Coaxial cable connector and method of use thereof

A coaxial cable connector is provided, the connector comprising: a connector body; a physical parameter sensing circuit, positioned within the connector body; and a status output component, configured to report an ascertained physical parameter status to a location outside of the connector body. A corresponding method of ascertaining a physical parameter status of a connector connection is disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to coaxial cable connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a coaxial cable connector and related methodology for ascertaining conditions of a connection of the coaxial cable connector to an RF port.

2. Related Art

Cable communications have become an increasingly prevalent form of electromagnetic information exchange and coaxial cables are common conduits for transmission of electromagnetic communications. Many communications devices are designed to be connectable to coaxial cables. Accordingly, there are several coaxial cable connectors commonly provided to facilitate connection of coaxial cables to each other and or to various communications devices.

It is important for a coaxial cable connector to facilitate an accurate, durable, and reliable connection so that cable communications may be exchanged properly. Thus, it is often important to ascertain whether a cable connector is properly connected. However, typical means and methods of ascertaining proper connection status are cumbersome and often involve costly procedures involving detection devices remote to the connector or physical, invasive inspection on-site. Hence, there exists a need for a coaxial cable connector that is configured to maintain proper connection performance, by the connector itself sensing the status of various physical parameters related to the connection of the connector, and by communicating the sensed physical parameter status through an output component of the connector. The instant invention addresses the abovementioned deficiencies and provides numerous other advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for use with coaxial cable connections that offers improved reliability.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector for connection to an RF port, the connector comprising: a connector body; a physical parameter status sensing circuit, positioned within the connector body, the physical parameter status sensing circuit configured to sense a condition of the connector when connected to the RF port; and a status output component, in electrical communication with the sensing circuit, the status output component positioned within the connector body and configured to maintain the status of the physical parameter.

A second aspect of the present invention provides an RF port coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body; means for monitoring a physical parameter status located within the connector body; and means for reporting the physical parameter status of the connection of the connector to the RF port, the reporting means configured to provide the physical parameter status to a location outside of the connector body.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector connection system having an RF port, the system comprising: a coaxial cable connector, the connector having an internal physical parameter sensing circuit configured to sense a physical parameter of the connection between the connector and an RF port, the connector further having a status output component; a communications device, having the RF port to which the smart connector is coupled to form a connection therewith; and a physical parameter status reader, located externally to the connector, the reader configured to receive, via the status output component, information, from the sensing circuit, about the connection between the connector and the RF port of the communications device.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector connection status ascertainment method comprising: providing a coaxial cable connector having a connector body; providing a sensing circuit within the connector body, the sensing circuit having a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the connector when connected; providing a status output component within the connector body, the status output component in communication with the sensing circuit to receive physical parameter status information; connecting the connector to an RF port to form a connection; and reporting the physical parameter status information, via the status output component, to facilitate conveyance of the physical parameter status of the connection to a location outside of the connector body.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector for connection to an RF port, the connector comprising: a port connection end and a cable connection end; a mating force sensor, located at the port connection end; a humidity sensor, located within a cavity of the connector, the cavity extending from the cable connection end; and a weather-proof encasement, housing a processor and a transmitter, the encasement operable with a body portion of the connector; wherein the mating force sensor and the humidity sensor are connected via a sensing circuit to the processor and the output transmitter.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides an RF port coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body; a control logic unit and an output transmitter, the control logic unit and the output transmitter housed within an encasement located radially within a portion of the connector body; and a sensing circuit, electrically linking a mating force sensor and a humidity sensor to the control logic unit and the output transmitter.

The foregoing and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although certain embodiments of the present invention will be shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., which are disclosed simply as an example of an embodiment. The features and advantages of the present invention are illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings.

It is often desirable to ascertain conditions relative to a coaxial cable connector connection. A condition of a connector connection at a given time, or over a given time period, may comprise a physical parameter status relative to a connected coaxial cable connector. A physical parameter status is an ascertainable physical state relative to the connection of the coaxial cable connector, wherein the physical parameter status may be used to help identify whether a connector connection performs accurately. Embodiments of a connector100of the present invention may be considered “smart”, in that the connector100itself ascertains physical parameter status pertaining to the connection of the connector100to an RF port.

Referring to the drawings,FIGS. 1-3depict cut-away perspective views of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector100with an internal sensing circuit30, in accordance with the present invention. The connector100includes a connector body50. The connector body50comprises a physical structure that houses at least a portion of any internal components of a coaxial cable connector100. Accordingly the connector body50can accommodate internal positioning of various components, such as a first spacer40, an interface sleeve60, a second spacer70, and/or a center conductor contact80that may be assembled within the connector100. In addition, the connector body50may be conductive. The structure of the various component elements included in a connector100and the overall structure of the connector100may operably vary. However, a governing principle behind the elemental design of all features of a coaxial connector100is that the connector100should be compatible with common coaxial cable interfaces pertaining to typical coaxial cable communications devices. Accordingly, the structure related to the embodiments of coaxial cable connectors100depicted in the variousFIGS. 1-6is intended to be exemplary. Those in the art should appreciate that a connector100may include any operable structural design allowing the connector100to sense a condition of a connection of the connector100with an interface to an RF port of a common coaxial cable communications device, and also report a corresponding connection performance status to a location outside of the connector100.

