Patent Publication Number: US-7909637-B2

Title: Coaxial connector with integrated mating force sensor and method of use thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority from co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/271,999 filed Nov. 17, 2008, and entitled COAXIAL CONNECTOR WITH INTEGRATED MATING FORCE SENSOR AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates generally to coaxial connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a coaxial connector having an integrated mating force sensor and related method of use. 
     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. In addition, various coaxial cable connectors are provided to facilitate connection of cables to various devices. 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. However, common coaxial cable connectors have not been provided, whereby mating force can be efficiently determined by the coaxial cable connectors. Ordinary attempts at determining mating force have generally been inefficient, costly, and impractical involving multiple devices and complex applications. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved connector for determining mating force. The present 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 connecting a coaxial cable to a mating component, the mating component having a conductive interface sleeve, the coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body having an internal passageway defined therein; a first insulator component disposed within the internal passageway of the connector body; a capacitive circuit positioned on a face of the first insulator component, the first insulator component at least partially defining a first plate of a capacitor; and a flexible member in immediate proximity with the face of the first insulator component, the flexible member at least partially defining a capacitive space between the face of the first insulator and the flexible member, wherein the flexible member is movable upon the application of mating forces created as the conductive interface sleeve interacts with the flexible member. 
     A second aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body; a capacitive circuit positioned on a face of a first insulator component, the first insulator component located within the connector body; a flexible member located proximate the face of the first insulator component, the flexible member being movable due to mating forces when the connector is connected to a mating component; and a capacitive space located between the face of the first insulator component and the flexible member; wherein the flexible member forms at least one boundary surface of the capacitive space, and the face of the first insulator forms at least another boundary surface of the capacitive space. 
     A third aspect of the present invention provides a mating force sensing coaxial cable connector comprising: a sensing circuit printed on the face of a first spacer component positioned to rigidly suspend a center conductor contact within an outer conducting housing; and a capacitive space in immediate proximity with the sensing circuit, said capacitive space having at least one defining wall configured to undergo elastic deformation as a result of mating forces. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body; an insulator component and an interface sleeve housed by a connector body; a capacitive space formed between the insulator component and the interface sleeve; and means for sensing proper mating by determining a change in size of the capacitive space due to mating forces. 
     A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method for detecting mating force of a mated coaxial cable connector, said method comprising: providing a coaxial cable connector including: a sensing circuit positioned on a face of a spacer component located within a connector body; a capacitive space in immediate proximity with the sensing circuit; and an interface component having a flexible member forming at least one boundary surface of the capacitive space, said flexible member being movable due to mating forces; mating the connector with a connecting device; bending the flexible member of the interface component due to contact with the connecting device during mating, thereby reducing the size of capacitive space; and detecting mating force by sensing the reduction of size of the capacitive space by the sensing circuit. 
     A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a connector body having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first bore; a first insulator located within the first bore, the first insulator having a first face; a mount portion defined on the first face; a capacitive circuit positioned on the mount portion; and, an interface member, having a first section and a second section, the interface member located within the first bore in immediate proximity to the mount portion to define a capacitive space, the first section having a first section bore, the first and second sections being movable between a first position and a second position upon the application of an axial force on the first section. 
     A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a male coaxial cable connector for connecting a coaxial cable to a female mating component, the female mating component having a conductive interface sleeve, the male coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body, configured to receive a coaxial cable; a male center conductor contact, electrically coupled to the coaxial cable; a conductive interface sleeve, coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the male center conductor contact; a sensor insulator, spanning a radial distance between the conductive interface sleeve and the male center conductor contact; a capacitive circuit positioned on a sensor face of the sensor insulator; and, a flexible abutment member having a cavity wall, wherein the cavity wall at least partially defines a capacitive space between the sensor face of the sensor insulator and the flexible abutment member, wherein the cavity wall is movable upon the application of mating forces upon the flexible abutment member. 
     An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a male coaxial cable connector comprising: a male center conductor; a capacitive circuit positioned on a sensor face of a sensor insulator, the sensor insulator positioned within the connector to rigidly suspend the male center conductor contact in a coaxial location with respect to an outer connector body; a flexible abutment member having a cavity wall, the cavity wall located proximate the sensor face of the sensor insulator, the cavity wall of the flexible abutment member being movable due to mating forces when the connector is connected to a mating component; and a capacitive cavity located between the sensor face of the sensor insulator and the cavity wall of the flexible abutment member; wherein the cavity wall of the flexible abutment member forms at least one boundary surface of the capacitive cavity, and the sensor face of the sensor insulator forms at least another boundary surface of the capacitive space. 
     A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a mating force sensing male coaxial cable connector comprising: a sensing circuit printed on the face of a sensor insulator positioned to rigidly suspend a male center conductor contact within an outer conducting sleeve; and a capacitive space in proximity with the sensing circuit, said capacitive space having at least one defining wall configured to undergo elastic deformation as a result of mating forces. 
     A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a male coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body; an sensor insulator and a flexible abutment member at least partially housed by the connector body; a capacitive space formed between the sensor insulator and the flexible abutment member; and means for sensing proper mating by determining a change in size of the capacitive space due to mating forces. 
     An eleventh aspect of the present invention provides a method for detecting mating force of a mated male coaxial cable connector, said method comprising: providing a male coaxial cable connector including: a sensing circuit positioned on a face of a spacer component located within a connector body; a capacitive space in immediate proximity with the sensing circuit; and a flexible abutment member having a portion thereof forming at least one boundary surface of the capacitive space, said portion of the flexible abutment member being movable due to mating forces; mating the male connector with a connecting female device; bending the an axially displaceable element of the flexible abutment member to move the boundary surface portion thereof due to contact with the connecting female device during mating, thereby reducing the size of capacitive space; and detecting mating force by sensing the reduction of size of the capacitive space by the sensing circuit. 
