Belden has been granted a patent for a grounding device that maintains a ground path between a connector component and an interface port even when the device flexes. The device includes a sealing member that forms a conductive ground path and flexes to maintain the ground path when a force is applied during operation. GlobalData’s report on Belden gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Belden, IoT network security was a key innovation area identified from patents. Belden's grant share as of September 2023 was 60%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Grounding device for maintaining ground path between connector and interface port
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11757213B2) describes a grounding device and connector for maintaining a ground path between a component of a connector and an interface port. The grounding device includes a sealing member with a sealing portion and a grounding portion. The sealing portion is made of a nonconductive elastomer material, while the grounding portion is made of a conductive elastomer material. When a force is applied to the sealing member, it flexes and maintains a ground path between the connector component and the interface port.
The connector, which incorporates the grounding device, includes a tubular body with a posterior portion that can be coupled to a coupler for electrically connecting to the outer conductor of a coaxial cable. The forward portion of the tubular body engages the interface port. The grounding portion of the sealing member provides a port grounding path between the outer conductor of the coaxial cable and the interface port, even when the coupler is only loosely connected or not fully tightened to the interface port.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a flexing ground member instead of a sealing member. The flexing ground member also has an overlying portion and a grounding portion, which flex when a force is applied to maintain a ground path between the connector component and the interface port. The overlying portion is made of a nonconductive elastomer material, while the grounding portion is made of a conductive elastomer material.
The connector described in the patent can be used in coaxial cable connectors. It provides an effective grounding solution, ensuring a reliable ground path between the connector component and the interface port, even under conditions where the coupler is not fully tightened or only loosely connected. The use of nonconductive elastomer and conductive elastomer materials in the sealing and grounding portions of the grounding device or flexing ground member enhances the flexibility and durability of the connector.
Overall, this patent presents an innovative grounding device and connector design that addresses the challenge of maintaining a ground path in connectors, particularly in coaxial cable connectors. The use of elastomer materials and the flexing capability of the grounding device or flexing ground member contribute to the reliability and performance of the connector in various operating conditions.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