A coaxial cable connector100has internal circuitry that may sense connection conditions, store data, and/or determine monitorable variables of physical parameter status such as presence of moisture (humidity detection, as by mechanical, electrical, or chemical means), connection tightness (applied mating force existent between mated components), temperature, pressure, amperage, voltage, signal level, signal frequency, impedance, return path activity, connection location (as to where along a particular signal path a connector100is connected), service type, installation date, previous service call date, serial number, etc. A connector100includes a physical parameter status sensing circuit30. A sensing circuit30may be integrated onto typical coaxial cable connector components. The sensing circuit30may be located on existing connector structures. For example, a connector100may include a component such as a first spacer40having a face42. A sensing circuit30may be positioned on the face42of the first spacer40of the connector100. The physical parameter status sensing circuit30is configured to sense a condition of the connector100when the connector100is connected with an interface of a common coaxial cable communications device, such as interface port15of receiving box8(seeFIG. 5). Moreover, various portions of the circuitry of a sensing circuit30may be fixed onto multiple component elements of a connector100.

Power for the physical parameter status sensing circuit30and/or other powered components of a connector100may be provided through electrical communication with the center conductor80. For instance, traces may be printed on the first spacer40and positioned so that the traces make electrical contact with the center conductor contact80at a location46(seeFIG. 2). Contact with the center conductor contact80at location46facilitates the ability for the sensing circuit30to draw power from the cable signal(s) passing through the center conductor contact80. Traces may also be formed and positioned so as to make contact with grounding components. For example, a ground path may extend through a location48between the first spacer40and the interface sleeve60, or any other operably conductive component of the connector100. A connector100may be powered by other means. For example, the connector100may include a battery, a micro fuel cell, a solar cell or other like photovoltaic cell, a radio frequency transducer for power conversion from electromagnet transmissions by external devices, and/or any other like powering means. Power may come from a DC source, an AC source, or an RF source. Those in the art should appreciate that a physical parameter status sensing circuit30should be powered in a way that does not significantly disrupt or interfere with electromagnetic communications that may be exchanged through the connector100.

With continued reference to the drawings,FIG. 4depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a physical parameter status sensing circuit30. Embodiments of a physical parameter status sensing circuit30may be variably configured to include various electrical components and related circuitry so that a connector100can measure or determine connection performance by sensing a condition1relative to the connection of the connector100, wherein knowledge of the sensed condition1may be provided as physical parameter status information and used to help identify whether the connection performs accurately. Accordingly, the circuit configuration as schematically depicted inFIG. 4is provided to exemplify one embodiment of a sensing circuit30that may operate with a connector100. Those in the art should recognize that other circuit30configurations may be provided to accomplish the sensing of physical parameters corresponding to a connector100connection. For instance, each block or portion of the sensing circuit30can be individually implemented as an analog or digital circuit.

As schematically depicted, a sensing circuit30may comprise one or more sensors31. For example, the sensing circuit30may include a torque sensor31aconfigured to detect the tightness of the connection of the connector100with an interface of another coaxial communications device having an RF port. The torque sensor31amay measure, determine, detect, or otherwise sense a connection condition1a, such as the mating force resultant from the physical connection of the connector100with the interface, such as RF port15of the receiving box8(seeFIG. 5). A connector100may include a plurality of sensors31. For instance, in addition to a torque sensor31a, a connector100may include: a temperature sensor31bconfigured to sense a connection condition1b, such as the temperature of all or a portion of the connector100; a humidity sensor31cconfigured to sense a connection condition1c, such as the presence and amount of any moisture or water vapor existent in the connector100and/or in the connection between the connector100and an interface with another cable communications device; and a pressure sensor31dconfigured to sense a connection1d, such as the pressure existent in all or a portion of the connector100and/or in the overall connection involving the connector100and an interface with another cable communications device. Other sensors may also be included in a sensing circuit30to help detect connection conditions1related to physical parameters such as amperage, voltage, signal level, signal frequency, impedance, return path activity, connection location (as to where along a particular signal path a connector100is connected), service type, installation date, previous service call date, serial number, etc.

A sensed connection condition1may be electrically communicated within a sensing circuit30from a sensor31. For example the sensed condition may be communicated as physical parameter status information to a control logic unit32. The control logic unit32may include and/or operate with protocol to govern what, if any, actions can/should be taken with regard to the sensed condition1following its electrical communication to the control logic unit32. The control logic unit32may be a microprocessor or any other electrical component or electrical circuitry capable of processing a signal based on governing logic. A memory unit33may be in electrical communication with the control logic unit32. The memory unit33may store physical parameter status information related to sensed connection conditions1. The stored physical parameter status information may then be later communicated or processed by the control logic unit32or otherwise operated on by the sensing circuit30. Furthermore the memory unit33may be a component or device that may store governing protocol. The governing protocol may be instructions that form a computer program, or may be simple logic commands. Stored protocol information that governs control logic operations may comprise a form of stored program architecture versatile for processing over some interval of time. A sensing circuit30may accordingly include a timer34. In addition, a sensing circuit30may include a memory access interface35. The memory access interface35may be in electrical communication with the control logic unit32.

Various other electrical components may be included in embodiments of a sensing circuit30. For example, where the circuit30includes multiple sensors31, a multiplexer36may be included to integrate signals from the various sensors31. Moreover, depending on signal strength coming from a sensor31, a sensing circuit30may include an amplifier320ato adjust the strength of the signal from the sensor31sufficient to be operated on by other electrical components, such as the control logic unit32. Additionally, an ADC unit37(analog-to-digital converter) may be included in a sensing circuit30. The ADC unit37may, if needed, convert analog signals originating from the sensors31to digital signals. The multiplexer36, ADC unit37and amplifier320a, may all be in parallel with the control logic unit32and the timer34helping to coordinate operation of the various components. A data bus38may facilitate transfer of signal information between a sensor31and the control logic unit32. The data bus38may also be in communication with one or more registers39. The registers39may be integral to the control logic unit32, such as microcircuitry on a microprocessor. The registers39generally contain and/or operate on signal information that the control logic unit32may use to carry out sensing circuit30functions, possibly according to some governing protocol. For example, the registers39may be switching transistors integrated on a microprocessor, and functioning as electronic “flip-flops”.