     The foregoing and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of various embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some of the embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an exploded cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector with integrated force sensor, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a close-up cut-away perspective view of a first end of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector with integrated force sensor, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of an assembled coaxial cable connector with integrated force sensor, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of a mating force sensing coaxial cable connector just prior to mating with an embodiment of a male connector, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of a mating force sensing coaxial cable connector during mating with an embodiment of a male connector, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of a mating force sensing coaxial cable connector mated with an embodiment of a male connector, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a coaxial cable connector with integrated force mating force sensing circuit, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of a male mating force sensing coaxial cable connector, in accordance with the present invention 
         FIG. 9  depicts a cut-away perspective view of a standard male coaxial cable connector 
         FIG. 10  depicts a blown-up cut-away perspective view of the portion of the standard male coaxial cable identified and called out in  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 11  depicts a blown up cut-away perspective view of the portion of the male coaxial cable connector identified and called out in  FIG. 8 , in accordance with the present 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., and 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. 
     As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts an exploded cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  700  with integrated mating force sensing circuit  730 , in accordance with the present invention. The connector  700  includes a connector body  750 . The connector body  750  comprises an outer housing surrounding an internal passageway  755  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) accommodating internal components assembled within the connector  700 . In addition, the connector body  750  may be conductive. The connector  700  comprises a first spacer  740  being a first insulator component. A first end  751  of the connector body  750  includes a threaded surface  754 . The first end  751  also includes an axial opening large enough to accommodate the first spacer  740  and an interface sleeve  760 . Moreover, an opposing second end  752  of the connector body  750  includes an axial opening large enough to accommodate a second spacer  770 . The second spacer  770  is a second insulator component and is located to operate with an internal surface of the connector body  750  to stabilize a center conductor contact  780  and help retain substantially axial alignment of the center conductor contact  780  with respect to the connector body  750  when the connector  700  is assembled. 
     The first spacer  740  is formed of a dielectric material and may be housed within the connector body  750  and positioned to contact and axially align the center conductor  780 . The first spacer  740  is positioned to rigidly suspend the inner conductor contact  780  within the outer conducting housing or connector body  750 . The first spacer  740  is an insulator component positioned to help facilitate an operable communication connection of the connector  700 . In addition, the first spacer  740  may include a face  742  on which a sensing circuit  730  may be positioned. The face  742  may be the bottom of an annular ring-like channel formed into the first spacer  740  and the sensing circuit  730  may be printed onto the face  742 . For example, a capacitive circuit may be printed on the face  742  of the first spacer  740 , wherein the capacitive circuit is a sensing circuit  730 . Printing the sensing circuit  730  onto a face  742  of the first spacer  740  affords efficient connector  700  fabrication because the sensing circuit  730  can be provided on components, such as the spacer  740 , typically existent in cable connectors. Moreover, assembly of the connector  700  is made efficient because the various connector components, such as the first spacer  740 , center conductor  780 , interface sleeve  760 , connector body  750  and second spacer  770  are assembled in a manner consistent with typical connector assembly. Printing a sensing circuit  730  on a typical component can also be more efficient than other means because assembly of small non-printed electronic sensors to the interior surfaces of typical connector housings, possibly wiring those sensors to a circuit board within the housing and calibrating the sensors along with any mechanical elements, can be difficult and costly steps. A printed sensing circuit  730  integrated on a typical connector  700  assembly component reduces assembly complexity and cost. Accordingly, it may be desirable to “print” sensing circuits  730  and other associated circuitry in an integrated fashion directly onto structures, such as the face  742  of the first spacer  740  or other structures already present in a typical connector  700 . Furthermore, printing the sensing circuits  730  onto connector  700  components allows for mass fabrication, such as batch processing of the first spacers  40  being insulator components having sensing circuits  730  printed thereon. Printing the sensing circuit  730  may involve providing conductive pathways, or traces, etched from copper sheets or other conductive materials, laminated or otherwise positioned onto a non-conductive substrate, such as the first spacer insulator component  740 . 
     An interface sleeve  760  of a connector  700  may include a flexible member  762 . The flexible member  762  is a compliant element of the sleeve  760 . Because the flexible member  762  is compliant, it can bend in response to contact with mechanical elements in the interface of another component, such as a male connector  500  (see  FIGS. 4-6 ). Thus, the flexible member  762  may directly experience mating forces when connected to another component, such as a male connector  500 , and undergo movement as a result, as will be discussed further herein below. 
     Referring further to the drawings,  FIG. 2  depicts a close-up cut-away perspective view of a first end  751  of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  700  with integrated mating force sensing circuit  730 , in accordance with the present invention. The sensing circuit may be printed on a face  742  of a first spacer  740  in proximity with a capacitive space  790 , such as a resonant cavity or chamber in the interface between the first spacer  740  and the interface sleeve  760 . The sensing circuit  730  may be a capacitive circuit. The capacitive space  790  cavity, such as a cavity or chamber may includes at least one wall or boundary surface movable due to mating forces. For example, a surface of the flexible member  762  of the interface sleeve  760  may comprise a boundary surface of the capacitive space  790 . The flexible member  762  is a compliant portion of the interface sleeve  760  operable to endure motion due to movement from mating forces. Moreover, the flexible member  762  may be resilient and configured such that motions due to mating forces bend the member  762  within its elastic range so that the member  762  can return to its previous non-motivated position once the mating forces are removed. Additionally, the member  762  may also be configured to have some elastic hysteresis in that member  762  may be physically responsive relative to varying motive force and include inherent tendency to return to a previous dynamic physical condition. The flexible member  762  may be formed such that movement due to motive force is resistive to yielding and/or may also be cable of elastic response only within a specific range of movement. Nevertheless, some embodiments of the flexible member  762  may be designed to yield if moved too far by mating forces. The interface sleeve  760  may be formed of metals or metal alloys such as brass, copper, titanium, or steel, plastics (wherein the plastics may be formed to be conductive), composite materials, or a combination thereof. 
