US 8,262,408 B1Granted

Coaxial cable assembly connection structure and method

AssigneeDistinct Intuitive Designs, LLC

InventorMark A. Kelly

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Abstract

A structure for the back end of repairable connectors, applicable for a variety of RF connectors, that facilitates superior mechanical and electrical characteristics of the resulting coax cable assembly. Also disclosed is a method of attaching one of various repairable connectors to coax cable that is both simple and stronger than existing methods. The outside insulation is removed from the end of the cable and the braiding is folded back out of the way. Depending on the number of layers of braiding, this step may be performed more than once. The dielectric surrounding the center conductor is then trimmed to expose the conductor. In one embodiment, a pin is soldered in-line with the center conductor. The connector is then placed on one end of the prepared cable and the braiding is unfolded. A band is then applied to secure the braiding against the connector, making a strong bond.

A connector for attachment to a coaxial cable to form a repairable cable assembly, the connector comprising:

a front coupler portion adapted for electrical and mechanical interconnection with an external device, rotatively connected to a rear connector portion for receiving and both electrically and mechanically connecting to a free end of a coaxial cable, said rear connector portion comprising:
i) a hollow, elongated barrel rotatively connected to, concentric with, and extending rearwardly from a rear edge of said front coupler portion, said hollow, elongated barrel comprising:
aa) a forward hollow barrel portion having a first proximal end, a first distal end, and a first diameter, said first proximal end being connected to said front coupler portion at a rear edge thereof, said forward barrel portion being concentric with said front coupler portion and having external threads circumferentially disposed on at least a portion of an external surface thereof, and teeth disposed axially on a distal end surface thereof, said distal end surface being substantially perpendicular to said thread-bearing external surface;
and
bb) a rear barrel portion having a second proximal end, a second distal end, and a second diameter, said second diameter being smaller than said first diameter, said second proximal end being disposed adjacent said first distal end, said rear barrel portion being concentrically connected to said forward barrel portion, said rear barrel portion having a knurled pattern circumferentially disposed on at least a portion of an external surface, said knurled surface forming a braid band land area, and a raised, concentric lip disposed proximate said second distal end of said rear barrel portion, said raised concentric lip having an outside diameter larger than said second diameter to prevent rearward movement of a braid restraining apparatus surrounding said braid band land area;
and
ii) a hollow connector back shell comprising axially disposed teeth for mechanical engagement with said teeth disposed axially on said distal end surface of said forward barrel portion, whereby said hollow connector back shell may be secured at a desired axial position relative to said forward barrel portion, said hollow connector back shell being removably engaged with said external threads of said inner connector portion.

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Abstract

Claims10