A sensing circuit30may include and/or operate with an input component300. The input component300may receive input signals3, wherein the input signals3may originate from a location outside of the connector100. For example, the input component300may comprise a conductive element that is physically accessible by a communications device, such as a wire lead410from a reader400a(seeFIG. 5). The sensing circuit30may be electrically linked by traces, leads, wires, or other electrical conduits located within a connector100ato electrically connect an external communications device, such as the reader400a. An input signal3may originate from a reader400alocated outside of the connector, wherein the reader400atransmits the input signal3through a wire lead410a-bin electrical contact with the connector100aso that the input signal3passes through the input component300and to the electrically connected sensing circuit30. In addition, a sensing circuit30may include and/or operate with an input component300, wherein the input component300is in electrical contact with the center conductor of a connected coaxial cable10. For instance, the input component300may be a conductive element, such as a lead, trace, wire or other electrical conduit, that electrically connects the sensing circuit30to the center conductor contact80at or near a location46(seeFIG. 2). Accordingly, an input signal5may originate from some place outside of the connector100, such as a point along the cable line, and be passed through the cable10until the input signal5is inputted through the input component300into the connector100and electrically communicated to the sensing circuit30. Thus a sensing circuit30of a connector100may receive input signals from a point somewhere along the cable line, such as the head end. Still further, an input component300may include wireless capability. For example the input component300may comprise a wireless receiver capable of receiving electromagnet transmissions, such as, radio-waves, Wi-fi transmissions, RFID transmissions, Bluetooth™ wireless transmissions, and the like. Accordingly, an input signal, such as wireless input signal4depicted inFIG. 5, may originate from some place outside of the connector100, such as a wireless reader400blocated a few feet from the connector100, and be received by the input component300in the connector100and then electrically communicated to the sensing circuit30.

A sensing circuit30may include various electrical components operable to facilitate communication of an input signal3,4,5received by an input component300. For example, a sensing circuit30may include a low noise amplifier322in electrical communication with a mixer390. In addition, a sensing circuit30may include a pass-band filter340configured to filter various signal band-widths related to incoming input signals3,4,5. Furthermore, a sensing circuit may include an IF amplifier324configured to amplify intermediate frequencies pertaining to received input signals3-5communicated through the input component300to the sensing circuit30. If needed, a sensing circuit30may also include a demodulator360in electrical communication with the control logic unit32. The demodulator360may be configured to recover the information content from the carrier wave of a received input signal3,4,5.

Monitoring a physical parameter status of a connection of the connector100may be facilitated by an internal sensing circuit30configured to report a determined condition of the connector100connection. The sensing circuit30may include a signal modulator370in electrical communication with the control logic unit32. The modulator370may be configured to vary the periodic waveform of an output signal2, provided by the sensing circuit30. The strength of the output signal2may be modified by an amplifier320b. Ultimately the output signal2from the sensing circuit30is transmitted to an output component20in electrical communication with the sensing circuit30. Those in the art should appreciate that the output component20may be a part of the sensing circuit30. For example the output component20may be a final lead, trace, wire, or other electrical conduit leading from the sensing circuit30to a signal exit location of a connector100.

Embodiments of a connector100include a physical parameter status output component20in electrical communication with the sensing circuit30. The status output component20is positioned within the connector body50and configured to facilitate reporting of information relative to one or more sensed conditions comprising a physical parameter status to a location outside of the connector body50. An output component20may facilitate the dispatch of information pertaining to a physical parameter status associated with condition(s)1sensed by a sensor31of a sensing circuit30and reportable as information relative to the performance of the connection of a connector100. For example, the sensing circuit30may be in electrical communication with the center conductor contact80through a status output component20, such as a lead or trace, in electrical communication with the sensor circuit30and positioned to electrically connect with the center conductor contact80at a location46(seeFIG. 2). Sensed physical parameter status information may accordingly be passed as an output signal2from the sensing circuit30of the first spacer40through the output component20, such as traces electrically linked to the center conductor contact80. The outputted signal(s)2can then travel outside of the connector100along the cable line (seeFIG. 5) corresponding to the cable connection applicable to the connector100. Hence, the reported physical parameter status may be transmitted via output signal(s)2through the output component20and may be accessed at a location along the cable line outside of the connector100. Moreover, the status output component20may comprise a conductive element that is physically accessible by a communications device, such as a wire lead410from a reader400a(seeFIG. 5).

The sensing circuit30may be electrically linked by traces, leads, wires, or other electrical conduits located within a connector, such as connector100a, to electrically communicate with an external communications device, such as the reader400a. An output signal2from the sensing circuit30may dispatch through the status output component20to a reader400alocated outside of the connector, wherein the reader400areceives the output signal2through a wire lead410in electrical contact with the connector100a. In addition, a status output component20may include wireless capability. For example the output component20may comprise a wireless transmitter capable of transmitting electromagnet signals, such as, radio-waves, Wi-fi transmissions, RFID transmissions, satellite transmissions, Bluetooth ™ wireless transmissions, and the like. Accordingly, an output signal, such as wireless output signal2bdepicted inFIG. 5, may be reported from the sensing circuit30and dispatched through the status output component20to a device outside of the connector100, such as a wireless reader400blocated a few feet from the connector100. A status output component20is configured to facilitate conveyance of the physical parameter status to a location outside of the connector body50so that a user can obtain the reported information and ascertain the performance of the connector100. The physical parameter status may be reported via an output signal2conveyed through a physical electrical conduit, such as the center conductor of the cable10, or a wire lead410from a reader400a(seeFIG. 5).