     When the connector  700  is assembled, the flexible member  762  is in immediate proximity with the capacitive space  790 . Movements of the flexible member  762  cause changes in the size associated with the capacitive space  790 . The capacitive space  790  size may therefore by dynamic. Changes in the size of the capacitive space  790  may produce changes in the capacitance of the printed sensing circuit  730  and are therefore ascertainable as a physical parameter status. The face  742  of the insulator may be or include a fixed electrode, such as a fixed plate  744 , and the flexible member  762  may be or include a movable electrode. The distance between the electrodes, or the size of the capacitive space between the electrodes, may vary inversely with the applied torque. The closer flexible member  762  gets to the fixed plate  744 , the larger the effective capacitance becomes. The sensing circuit  730  translates the changes in capacitance to connector tightness and determines if the connector  700  is too loose. The capacitive space  790  may be a resonant chamber or capacitive cavity. The dimensional space of the capacitive space  790  can be easily manufactured to very tight tolerances either by forming at least a portion of the space  790  directly into the first spacer  740 , forming it into portion of the housing  750 , forming it into a portion of the interface sleeve  760 , or a combination of the above. For example, an annular channel may be formed in first spacer  740 , wherein a capacitive sensing circuit  730  is positioned on the bottom face  742  of the channel to form an annular diaphragm capacitor responsive to resonant variation due to changes in the size of cavity  790 . The capacitive space  790  may be filled with air, wherein the air may function as a dielectric. However, the capacitive space  790  may be filled with some other material such as dielectric grease. Moreover, portions of the cavity capacitive space  790  boundaries, such as surfaces of the spacer  740  or flexible member  760  may be coated with dielectric material. Because the connector  700  assembly creates a sandwich of parts, the capacitive space or resonant cavity  790  and sensing circuit  730  need not be adjusted or calibrated individually for each connector assembly, making assembly of the connector  700  no different from a similar common coaxial cable connector that has no sensing circuit  730  built in. 
     Power for the sensing circuit  730  may be provided through electrical contact with the center conductor  780 . For instance, traces may be printed on the first spacer  740  and positioned so that the traces make electrical contact with the center conductor contact  780  at a location  746 . Contact with the center conductor contact  780  at location  46  facilitates the ability for the sensing circuit  730  to draw power from the cable signal(s) passing through the center conductor contact  780 . Traces may also be formed and positioned so as to make contact with grounding components. For example, a ground path may extend through a location  748  between the first spacer  740  and the interface sleeve  760 . 
     The sensing circuit  730  can communicate sensed mating forces. The sensing circuit  730 , such as a capacitive circuit, may be in electrical communication with an output component such as traces physically and electrically connected to the center conductor contact  780 . For example, sensed conditions due to mating forces, such as changes in capacitance of the cavity or chamber  790 , may be passed as an output signal from the sensing circuit  730  of the first spacer  740  through an output component  720 , such as traces, electrically linked to the center conductor contact  780 . The outputted signal(s) can then travel along the cable line corresponding to the cable connection applicable to the connector  700 . Hence, the signal(s) from the sensing circuit  730  may be accessed at a point along the cable line. In addition, traces or conductive elements of an output component  720  in communication with a sensing circuit  730  may be in electrical contact with output leads available to facilitate connection of the connector  700  with electronic circuitry that can manipulate the sensing circuit  730  operation. 
     A portion of the first spacer  740 , such as a flange  747 , may be compressible or bendable. As the flexible member  762  of the interface sleeve  760  moves due to mating forces, the flange  747  may compress or bend as it interacts with the flexible member  762 . The compressible or bendable nature of a portion of the first spacer  740 , such as flange  747 , may permit more efficient movement of the flexible member  762 . For instance, the flange  747  may contribute resistance to movement of the flexible member  762 , but still allow some bending of the member. In addition, the first spacer  740  may bend with respect to a rear wall or surface  743  as the flexible member  762  bends due to mating forces and interacts with the first spacer  740 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of an assembled coaxial cable connector  700  with integrated mating force sensing circuit  730 . The threaded surface  754  of the first end of connector body  750  facilitates threadable mating with another coaxial cable component, such as a male connector  500  (see  FIGS. 4-6 ). However, those in the art should appreciate that the connector  700  may be formed without threads and designed to have a tolerance fit with another coaxial cable component, while the sensing circuit  730  is still able to sense mating forces. As shown the second spacer  770  operates with an internal surface of the connector body  750  to stabilize the center conductor contact  780  and help retain substantially axial alignment of the center conductor contact  780  with respect to the connector  700 . The first spacer  740  may be seated against an annular ridge  784  located on the center conductor contact  780 . Seating the first spacer  740  against the annular ridge  784  may help retain the spacer  740  in a substantially fixed position along the axis of connector  700  so that the first spacer  740  does not axially slip or move due to interaction with the interface sleeve  760  when mating forces are applied. The first spacer  740  is located on a spacer portion  782  of the center conductor contact  780  and has a close tolerance fit therewith to help prevent wobbling and/or misalignment of the center conductor contact  780 . 
