Conductive Elastomer Coated Track for Humid Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low voltage track systems for power supply in humid environments face issues with high contact impedance due to copper bar exposure, leading to short circuits and frequent failures, and conductive elastomers are not suitable for long-distance power transmission due to high impedance and pressure sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A track system with conductive bars coated in conductive elastomer, where the elastomer on the electrical plug squeezes to form a low resistance contact with the track's conductive bar, providing insulation and reducing impedance for efficient power transmission in humid environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copper bars are exposed to air for electrical contact, then good electrical contact is achieved, but patina formation increases contact impedance and causes short circuits in humid environments
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive elastomer coating is applied on the copper bar surface to serve as an intermediary layer. This coating prevents direct contact between copper and environmental moisture while maintaining electrical conductivity through its pressure-sensitive properties, resolving the contradiction between protection and conduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining copper bar (for electrical conduction) with conductive elastomer coating (for protection and environmental isolation). This composite material approach allows the system to benefit from both the high conductivity of copper and the protective properties of elastomer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conductive elastomer is used for power transmission, then insulation and short circuit prevention are achieved, but impedance increases with distance causing high Ohmic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive elastomer coating is applied locally on the copper bar surface rather than using pure elastomer for the entire transmission path. This localized application maintains low impedance by relying on the copper's conductivity while using elastomer only where protection and insulation are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elastomer coating serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation, prevents moisture contact, and maintains conductivity through its pressure-sensitive properties. This multi-functionality allows a single solution to address both protection and energy loss issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive elastomer is used, then pressure-sensitive conductivity is achieved, but impedance varies with pressure applied
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive elastomer's pressure-sensitive conductivity is utilized dynamically - the coating is designed to be compressed during connection to achieve low impedance contact, and maintains this compressed state during operation. This dynamic approach converts the variability from a drawback into a functional feature for reliable connection.
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 system ensures reliable and efficient power transmission with reduced risk of short circuits, enabling safe operation in humid environments and expanding the application range of low voltage power supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
Conductive elastomers are often pressure-sensitive, with their conductivity varying with the amount of pressure put on it. When a conductive elastomer is directly used as a conductive member for long distance power transmission, its impedance will increase with the increase of the distance
Implementation Method 2
the surface of the copper bar is often plated, but this still cannot solve the problem that a wet environment or an environment with high humidity will cause the formation of liquid or moisture on the surface of the track
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a track system for low voltage power supply, comprising a power transmission track, an electrical plug configured to be detachably connected to the power transmission track, wherein a surface of the power transmission track is provided with a first conductive bar, the electrical plug is provided with a second conductive bar which is contacted with the first conductive bar when the electrical plug is connected to the power transmission track for low voltage power supply. According to the invention, surfaces of the first conductive bar and of the second conductive bar are wrapped with a conductive elastomer. The conductive elastomer on the second conductive bar squeezes to contact with the conductive elastomer on the first conductive bar when the electrical plug is connected to the power transmission track, wherein the portions of the conductive elastomer that are squeezed due to their mutual contact when the electrical plug is connected to the power transmission track take a reduced electric resistance value to form a conductive contact portion for low voltage power supply. The invention has the advantages of expanding the applicable range of the track system, good safety performance and high power transmission efficiency.