Referring further toFIGS. 1-4and with additional reference toFIG. 5embodiments of a coaxial cable connection system1000may include a physical parameter status reader400located externally to the connector100. The reader400is configured to receive, via the status output component20, information from the sensing circuit30. Another embodiment of a reader400may be an output signal2monitoring device located somewhere along the cable line to which the connector100is attached. For example, a physical parameter status may be reported through an output component20in electrical communication with the center conductor of the cable10. Then the reported status may be monitored by an individual or a computer-directed program at the cable-line head end to evaluate the reported physical parameter status and help maintain connection performance. The connector100may ascertain connection conditions and may transmit physical parameter status information automatically at regulated time intervals, or may transmit information when polled from a central location, such as the head end (CMTS), via a network using existing technology such as modems, taps, and cable boxes. A reader400may be located on a satellite operable to transmit signals to a connector100. Alternatively, service technicians could request a status report and read sensed or stored physical parameter status information onsite at or near a connection location, through wireless hand devices, such as a reader400b, or by direct terminal connections with the connector100, such as by a reader400a. Moreover, a service technician could monitor connection performance via transmission over the cable line through other common coaxial communication implements such as taps, set tops, and boxes.

Operation of a connector100can be altered through transmitted input signals5from the network or by signals transmitted onsite near a connector100connection. For example, a service technician may transmit a wireless input signal4from a reader400b, wherein the wireless input signal4includes a command operable to initiate or modify functionality of the connector100. The command of the wireless input signal4may be a directive that triggers governing protocol of the control logic unit32to execute particular logic operations that control connector100functionality. The service technician, for instance, may utilize the reader400bto command the connector100, through a wireless input component300, to presently sense a connection condition1crelated to current moisture presence, if any, of the connection. Thus the control logic unit32may communicate with the humidity sensor31c, which in turn may sense a moisture condition1cof the connection. The sensing circuit30could then report a real-time physical parameter status related to moisture presence of the connection by dispatching an output signal2through an output component20and back to the reader400blocated outside of the connector100. The service technician, following receipt of the moisture monitoring report, could then transmit another input signal4communicating a command for the connector100to sense and report physical parameter status related to moisture content twice a day at regular intervals for the next six months. Later, an input signal5originating from the head end may be received through an input component300in electrical communication with the center conductor contact80to modify the earlier command from the service technician. The later-received input signal5may include a command for the connector100to only report a physical parameter status pertaining to moisture once a day and then store the other moisture status report in memory33for a period of 20 days.

With continued reference to the drawings,FIG. 6depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a reader circuit430. Those in the art should appreciate that the overall configuration of the depicted reader circuit430is exemplary. The various operable components included in the depicted reader circuit430are also included for exemplary purposes. Other reader circuit configurations including other components may be operably employed to facilitate communication of a reader, such as a reader400, with a connector100. A reader circuit430may include a tuner431configured to modify a received signal input, such as an output signal2transmitted from a connector100, and convert the output signal2to a form suitable for possible further signal processing. The reader circuit430may also include a mixer490configured to alter, if necessary, the carrier frequency of the received output signal2. An amplifier420amay be included in a reader circuit430to modify the signal strength of the received output signal2. The reader circuit430may further include a channel decoder437to decode, if necessary, the received output signal2so that applicable physical parameter status information may be retrieved. Still further, the reader circuit430may include a demodulator460in electrical communication with a decision logic unit432. The demodulator460may be configured to recover information content from the carrier wave of the received output signal2.

A decision logic unit432of an embodiment of a reader circuit430may include or operate with protocol to govern what, if any, actions can/should be taken with regard to the received physical parameter status output signal2following its electrical communication to the decision logic unit432. The decision logic unit432may be a microprocessor or any other electrical component or electrical circuitry capable of processing a signal based on governing logic. A memory unit433, may be in electrical communication with the control logic unit432. The memory unit433may store information related to received output signals2. The stored output signal2information may then be later communicated or processed by the decision logic unit432or otherwise operated on by the reader circuit430. Furthermore the memory unit433may be a component or device that may store governing protocol. The reader circuit430may also comprise software436operable with the decision logic unit432. The software433may comprise governing protocol. Stored protocol information, such as software433, that may help govern decision logic operations may comprise a form of stored program architecture versatile for processing over some interval of time. The decision logic unit432may be in operable electrical communication with one or more registers439. The registers439may be integral to the decision logic unit432, such as microcircuitry on a microprocessor. The registers439generally contain and/or operate on signal information that the decision logic unit432may use to carry out reader circuit430functions, possibly according to some governing protocol. For example, the registers439may be switching transistors integrated on a microprocessor, and functioning as electronic “flip-flops”.

A reader circuit30may include and/or be otherwise operable with a user interface435that may be in electrical communication with the decision logic unit432to provide user output450. The user interface435is a component facilitating the communication of information to a user such as a service technician or other individual desiring to acquire user output450, such as visual or audible outputs. For example, as depicted inFIG. 5, the user interface435may be an LCD screen480of a reader400. The LCD screen480may interface with a user by displaying user output450in the form of visual depictions of determined physical parameter status corresponding to a received output signal2. For instance, a service technician may utilize a reader400ato communicate with a connector100aand demand a physical parameter status applicable to connection tightness. Once a condition, such as connection tightness condition1ais determined by the sensing circuit30of the connector100a, then a corresponding output signal2may be transmitted via the output component20of the connector100athrough a wire lead410aand/or410bto the reader400a.