     Mating of a connector  700  is described and shown with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 . A connector  700  can mate with RF ports of other components or coaxial cable communications devices, such as an RF port  515  of a male connector  500 . The RF port  515  of the male connector  500  is brought into axial alignment with the mating force sensing connector  700 . The two components are moved together or apart in a direction  5 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The male connector  500  may include a connector body  550  including an attached nut  555  having internal threads  554 . The male connector  500  includes a conductive interface sleeve  560  having a leading edge  562 . The interface sleeve  760  of the mating force sensing connector  700  may be dimensioned such that during mating the two interface sleeves  760  and  560  slidingly interact. The interface sleeve  760  may be designed to slidingly interact with the inner surface of the male connector  500  interface sleeve  560 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . However, other embodiments of a connector  700  may include an interface sleeve  760  designed to slidingly interact with the outside surface of a connector component, such as interface sleeve  560 . The sliding interaction of the interface sleeve  760  with the interface sleeve  560  may be snug, wherein the tolerance between the parts is close when the mating force sensing connector  700  is being mated to the male connector  500 . 
     The female center conductor contact  780  of the force sensing connector  700  may include segmented portions  787 . The segmented portions  787  may facilitate ease of insertion of a male center conductor contact  580  of the male connector  500 . Additionally, the center conductor contact  580  of the male connector  500  may include a tapered surface  587  that further eases the insertion of the male center conductor contact  580  into the female center conductor contact  780 . Those in the art should appreciate that a mating force sensing connector  700  may include a male center conductor contact  780  configured to mate with a female center conductor contact of another connector component. 
       FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a mating force sensing coaxial cable connector  700  during mating with an embodiment of an RF port  515  of a male connector  500 . When the threaded nut  555  of the male connector  500  is initially threaded onto the threaded surface  754  of connector body  750 , the interface sleeve  760  of the mating force sensing connector  700  may begin to slidingly advance against the inner surface of interface sleeve  560  of the male connector  500 . The male center conductor contact  580  is axially aligned with the female center conductor contact  780  and readied for insertion therein. 
     When mated, the leading edge  562  of the interface sleeve  560  of the male connector  500  makes contact with the flexible member  762  of the interface sleeve  760  of the mating force sensing connector  700 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Contact between the leading edge  562  and the flexible member  762  facilitates transfer of force from the interface sleeve  560  to the interface sleeve  760 . Mating force may be generated by the threading advancement of the nut  555  onto the threaded surface  754  of mating force sensing connector  700 . However, mating force may be provided by other means, such as by a user gripping the connector body  550  of the male connector  500  and pushing it in a direction  5  (see  FIG. 4 ) into mating condition with the force sensing connector  700 . The force placed upon the flexible member  762  by the leading edge  562  may cause the flexible member  762  to bend. 
     Because the cavity or chamber  790  can be designed to have a known volume within a tight tolerance in an assembled mating force sensing connector  700 , the sensing circuit  730  can be calibrated according to the known volume to sense corresponding changes in the volume. For example, if the male connector  500  is not threaded onto the mating force sensing connector  700  enough, then the leading edge  562  of the interface sleeve  560  does not place enough force against the flexible member  762  to bend the flexible member  762  sufficiently enough to create a change in the size of capacitive space  790  that corresponds to a sufficient and appropriate change in capacitance of the space  790 . Hence, the sensing circuit  730 , such as a capacitive circuit on the first spacer insulator component  740 , will not sense a change in capacitance sufficient to produce a signal corresponding to a proper mating force attributable to a correct mated condition. Or, if the male connector  500  is threaded too far and too tightly onto the mating force sensing connector  700 , then the leading edge  562  of the interface sleeve  560  will place too much force against the flexible member  762  and will bend the flexible member  762  more than is sufficient to create a change in the size of capacitive space  790  that corresponds to a sufficient and appropriate change in capacitance of the space  790 . Hence, the sensing circuit  730 , such as a capacitive circuit on the first spacer insulator component  740 , will sense too great a change in capacitance and will produce a signal corresponding to an improper mating force attributable to a too tightly-fitted mated condition. 
     Proper mating force may be determined when the sensing circuit  730  signals a correct change in electrical capacitance relative to the size of capacitive space  790 . The correct change in size may correspond to a range of volume or distance, which in turn may corresponds to a range of capacitance sensed by the sensing circuit  730 . Hence, when the male connector  500  is advanced onto the mating force sensing connector  700  and the interface sleeve  560  exerts a force against the flexible member  762  of the interface sleeve  760 , the force can be determined to be proper if it causes the flexible member to bend within a range that corresponds to the acceptable range of size change of capacitive space  790 . The determination of the range acceptable capacitance change can be determined through testing and then associated with mating force conditions. 
     Once an appropriate capacitance range is determined, then calibration may be attributable to a multitude of mating force sensing connectors  700  having substantially the same configuration. The size and material make-up of the various components of the multiple connectors  700  can be substantially similar. For example, a multitude of mating force connectors  700  may be fabricated and assembled to have a regularly defined capacitive space  790  in immediate proximity with a bendable wall or boundary surface, such as flexible member  762 , wherein the capacitive space  790  of each of the multiple connectors  700  is substantially the same size. Furthermore, the multiple connectors  700  may include a sensing circuit  730 , such as a capacitive circuit, printed on a first spacer  740 , the first spacer  740  being an insulator component. The sensing circuit  730  on each of the first spacers  740  of the multiple connectors  700  may be substantially similar in electrical layout and function. For instance, the sensing circuit  730  for each of the multiple connectors  700  may sense capacitance substantially similarly. Then, for each of the multitude of connectors  700 , capacitance may predictably change relative to size changes of the capacitive space  790 , attributable to bending of the flexible member  762  corresponding to predictable mating force. Hence, when capacitance falls within a particular range, as sensed by sensing circuit  730 , then mating force can be determined to be proper for each of the multiple connectors  700  having substantially the same design, component make-up, and assembled configuration. Accordingly, each connector  700  of the multiple mating force connectors  700  having substantially the same design, component make-up, and assembled configuration does not need to be individually calibrated. Calibration can be done for an entire similar product line of connectors  700 . Then periodic testing can assure that the calibration is still accurate for the line. Moreover, because the sensing circuit  730  is integrated into existing connector components, the mating force sensing connector  700  can be assembled in substantially the same way as typical connectors and requires very little, if any, mass assembly modifications. 
