Conductive Disc Connector for Electrostatic Charge Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors used in fluid lines connecting to fuel tanks face issues with electrostatic charge dissipation due to insufficient conductivity between the plug and coupling parts, leading to potential explosions, and current solutions involving conductive O-rings or greases are costly and impractical for small quantities.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a partially electrically conductive disk element between the plug and coupling parts, which is compressible and made from materials like conductive foam or rubber, ensuring effective electrostatic charge dissipation using a standard grease and conventional O-rings, optimizing contact surface area for efficient conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive O-rings are used to ensure electrostatic charge dissipation, then conductivity is improved, but elasticity is severely restricted and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a non-conductive O-ring for sealing and a separate conductive element (such as a conductive ring, spring, or contact surface) for electrostatic charge dissipation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromise - the O-ring maintains full elasticity while the conductive element provides the necessary electrical conductivity path.
Solution Approach 2:
A conductive intermediary element is introduced between the plug and coupling parts to establish the electrical connection for charge dissipation. This intermediary can be a conductive ring, spring, or contact surface that bridges the gap between conductive components without requiring the sealing O-ring to be conductive, thus preserving O-ring elasticity while ensuring electrical conductivity.
2Reliability
If conductive greases are used to promote conductivity, then electrostatic charge dissipation is improved, but production costs increase and facility cleaning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design uses durable, reusable conductive components (such as conductive rings, springs, or contact surfaces) integrated into the connector structure, replacing the need for consumable conductive greases. These conductive elements maintain their conductivity throughout the product lifecycle without requiring reapplication or special cleaning procedures, reducing both material costs and facility maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements are designed to be self-maintaining through the product's operational cycles. The mechanical connection and contact between conductive components ensure continuous electrical conductivity without requiring external intervention for maintenance, cleaning, or reapplication of conductive materials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If varying distances between plug part and coupling part are present, then connector flexibility is improved, but sufficient electrical connection for charge dissipation cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system incorporates dynamic elements such as conductive springs or elastic conductive components that can automatically adjust to varying distances between plug and coupling parts. These dynamic conductive elements maintain continuous electrical contact and ensure reliable charge dissipation path regardless of the specific engagement distance, accommodating connector flexibility while ensuring electrical reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design ensures reliable electrostatic charge dissipation and current conduction across the connector, preventing explosions while reducing production costs by utilizing standard materials and maintaining functionality at low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5) for discharging an electrostatic charge across the disc element, thus through the plug connector
Implementation Method 2
it proves particularly advantageous to form the at least partially electrically conductive disk element from an elastic and/or compressible electrically conductive or conducting material
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~12
AI summary
In a connector (1) comprising at least one at least partially electrically conductive plug part (2), at least one at least partially electrically conductive coupling part (3) and at least one plug part (2) and coupling part (3) fixing one another, at least one at least partially electrically conductive disc element (5) is arranged between the at least one plug part (2) and the at least one coupling part (3) or the plug part (2) and/or coupling part (3) have at least one contact element (200, 201, 202) for electrically connecting the plug part (2) and coupling part (3) when the plug part (2) and coupling part (3) are plugged in.A disc element (5) for such a connector (1) for interlocking between an at least partially electrically conductive plug part (2) and an at least partially electrically conductive coupling part (3) of the connector (1) is at least partially electrically conductive and consists at least partially of at least one elastic and/or compressible electrically conductive or conductive material, or has such material in at least one electrically conductive area. A retaining element (4) for a connector (1) for holding together at least one at least partially electrically conductive plug part (2) and at least one at least partially electrically conductive coupling part (3) of the connector (1).