A reader400utilizes information pertaining to a reported physical parameter status to provide a user output450viewable on a user interface480. For instance, following reception of the output signal2by the reader400a, the reader circuit430may process the information of the output signal2and communicate it to the user interface LCD screen480as user output450in the form of a visual depiction of a physical parameter status indicating that the current mating force of the connection of the connector100ais 24 Newtons. Similarly, a wireless reader400bmay receive a wireless output signal transmission2band facilitate the provision of a user output450in the form of a visual depiction of a physical parameter status indicating that the connector100bhas a serial number 10001A and is specified to operate for cable communications between 1-40 gigahertz and up to 50 ohms. Those in the art should recognize that other user interface components such as speakers, buzzers, beeps, LEDs, lights, and other like means may be provided to communicate information to a user. For instance, an operator at a cable-line head end may hear a beep or other audible noise, when a reader400, such as a desktop computer reader embodiment, receives an output signal2from a connector100(possibly provided at a predetermined time interval) and the desktop computer reader400determines that the information corresponding to the received output signal2renders a physical parameter status that is not within acceptable performance standards. Thus the operator, once alerted by the user output450beep to the unacceptable connection performance condition, may take steps to further investigate the applicable connector100.

Communication between a reader400and a connector100may be facilitated by transmitting input signals3,4,5from a reader circuit430. The reader circuit430may include a signal modulator470in electrical communication with the decision logic unit432. The modulator470may be configured to vary the periodic waveform of an input signal3,4,5to be transmitted by the reader circuit430. The strength of the input signal3,4,5may be modified by an amplifier420bprior to transmission. Ultimately the input signal3,4,5from the reader circuit430is transmitted to an input component300in electrical communication with a sensing circuit30of a connector100. Those in the art should appreciate that the input component300may be a part of the sensing circuit30. For example the input component300may be an initial lead, trace, wire, or other electrical conduit leading from a signal entrance location of a connector100to the sensing circuit30.

A coaxial cable connector connection system1000may include a reader400that is communicatively operable with devices other than a connector100. The other devices may have greater memory storage capacity or processor capabilities than the connector100and may enhance communication of physical parameter status by the connector100. For example, a reader400may also be configured to communicate with a coaxial communications device such as a receiving box8. The receiving box8, or other communications device, may include means for electromagnetic communication exchange with the reader400. Moreover, the receiving box8, may also include means for receiving and then processing and/or storing an output signal2from a connector100, such as along a cable line. In a sense, the communications device, such as a receiving box8, may be configured to function as a reader400being able to communicate with a connector100. Hence, the reader-like communications device, such as a receiving box8, can communicate with the connector100via transmissions received through an input component300connected to the center conductor contact80of the connector. Additionally, embodiments of a reader-like device, such as a receiving box8, may then communicate information received from a connector100to another reader400. For instance, an output signal2may be transmitted from a connector100along a cable line to a reader-like receiving box8to which the connector is communicatively connected. Then the reader-like receiving box8may store physical parameter status information pertaining to the received output signal2. Later a user may operate a reader400and communicate with the reader-like receiving box8sending a transmission1002to obtain stored physical parameter status information via a return transmission1004.

Alternatively, a user may operate a reader400to command a reader-like device, such as a receiving box8communicatively connected to a connector100, to further command the connector100to report a physical parameter status receivable by the reader-like receiving box8in the form of an output signal2. Thus by sending a command transmission1002to the reader-like receiving box8, a communicatively connected connector100may in turn provide an output signal2including physical parameter status information that may be forwarded by the reader-like receiving box8to the reader400via a transmission1004. The coaxial communication device, such as a receiving box8, may have an interface, such as an RF port15, to which the connector100is coupled to form a connection therewith.

A coaxial cable connector100comprises means for monitoring a physical parameter status of a connection of the connector100. The physical parameter status monitoring means may include internal circuitry that may sense connection conditions, store data, and/or determine monitorable variables of physical parameter status through operation of a physical parameter status sensing circuit30. A sensing circuit30may be integrated onto typical coaxial cable connector components. The sensing circuit30may be located on existing connector structures, such as on a face42of a first spacer40of the connector100. The physical parameter status sensing circuit30is configured to sense a condition of the connector100when the connector100is connected with an interface of a common coaxial cable communications device, such as RF interface port15of receiving box8(seeFIG. 5).

A coaxial cable connector100comprises means for reporting the physical parameter status of the connection of the connector100to another device having a connection interface, such as an RF port. The means for reporting the physical parameter status of the connection of the connector100may be integrated onto existing connector components. The physical parameter status reporting means are configured to report the physical parameter status to a location outside of a connector body50of the connector100. The physical parameter status reporting means may include a status output component20positioned within the connector body50and configured to facilitate the dispatch of information pertaining to a connection condition1sensed by a sensor30of a sensing circuit30and reportable as a physical parameter status of the connection of a connector100. Sensed physical parameter status information may be passed as an output signal2from the sensing circuit30located on a connector component, such as first spacer40, through the output component20, comprising a trace or other conductive element electrically linked to the center conductor contact80. The outputted signal(s)2can then travel outside of the connector100along the cable line (seeFIG. 5) corresponding to the cable connection applicable to the connector100.

Alternatively, the connection performance reporting means may include an output component20configured to facilitate wired transmission of an output signal2to a location outside of the connector100. The physical parameter status reporting means may include a status output component20positioned within the connector body50and configured to facilitate the dispatch of information pertaining to a connection condition1sensed by a sensor31of a sensing circuit30and reportable as a physical parameter status of the connection of a connector100. Sensed physical parameter status information may be passed as an output signal2from the sensing circuit30located on a connector component, such as first spacer40, through the output component20, comprising a trace or other conductive element that is physically accessible by a communications device, such as a wire lead410from a reader400a(seeFIG. 5). The sensing circuit30may be electrically linked by traces, leads, wires, or other electrical conduits located within a connector100ato electrically connect an external communications device, such as the handheld reader400a. An output signal2from the sensing circuit30may dispatch through the output component20to a reader400alocated outside of the connector, wherein the reader400areceives the output signal2through a wire lead410in electrical contact with the connector100a. The handheld reader400amay be in physical and electrical communication with the connector100through the wire lead410contacting the connector10.