     With further reference to the drawings,  FIG. 7  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a coaxial cable connector  800  with integrated force mating force sensing circuit  830 . The mating force sensing circuit  830  may be a capacitive circuit positioned on a mount portion  843  of a first face  842  of an embodiment of a first spacing insulator  840 . The capacitive circuit  830  may be printed on the mount portion  843 . The mount portion  843  may protrude somewhat from the first face  842  of the first insulator  840  to help position the capacitive circuit  830  in immediate proximity with a first section bore  863  of a first section  862  of an interface member  860  to define a capacitive space  890  located between the face  842  and the insulator  840 . The interface member  860  also includes a second section  864 . The first section  862  of the interface member  860  may be flexible so that it can move between a first non-bent position and a second bent position upon the application of an axial force by a mating component  860  on the first section  862 . When in a second bent position, the first section  862  of the interface member  860  may move closer to the first surface  842  of the spacing insulator  840  thereby decreasing the volume of the capacitive space  890  existent proximate the capacitive circuit  830  on the mount portion  843  immediately proximate the first section bore  863  of the first section  862 . The capacitive circuit  830  can detect the decrease in size of the capacitive space  890  and correlate the change in size with mating force exerted on the interface member  860 . 
     The connector  800  embodiment may include a connector body  850  having a threaded portion  854  located proximate a first end of the connector body  850 . The first end  751  of the connector  800  may axially oppose a second end  852  of the connector  800  (not shown, but similar to second end  752  of connector  700  depicted in  FIG. 1 ). In addition, the connector body  850  may include a first bore  856  extending axially from the first end  851 . The first bore  856  may be large enough to accommodate the first spacing insulator  840  and the interface member  860  so that the connector body  850  may house the first insulator  840  and the interface member  860 . Moreover, the first end  851 , including the first bore  851 , may be sized to mate with another coaxial cable component, such as male connector  500  depicted in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
     An embodiment of a method for detecting mating force of a mated coaxial cable connector  700 ,  800  is described with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 . One step of the mating force detecting method includes providing a coaxial cable connector, such as connector  700  or  800 . The connector  700 ,  800  may include a sensing circuit  730 ,  830  positioned on a face  742 ,  842  of a spacer component  740 ,  840  located within a connector body  750 ,  850 . In addition, the connector  700 ,  800  may include a capacitive space  790 ,  890  in immediate proximity with the sensing circuit  730 ,  830 . Moreover, the connector  700 ,  800  may have an interface component  760 ,  860  having a flexible member  762 ,  862  forming at least one surface or boundary portion of the capacitive space  790 ,  890 . The flexible member  762 ,  862  may be movable due to mating forces. 
     Another step of the coaxial cable connector mating force detection method includes mating the connector  700 ,  800  with a connecting device, such as the male connector  500 , or any other structurally and functionally compatible coaxial cable communications component. Yet another mating force detection step includes bending the flexible member  762 ,  862  of the interface component  760 ,  860  due to contact with the connecting device, such as male connector  500 , during mating, thereby reducing the size of the capacitive space  790 ,  890 . Still further, the mating force detection methodology includes detecting mating force by sensing the reduction of capacitive space  790 ,  890  size by the sensing circuit  730 ,  830 . The size change of the space  790 ,  890  may then be correlated with the mating force exerted on the interface member  760 ,  860 . 
     The description of coaxial cable connectors  700 ,  800  capable of self-detecting mating connection force, has been, to this point only focused on structure pertaining to female coaxial cable connectors. The structure of female connectors makes it somewhat easier to fit deformable sensing elements into the overall connector  700 ,  800  designs. However, structural modifications may be made to male connector designs, such as the connector  500  shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , that render mating force self-detection capability. 
     With further reference to the drawings  FIG. 8  depicts a male coaxial cable connector  1500  structured to self-detect mating force, when connected to a corresponding female connector, such as standard female connector, or a smart female connector such as connector  700  or connector  800  shown in  FIGS. 1-8 . Like the previously disclosed structures of the smart female connectors  700 ,  800 , a male coaxial cable  1500  may include simple press-fit structures, which may be substituted for conventional male connector parts (like parts of the connector  500 ), thereby maintaining manufacturability within current methods and also thereby retaining a majority of common parts within the standard connector  1500  assembly. 
     To more clearly illustrate various types of connector structure that may be modified to provide a male connector  1500  with mating force self-detecting capability,  FIGS. 9-10  are provided to show features of a standard male coaxial cable connector  600  having typical features. The standard male connector  600  may be structurally similar to the male coaxial cable connector  500  shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . The standard male connector  600  may include a connector body  650  configured to receive a coaxial cable  10  at a cable end  612  of the connector  600 . A nut or other coupler  655  may be operably located proximate a port end  615  of the connector  600 , the port end  615  being axially opposite the cable end  612 . The coupler  655  may have internal threads  654  that facilitate rotatable connection with a complimentary feature of a female connector, such as connector  700 . 
     A conductive interface sleeve  660 , such as a conductive basket, or other conductive member structured and located to coaxially extend an RF barrier about a male center conductor  680  contact, so that the sleeve  660  may be electrically coupled to an outer coaxial conductor of the coaxial cable  10 . The male center conductor contact  680  of the male connector  600  may include a tapered surface  687  that further eases the insertion of the male center conductor contact  680  into a female center conductor contact, such as contact  780  of female connector  700 . The male center conductor contact  680  is electrically coupled to the center conductor of the coaxial cable  10 . 
