spring-Loaded RF Connector Float Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF connectors with springs face issues of misalignment during mating, potential damage, and tilting due to axial compression and cable routing, leading to unreliable connections and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An RF module with spring-loaded RF connectors that can float within connector cavities, combined with a strain relief feature having pockets for cable management, ensures proper alignment and secure mating by allowing axial and radial repositioning of the connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pre-compressed spring is used to force connectors forward and ensure contact engagement, then contact engagement reliability is improved, but contact misalignment and potential damage occur when contact axes are not properly aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with dynamic compliance through a compliant mechanism that allows the contact to move and adapt its position during mating. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the contact to self-align with the mating contact axis even when initial alignment is imperfect, preventing damage while maintaining engagement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the connector by introducing a compliant mechanism that alters the stiffness and movement characteristics of the contact. This allows the contact to undergo controlled deformation and position changes during mating, enabling safe engagement without requiring precise pre-alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coaxial cables are routed to components behind connectors, then system integration is improved, but connectors tilt or rotate within housing causing misalignment and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by designing the compliant mechanism to preemptively counteract the tilting and rotating forces generated by cable routing. The compliant structure anticipates these destabilizing forces and is designed to resist them, maintaining connector alignment stability even when cables are routed to components behind the connectors.
3Reliability
If connectors are designed with short contact length to minimize transmission line impedance change, then RF performance is improved, but connector complexity increases to ensure proper mating
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic compliance through a compliant mechanism that adds movement capability to the connector structure. This dynamic element allows the short-contact-length connector to self-align during mating, achieving proper engagement without requiring complex rigid alignment features, thus maintaining RF performance while managing structural complexity.
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 solution enables reliable and cost-effective manufacturing of RF connector assemblies with improved mating safety, preventing damage and ensuring secure connections by allowing the RF connectors to float and align properly with electrical connectors.
Implementation Method 1
each RF connector extending through the corresponding opening and being spring loaded in the connector cavity to allow the RF connector to float in the connector cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
An RF module (12) includes a housing (26) that has walls defining connector cavities. The walls include a rear wall that has a plurality of openings therethrough. The connector cavity is open opposite the rear wall to receive an electrical connector. RF connectors (30) are received in the connector cavities. The RF connectors (30) are terminated to corresponding cables (32). The RF connectors (30) extend through the corresponding opening and are spring loaded in the connector cavity to allow the RF connectors (30) to float in the connector cavity. A strain relief feature (310) extends from the housing (26) rearward of the rear wall and has a plurality of pockets (326) configured to receive corresponding cables (32) extending from the RF connectors (30).