As a still further alternative, the physical parameter status reporting means may include an output component20configured to facilitate wireless transmission of an output signal2to a location outside of the connector100. For example the output component20may comprise a wireless transmitter capable of transmitting electromagnet signals, such as, radio-waves, Wi-fi transmissions, RFID transmissions, satellite transmissions, Bluetooth™ wireless transmissions, and the like. Accordingly, an output signal, such as wireless output signal2bdepicted inFIG. 5, may be reported from the sensing circuit30and dispatched through the output component20to a device outside of the connector100, such as a wireless reader400b.

A sensing circuit30may be calibrated. Calibration may be efficiently performed for a multitude of sensing circuits similarly positioned in connectors100having substantially the same configuration. For example, because a sensing circuit30may be integrated onto a typical component of a connector100, the size and material make-up of the various components of the plurality of connectors100can be substantially similar. As a result, a multitude of connectors100may be batch-fabricated and assembled to each have substantially similar structure and physical geometry. Accordingly, calibration of a sensing circuit30may be approximately similar for all similar connectors fabricated in a batch. Furthermore, the sensing circuit30of each of a plurality of connectors100may be substantially similar in electrical layout and function. Therefore, the electrical functionality of each similar sensing circuit30may predictably behave in accordance to similar connector100configurations having substantially the same design, component make-up, and assembled geometry. Accordingly, the sensing circuit30of each connector100that is similarly mass-fabricated, having substantially the same design, component make-up, and assembled configuration, may not need to be individually calibrated. Calibration may be done for an entire similar product line of connectors100. Periodic testing can then assure that the calibration is still accurate for the line. Moreover, because the sensing circuit30may be integrated into existing connector components, the connector100can be assembled in substantially the same way as typical connectors and requires very little, if any, mass assembly modifications.

Various connection conditions1pertinent to the connection of a connector100may be determinable by a sensing circuit30because of the position of various sensors31within the connector100. Sensor31location may correlate with the functionality of the various portions or components of the connector100. For example, a sensor31aconfigured to detect a connection tightness condition1amay be positioned near a connector100component that contacts a portion of a mated connection device, such as an RF interface port15of receiving box8(seeFIG. 5); while a humidity sensor31cconfigured to detect a moisture presence condition1cmay be positioned in a portion of the connector100that is proximate the attached coaxial cable10that may have moisture included therein, which may enter the connection.

The various components of a connector100assembly create a sandwich of parts, similar to a sandwich of parts existent in typical coaxial cable connectors. Thus, assembly of a connector100having an integral sensing circuit30may be no different from or substantially similar to the assembly of a common coaxial cable connector that has no sensing circuit30built in. The substantial similarity between individual connector100assemblies can be very predictable due to mass fabrication of various connector100components. As such, the sensing circuits30of each similarly configured connector100may not need to be adjusted or calibrated individually, since each connector100, when assembled, should have substantially similar dimension and configuration. Calibration of one or a few connectors100of a mass-fabricated batch may be sufficient to render adequate assurance of similar functionality of the other untested/uncalibrated connectors100similarly configured and mass produced.

Referring toFIGS. 1-6a coaxial cable connector physical parameter status ascertainment method is described. A coaxial cable connector100is provided. The coaxial cable connector100has a connector body50. Moreover, a sensing circuit30is provided, wherein the sensing circuit30is housed within the connector body50of the connector100. The sensing circuit has a sensor31configured to sense a physical parameter of the connector100when connected. In addition, a physical parameter status output component20is provided within the connector body50. The status output component20is in communication with the sensing circuit30to receive physical parameter status information. Further physical parameter status ascertainment methodology includes connecting the connector100to an interface, such as RF port15, of another connection device, such as a receiving box8, to form a connection. Once the connection is formed, physical parameter status information applicable to the connection may be reported, via the status output component20, to facilitate conveyance of the physical parameter status of the connection to a location outside of the connector body50.

A further connection status ascertainment step may include sensing a physical parameter status of the connector100connection, wherein the sensing is performed by the sensing circuit30. In addition, reporting physical parameter status to a location outside of the connector body50, may include communication of the status to another device, such as a handheld reader400, so that a user can obtain the ascertained physical parameter status of the connector100connection.

Physical parameter status ascertainment methodology may also comprise the inclusion of an input component300within the connector100. Still further, the ascertainment method may include transmitting an input signal3,4,5from a reader400external to the input component300of the connector100to command the connector100to report a physical parameter status. The input signal5originates from a reader400at a head end of a cable line to which the connector100is connected. The input signals3,4originate from a handheld reader400a,400bpossibly operated by a service technician located onsite near where the connector100is connected.

It is important that a coaxial cable connector be properly connected or mated to an interface port of a device for cable communications to be exchanged accurately. One way to help verify whether a proper connection of a coaxial cable connector is made is to determine and report mating force in the connection. Common coaxial cable connectors have been provided, whereby mating force can be determined. However, such common connectors are plagued by inefficient, costly, and impractical considerations related to design, manufacture, and use in determining mating force. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved connector for determining mating force. Various embodiments of the present invention can address the need to efficiently ascertain mating force and maintain proper physical parameter status relative to a connector connection. Additionally, it is important to determine the humidity status of the cable connector and report the presence of moisture.

Referring to the drawings,FIG. 7depicts a side perspective cut-away view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector700having a mating force sensor731aand a humidity sensor731c. The connector700includes port connection end710and a cable connection end715. In addition, the connector700includes sensing circuit730operable with the mating force sensor731aand the humidity sensor or moisture sensor731c. The mating force sensor731aand the humidity sensor731cmay be connected to a processor control logic unit732operable with an output transmitter720through leads, traces, wires, or other electrical conduits depicted as dashed lines735. The sensing circuit electrically links the mating force sensor731aand the humidity sensor731cto the processor control logic unit732and the output transmitter729. For instance, the electrical conduits735may electrically tie various components, such as the processor control logic unit732, the sensors731a,731cand an inner conductor contact780together.