     The conductive interface sleeve  662  typically includes an inner ridge  665  or lip. The inner ridge  665  may serve to seat the leading edge of a corresponding interface sleeve, such as interface sleeve  760  of a female connector, such as connector  700 , as shown generally in  FIG. 6  with respect to similar male connector  500 . The physical and electromagnetic interface between the conductive interface sleeve  662  of the male connector and the interface sleeve  760  of the female connector may help ground the coaxial cable connection and shield the respective center conductors from electromagnetic interference. The connector  600  may include an insulator  640  formed of a dielectric material, wherein the insulated  640  is housed within the connector body  650  and positioned to contact and axially align the male center conductor  680 . The insulator  640  is positioned to rigidly suspend the inner conductor contact  680  within the outer conducting housing or connector body  650 . The insulator  640  may be a spacer component positioned to help facilitate an operable communication connection of the connector  600 . When the leading edge of the interface sleeve  762  is seated against the inner ridge  665  of the conductive interface sleeve  660  of male connector  600 , the mated connection between the male connector  600  and the female connector  700  is generally close to complete. However, it is still possible for the connectors  600 ,  700  to be over-tightened or under-tightened. When over-tightened or under-tightened or in some other way not optimally tightened, the non-optimal mating conditions may render poor connection performance. Hence it is advantageous to detect mating force to determine whether a connector is optimally connected. 
     Turning again to  FIG. 8  and with additional reference to  FIG. 11 , a male coaxial cable connector  1500  includes structure facilitating capability to detect mating conditions. Like the standard male connectors  500 ,  600 , a male coaxial cable connector  1500  includes a connector body  1550  having an internal passageway and being configured to receive a coaxial cable  10  at a cable end  1512  of the connector  1500 . A nut or other coupler  1555  may be operably located proximate a port end  1515  of the connector  1500 , the port end  1515  being axially opposite the cable end  1512 . The coupler  1555  may have internal threads  1554  that facilitate rotatable connection with a complimentary feature of a female connector, such as connector  700 . Moreover, like the typical male conductors  500 ,  600 , a male coaxial cable conductor  1500  may include a male center conductor contact  1580 . The male center conductor contact  1580  is electrically coupled to the center conductor of the coaxial cable  10 . Furthermore, the male center conductor contact  1580  of the male connector  1500  may include a tapered surface  1587  that further eases the insertion of the male center conductor contact  1580  into a female center conductor contact, such as contact  780  of female connector  700 . 
     Unlike a standard male connector, the male coaxial cable connector  1500  includes a flexible sleeve abutment member  1570  located within the connector  1500  so as to make contact and abut with an interface sleeve of a female port, such as sleeve  760  of connector  700  or sleeve  860  of connector  800 . The flexible sleeve abutment member  1570  helps facilitate changes in the size of the capacitive space  1590  proximate the sensing circuit  1530 . The flexible sleeve abutment member  1570  includes an abutment face  1572  and a compliant axially displaceable member  1574 . The compliant axially displaceable member  1574  is structured to bend or otherwise flex under compression forces and allow for axial displacement of a cavity wall  1579  of the flexible sleeve abutment member  1570 , when mating force is applied to the abutment face  1572  via contact with a tightening interface sleeve, such as sleeves  760 ,  860 , of a female port, such as the first port ends  751 ,  851 , of a female connector, such as connectors  700 ,  800 . Located axially oppositely across a collapsible cavity  1590  from the cavity wall  1579  of the flexible sleeve abutment member  1570  is a sensor face  1542  of a sensor insulator  1540 . A sensor  1530 , such as a printed capacitive circuit, is located on the sensor face  1542  of the sensor insulator  1540 . The sensor insulator  1540  is positioned to rigidly suspend the male center conductor contact  1580  in a coaxial location with respect to the outer conducting housing or connector body  1550 . 
     The sensor insulator  1540  is disposed coaxially between and spans a radial distance between the male center conductor member  1580  and a conductive interface sleeve  1560 . The conductive interface sleeve  1560  may be structured similar to the configuration of interface sleeves  560  and  660  of standard male conductors  500  and  600 . The conductive interface sleeve  1560  coaxially surrounds at least a portion of the male center conductor contact  1580 . However, the inner ridge  1565  of the conductive interface sleeve  1560  may be placed axially farther away from the first port end  1515  of the coaxial cable connector  1500  than are similar ridge features of standard connectors. This extra axial distance of the ridge  1565  away from the port end  1515  may operably accommodate the location of the flexible abutment member  1570 . Additionally, the inclusion and provision of ridge  1565  can help secure the relative axial position of the flexible abutment member within the connector  1500 . The flexible abutment member  1570  is seated against the inner ridge  1565  of the conductive interface sleeve  1560  when the connector is assembled. Hence, while portions of the connector  1500 , such as the axial displacement member  1574 , have some axially free movement with respect to other connector structure, the conjunctive operation and location of the inner ridge  1565  and the flexible abutment member  1570  work to prevent complete axial movement of the entire flexible abutment member  1570 . In that sense, particular portions of the flexible abutment member  1570  can be permitted to move, while other portions remain stationary. 
     To help provide both axial and radial support, to various connector  1500  components, a second supportive insulator  1545  may be positioned to span between the conductive interface sleeve  1560  and the male center conductor member  1580 . The shape of the supportive insulator  1545  may oppositely match the shape of the sensor insulator  1540 . This match can be both axially and radially. For instance, both the sensor insulator  1540  and the second supportive insulator  1545  may have a diagonal span member, respectively  1547  and  1548 . Hence the two insulators  1540  and  1545  can support and physically operate on each other in both axial directions and also radial directions. The second support insulator  1545  operates with the sensor insulator  1540  to further stabilize the sensor insulator. 
     When mated, the leading edge of the interface sleeve, such as sleeve  760  of the female connector  700  makes contact with the abutment face  1572  of the flexible abutment member  1570  of the male mating force sensing connector  1500 . Contact between the sleeve  760  and the flexible abutment member  1570  facilitates transfer of force from the interface sleeve  760  during mating. Mating force may be generated by the threading advancement of the nut  1555  onto the threaded surface  754  of female connector  700 . However, mating force may be provided by other means with regard to non-threaded structures, such as by a user gripping the connector body  1550  of the male connector  1500  and pushing it in a direction (similar to direction  5  shown in  FIG. 4 ) into mating condition with the female connector  700 . The force placed upon the flexible abutment member  1570  by the interface sleeve  760  may cause the flexible abutment member  1570  to bend, or otherwise be axially displaced. 
     Because the collapsible cavity  1590  can be designed to have a known dimension within a tight tolerance in an assembled male mating force sensing connector  1500 , the sensing circuit  1530  can be calibrated according to the known dimension to sense corresponding changes in the capacitive space associated with the collapsible cavity  1590 . For example, if the male connector  1500  is not threaded onto the female connector  700  enough, then the leading edge of the interface sleeve  760  does not place enough force against the flexible abutment member  1570  to bend the axially displaceable element  1574  sufficiently enough to create a change in the size of capacitive space  1590  that corresponds to a sufficient and appropriate change in capacitance of the space  1590 . Hence, the sensing circuit  1530 , such as a capacitive circuit  1549  printed on the sensor face  1572  of the sensor insulator component  1540 , will not sense a change in capacitance sufficient to produce a signal corresponding to a proper mating force attributable to a correct mated condition. Or, if the male connector  1500  is threaded too far and too tightly onto the female connector  700 , then the leading edge of the interface sleeve  760  will place too much force against the flexible abutment member  1570  and will bend the axially displaceable element  1574  more than is sufficient to create a change in the size of capacitive space  1590  that corresponds to a sufficient and appropriate change in capacitance of the space  1590 . Hence, the sensing circuit  1530 , such as a capacitive circuit  1549  on the sensor face  1572  of the sensor insulator component  1540 , will sense too great a change in capacitance and will produce a signal corresponding to an improper mating force attributable to a too tightly-fitted mated condition. The cavity wall  1579  at least partially defines a capacitive space  1590  between the sensor face  1542  of the sensor insulator  1540  and the flexible abutment member  1570 , wherein the cavity wall  1579  is movable upon the application of mating forces upon the flexible abutment member  1570 . 
     Proper mating force may be determined when the sensing circuit  1530  signals a correct change in electrical capacitance relative to the size of capacitive space  1590 . The correct change in size may correspond to a range of volume or distance, which in turn may corresponds to a range of capacitance sensed by the sensing circuit  1530 . Hence, when the male connector  1500  is advanced onto a female connector  700  and the interface sleeve  760  exerts a force against the abutment face  1572  of the flexible abutment member  1570 , the force can be determined to be proper if it causes the axially displaceable element  1574  of the flexible abutment member  1570  to bend within a range that corresponds to the acceptable range of size change of capacitive space  1590 . The determination of the range acceptable capacitance change can be determined through testing and then associated with mating force conditions. In this sense, connectors  1500  may be calibrated for optimal performance. 
     Once an appropriate capacitance range is determined, then calibration may be made attributable to a multitude of similar male mating force sensing connectors  1500  having substantially the same configuration. The size and material make-up of the various components of the multiple male connectors  1500  can be substantially similar. For example, a multitude of male mating force connectors  1500  may be fabricated and assembled to have a regularly defined capacitive space  1590  in immediate proximity with a movable body or boundary surface, such as cavity wall  1579  of flexible abutment member  1570 , wherein the capacitive space  1590  of each of the multiple connectors  1500  is substantially the same size. Furthermore, the multiple connectors  1500  may each include a sensing circuit  730 , such as a capacitive circuit, printed on a sensor face  1542  of a sensor insulator  1540 . The sensing circuit  1530  on each of the sensing insulators of the multiple connectors  1500  may be substantially similar in electrical layout and function. For instance, the sensing circuit  1530  for each of the multiple connectors  1500  may sense capacitance substantially similarly. Then, for each of the multitude of connectors  1500 , capacitance may predictably change relative to size changes of the capacitive space  1590 , attributable to bending of the axially displaceable element  1572  of the flexible abutment member  1570  corresponding to predictable mating force. Hence, when capacitance falls within a particular range, as sensed by sensing circuit  1530 , then mating force can be determined to be proper for each of the multiple male connectors  1500  having substantially the same design, component make-up, and assembled configuration. Accordingly, each connector  1500  of the multiple mating force connectors  1500  having substantially the same design, component make-up, and assembled configuration does not need to be individually calibrated. Calibration can be done for an entire similar product line of male coaxial cable connectors  1500 . Then periodic testing can assure that the calibration is still accurate for the line. Moreover, because the sensing circuit  1530  is integrated into existing connector components, the male mating force sensing connector  1500  can be assembled in a manner similar to typical coaxial cable connectors. 