The processor control logic unit732and the output transmitter720may be housed within a weather-proof encasement770operable with a portion of the body750of the connector700. The encasement770may be integral with the connector body portion750or may be separately joined thereto. The encasement770should be designed to protect the processor control logic unit732and the output transmitter720from potentially harmful or disruptive environmental conditions. The mating force sensor731aand the humidity sensor731care connected via a sensing circuit730to the processor control logic unit732and the output transmitter720.

The mating force sensor731ais located at the port connection end710of the connector700. When the connector700is mated to an interface port, such as port15shown inFIG. 4, the corresponding mating forces may be sensed by the mating force sensor731a. For example, the mating force sensor731amay comprise a transducer operable with an actuator such that when the port, such as port15, is mated to the connector700the actuator is moved by the forces of the mated components causing the transducer to convert the actuation energy into a signal that is transmitted to the processor control logic unit732. The actuator and/or transmitter of the mating force sensor731amay be tuned so that stronger mating forces correspond to greater movement of the actuator and result in higher actuation energy that the transducer can send as a stronger signal. Hence, the mating force sensor731amay be able to detect a variable range or mating forces.

The humidity sensor731cis located within a cavity755of the connector700, wherein the cavity755extends from the cable connection end715of the connector700. The moisture sensor731cmay be an impedance moisture sensor configured so that the presence of water vapor or liquid water that is in contact with the sensor731chinders a time-varying electric current flowing through the humidity sensor731c. The humidity sensor731cis in electrical communication with the processor control logic unit732, which can read how much impedance is existent in the electrical communication. In addition, the humidity sensor731ccan be tuned so that the greater the contact of the sensor with water vapor or liquid water, the greater the measurable impedance. Thus, the humidity sensor731cmay detect a variable range or humidity and moisture presence corresponding to an associated range of impedance thereby. Accordingly, the humidity sensor731ccan detect the presence of humidity within the cavity755when a coaxial cable, such as cable10depicted inFIG. 4, is connected to the cable connection end715of the connector700.

Another embodiment of a coaxial cable connector700having a force sensor731aand a humidity sensor731cis depicted inFIG. 8. The mating force sensor731aand the humidity sensor731cof the connector700shown inFIG. 8may function be the same as, or function similarly to, the mating force sensor731aand the humidity sensor731cof the connector700shown inFIG. 7. For example, the mating force sensor731aand the humidity sensor731care connected via a sensing circuit730to the processor control logic unit732and the output transmitter720. The sensing circuit793electrically links the mating force sensor731aand the humidity sensor731cto the control logic unit and the output transmitter. However, in a manner different from the embodiment of the connector700depicted inFIG. 7, the processor control logic unit732and the output transmitter720may be housed within an EMI/RFI shielding/absorbing encasement790in the embodiment of a connector700depicted inFIG. 8. The EMI/RFI shielding/absorbing encasement790may be located radially within a body portion750of the connector700. The processor control logic unit732and the output transmitter720may be connected to a through leads, traces, wires, or other electrical conduits depicted as dashed lines735to the mating force sensor731aand the humidity sensor731c. The electrical conduits735may electrically link various components, such as the processor control logic unit732, the sensors731a,731cand an inner conductor contact780.

Power for the sensing circuit730, processor control unit732, output transmitter720, mating force sensor731a, and/or the humidity sensor731cof embodiments of the connector700depicted inFIG. 7or8may be provided through electrical contact with the inner conductor contact780. For example, the electrical conduits735connected to the inner conductor contact780may facilitate the ability for various connector700components to draw power from the cable signal(s) passing through the inner connector contact780. In addition, electrical conduits735may be formed and positioned so as to make contact with grounding components of the connector700.

The output transmitter720, of embodiments of a connector700depicted inFIGS. 7-8, may propagate electromagnetic signals from the connector700to a source external to the connector700. For example, the output transmitter720may be a radio transmitter providing signals within a particular frequency range that can be detected following emission from the connector700. The output transmitter720may also be an active RFID device for sending signals to a corresponding reader external to the connector700. In addition, the output transmitter720may be operably connected to the inner conductor contact780and may transmit signals through the inner conductor contact780and out of the connector700along the connected coaxial cable, such as cable10(seeFIG. 4) to a location external to the connector700.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1-8, there are numerous means by which a connector, such as connector100or connector700, may ascertain whether it is appropriately tightened to an RF port, such as RF port15, of a cable communications device. In furtherance of the above description with reference to the smart connector100or700,FIGS. 9-12bare intended to disclose various exemplary embodiments of a smart connector800having connection tightness detection means. A basic sensing method may include the provision of a connector800having a sensing circuit, which simply monitors the typical ground or shield path of the coaxial cable connection for continuity. Any separation of the connector ground plane from the RF interface port815would produce an open circuit that is detectable. This method works well to detect connections that are electrically defective. However, this method may not detect connections that are electrically touching but still not tight enough. In addition, this method may not detect whether the mating forces are too strong between the connected components and the connection is too tight and possibly prone to failure.