     The sensor insulator  1540  may include a sensor face  1542  on which a sensing circuit  1530  may be positioned. The face  1542  may be the top edge of an annular ring-like base flange protruding from the cone-like sensor insulator  1540  and the sensing circuit  1530  may be printed onto the face  1542 . For example, a capacitive circuit  1549  may be printed on the face  1542  of the sensor insulator  1540 , wherein the capacitive circuit  1549  is a sensing circuit  1530 . Printing the sensing circuit  1530  onto a sensor face  1542  of the sensor insulator  1540  affords efficient connector  1500  fabrication because the sensing circuit  1530  can be provided on components, such as spacer insulators typically existent in cable connectors. Moreover, assembly of the connector  1500  is made efficient because the various connector components, such as the sensor insulator  1540 , male center conductor  1580 , interface sleeve  1560 , connector body  1550  and second supportive insulator  1545 , are assembled in a manner consistent with typical connector assembly. Printing a sensing circuit  1530  on a typical component can also be more efficient than other means because assembly of small non-printed electronic sensors to the interior surfaces of typical male coaxial cable connector housings, possibly wiring those sensors to a circuit board within the housing and calibrating the sensors along with any mechanical elements, can be difficult and costly steps. A printed sensing circuit  1530  integrated on a typical connector  1500  assembly component reduces assembly complexity and cost. Accordingly, it may be desirable to “print” sensing circuits  1530  and other associated circuitry in an integrated fashion directly onto structures, such as the sensor face  1542  of the sensor insulator  1540  or other structures already present in a typical connector  1500 . Furthermore, printing the sensing circuits  1530  onto connector  1500  components allows for mass fabrication, such as batch processing of the sensor insulators  1540  to include components having sensing circuits  1530  printed thereon. Printing the sensing circuit  1530  may involve providing conductive pathways, or traces, etched from copper sheets or other conductive materials, laminated or otherwise positioned onto a non-conductive substrate, such as the sensor insulator component  1540 . 
     When the connector  1500  is assembled, the movable cavity wall  1579  is in immediate proximity with the capacitive space  1590 ; the capacitive space  1590  residing between the movable cavity wall and the printed capacitive circuit  1549  located on the sensor face  1542  of the sensor insulator  1540 . Movements of the flexible abutment member  1570  cause the cavity wall  1579  to move resulting in changes in the size associated with the capacitive space  1590 . The cavity wall  1579  of the flexible abutment member  1570  may be configured to undergo elastic deformation as a result of mating forces. The capacitive space  1590  size may therefore be dynamic. Changes in the size of the capacitive space  1590  may produce changes in the capacitance of the printed sensing circuit  1530  and are therefore ascertainable as a physical parameter status. The sensor face  1542  of the insulator  1540  may be or include a fixed electrode, such as a fixed plate, and the cavity wall  1579  of the flexible abutment member  1570  may be or include a movable electrode. The distance between the electrodes, or the size of the capacitive space between the electrodes, may vary inversely with the applied torque. The closer capacitive wall  1579  gets to the capacitive circuit  1549  on the sensor face  1542  of the sensor insulator  1540 , the larger the effective capacitance becomes. The sensing circuit  1530  translates the changes in capacitance to connector tightness and determines if the connector  1500  is too loose. The capacitive space  1590  may be a resonant chamber or capacitive cavity. The dimensional space of the capacitive space  1590  can be manufactured to tight tolerances. For example, the flexible abutment member  1570  and/or the sensor insulator  1540  may be injection molded to form conjunctive shapes corresponding to an open annular collapsible diaphragm capacitor responsive to resonant variation due to changes in the size of cavity  1590 . The capacitive space  1590  may be filled with air, wherein the air may function as a dielectric. However, the capacitive space  1590  may be completely or partially filled with some other material such as dielectric grease. Because the male connector  1500  assembly creates a sandwich of parts, the capacitive space or resonant cavity  1590  and sensing circuit  1530  need not be adjusted or calibrated individually for each connector assembly, making assembly of the male connector  1500  no different from a similar common male coaxial cable connector that has no sensing circuit  1530  built in. 
     Power for the sensing circuit  1530  of a male coaxial cable connector  1500  may be provided through electrical contact with the male center conductor  1580 . For instance, traces may be printed on the sensor insulator  1540  and positioned so that the traces make electrical contact with the male center conductor contact  1580  at a location  1546 . Contact with the center conduct contact  1580  at location  1546  facilitates the ability for the sensing circuit  1530  to draw power from the cable signal(s) passing through the male center conductor contact  1580 . Traces may also be formed and positioned so as to make contact with grounding components. For example, a ground path may extend through a location  1541  between the sensor insulator  1540  and/or the flexible abutment member  1570  and the interface sleeve  1560 . 
     The sensing circuit  1530  can communicate sensed mating forces. The sensing circuit  1530 , such as a capacitive circuit, may be in electrical communication with an output component such as traces physically and electrically connected to the male center conductor contact  1580 . For example, sensed conditions due to mating forces, such as changes in capacitance of the cavity or chamber  1590 , may be passed as an output signal from the sensing circuit  1530  of the sensor insulator  1540  through an output component  1520 , such as traces, electrically linked to the male center conductor contact  780 . The outputted signal(s) can then travel along the cable line corresponding to the cable connection applicable to the male coaxial cable connector  1500 . Hence, the signal(s) from the sensing circuit  1530  may be accessed at a point along the cable line. For example, the signals may be routed to a display system enabling a technician to visual observe operable performance characteristics of the connector  1500 . In addition, traces or conductive elements of an output component  1520  in communication with a sensing circuit  1530  may be in electrical contact with output leads available to facilitate connection of the male coaxial cable connector  1500  with electronic circuitry that can manipulate the sensing circuit  1530  operation. For instance, sensed data pertaining to performance characteristics of the connector  1500  may be reported to external devices which may further analyze the data. Moreover, sensed conditions may be outputted in the form of alarms signifying the need to further observe the connector  1500 . 
     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.