Connection tightness may be detected by mechanical sensing, as shown by way of example inFIG. 9, which depicts a partial side cross-sectional view of an embodiment a connector800mated to an RF port815, the connector800having a mechanical connection tightness sensor831a. The mechanical connection tightness sensor831amay comprise a movable element836. The movable element836is located to contact the interface port815when the connector800is tightened thereto. For example, the movable element836may be a push rod located in a clearing hole positioned in a interface component860, such as a central post having a conductive grounding surface, or other like components of the connector800. The movable element836, such as a push rod, may be spring biased. An electrical contact834may be positioned at one end of the range of motion of the moveable element839. The electrical contact834and movable element836may comprise a micro-electro-mechanical switch in electrical communication with a sensing circuit, such as sensing circuit30. Accordingly, if the connector800is properly tightened the movable element836of the connection tightness sensor831awill be mechanically located in a position where the contact834is in one state (either open or closed, depending on circuit design). If the connector800is not tightened hard enough onto the RF interface port815, or the connector800is tightened too much, then the movable element836may or may not (depending on circuit design) electrically interface with the contact834causing the contact834to exist in an electrical state coordinated to indicate an improper connection tightness.

Connection tightness may be detected by electrical proximity sensing, as shown by way of example inFIG. 10, which depicts a partial side cross-sectional view of an embodiment a connector800mated to an RF port815, the connector800having an electrical proximity connection tightness sensor831b. The electrical proximity connection tightness sensor831bmay comprise an electromagnetic sensory device838, mounted in such as way as to electromagnetically detect the nearness of the connector800to the RF interface port815. For example, the electromagnetic sensory device838may be an inductor or capacitor that may be an inductor located in a clearing hole of an interface component860, such as a central post, of the connector800. An electromagnetic sensory device838comprising an inductor may be positioned to detect the ratio of magnetic flux to any current (changes in inductance) that occurs as the connector800is mounted to the RF port815. The electromagnetic sensory device838may be electrically coupled to leads830bthat run to additional sensing circuitry of the connector800. Electrical changes due to proximity or tightness of the connection, such as changes in inductance, may be sensed by the electromagnetic sensory device838and interpreted by an associated sensing circuit, such as sensing circuit30. Moreover, the electromagnet sensory device may comprise a capacitor that detects and stores an amount of electric charge (stored or separated) for a given electric potential corresponding to the proximity or tightness of the connection. Accordingly, if the connector800is properly tightened the electromagnetic sensory device838of the electrical proximity connection tightness sensor831bwill detected an electromagnet state that is not correlated with proper connection tightness. The correlation of proper electromagnetic state with proper connection tightness may be determined through calibration of the electrical proximity connection tightness sensor831b.

Connection tightness may be detected by optical sensing, as shown by way of example inFIGS. 11A and 11B, which depict a partial side cross-sectional view of an embodiment a connector800mated to an RF port815, the connector800having an optical connection tightness sensor831c. The optical connection tightness sensor831cmay utilize interferometry principles to gauge the distance between the connector800and a mounting face816of an RF interface port815. For instance, the optical connection tightness sensor831cmay include an emitter833. The emitter833could be mounted in a portion of an interface component860, such as interface end of a central post, so that the emitter833could send out emissions835in an angled direction toward the RF interface port815as it is being connected to the connector800. The emitter833could be a laser diode emitter, or any other device capable of providing reflectable emissions835. In addition, the optical connection tightness sensor831cmay include a receiver837. The receiver837could be positioned so that it receives emissions835reflected off of the interface port815. Accordingly, the receiver837may be positioned in the interface component860at an angle so that it can appropriately receive the reflected emissions835. If the mounting face816of the interface port is too far from the optical connection tightness sensor831c, then none, or an undetectable portion, of emissions835will be reflected to the receiver837and improper connection tightness will be indicated. Furthermore, the emitter833and receiver837may be positioned so that reflected emissions will comprise superposing (interfering) waves, which create an output wave different from the input waves; this in turn can be used to explore the differences between the input waves and those differences can be calibrated according to tightness of the connection. Hence, the when the optical connection tightness sensor831cdetects interfering waves of emissions835corresponding to accurate positioning of the RF interface port815with respect to the connector800, then a properly tightened connection may be determined.

Connection tightness may be detected by strain sensing, as shown by way of example inFIGS. 12A and 12B, which depict a partial side cross-sectional view of an embodiment a connector800mated to an RF port815, the connector800having a strain connection tightness sensor831d, as connected to further electrical circuitry832. The strain connection tightness sensor831dincludes a strain gauge839. The strain gauge839may be mounted to a portion of an interface component860that contacts the RF port815when connected. For instance, the strain gauge839may be positioned on an outer surface of an interface component860comprising a central post of the connector800. The strain gauge may be connected (as shown schematically inFIG. 12B) through leads or traces830dto additional circuitry832. The variable resistance of the strain gauge839may rise or fall as the interface component860deforms due to mating forces applied by the interface port815when connected. The deformity of the interface component860may be proportional to the mating force. Thus a range of connection tightness may be detectable by the strain connection tightness sensor831d. Other embodiments of the strain connection tightness sensor831dmay not employ a strain gauge839. For instance, the interface component860may be formed of material that has a variable bulk resistance subject to strain. The interface component860could then serve to sense mating force as resistance changed due to mating forces when the connector800is tightened to the RF port815. The interface component860may be in electrical communication with additional circuitry832to relay changes in resistance as correlated to connection tightness. Still further embodiments of a strain connection tightness sensor may utilize an applied voltage to detect changes in strain. For example, the interface component860may be formed of piezoelastic/electric materials that modify applied voltage as mating forces are increased or relaxed.

Cost effectiveness may help determine what types of physical parameter status, such as connection tightness or humidity presence, are ascertainable by means operable with a connector100,700,800. Moreover, physical parameter status ascertainment may include provision detection means throughout an entire connection. For example, it should be understood that the above described means of physical parameter status determination may be included in the smart connector100,700,800itself, or the physical status determination means may be included in combination with the port, such as RF interface port15,815, to which the connector100,700,800is connected (i.e., the RF port or an interim adapter may include sensors, such as sensors31,731,831, that may be electrically coupled to a sensing circuit, such as circuit30, of the connector100,700,800, so that connection tightness may be ascertained).

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.