Self-Lubricating Connector for Contact Wear During Mating Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors experience wear and degradation due to friction and corrosion during mating and unmating cycles, particularly in high-power applications, which limits their durability and performance.
Innovation Solution
A self-lubricating connector system with a lubricating device positioned within the housing that deposits lubricant on the contact surfaces as they move between mating positions, using resilient members to transfer lubricant through wiping actions, minimizing wear and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lubricant is pre-applied when the contact is manufactured, then the initial wear resistance is improved, but the lubricant is displaced or degraded during mating cycles and loses its effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs self-lubrication by automatically applying lubricant to the contact surfaces during the mating and unmating cycles. The lubricating device is positioned to contact the outside surface of the contact, and as the contact moves between positions, the lubricating device deposits lubricant onto the contact surface, allowing the system to maintain its own lubrication without external intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricating device is pre-positioned within the housing proximate to the contact, with lubricant already provided within the device. This preliminary preparation ensures that lubricant is available and can be applied to the contact surface before wear occurs or at the beginning of each mating cycle, maximizing the protective effect
2Reliability
If lubricant is applied to reduce friction and wear during mating cycles, then contact durability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of a lubricating device
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricating device is integrated into the housing structure of the connector, combining the lubrication function with the existing connector components. The lubricating device extends into the contact receiving cavity and is positioned to contact the outside surface of the contact, merging multiple functions into a unified structure rather than adding a separate, complex lubrication system
Solution Approach 2:
The connector automatically applies lubricant during its normal mating and unmating operations, utilizing the existing mechanical motion of the contact to drive the lubrication process. The resilient member contacts the outside surface of the contact during these cycles, transferring lubricant without requiring additional actuators or control systems
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 reduces wear on contacts by continuously applying lubricant during mating and unmating cycles, extending the life and performance of electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The lubricating device has lubricant provided therein. The lubricant from the lubricating device is deposited or on the outside surface of the contact as the contact is moved between the first position and the second position, reducing wear on the contacts
Implementation Method 2
A resilient member is attached to the lubricating device. The resilient member is configured to allow the lubricating device to be positioned in contact with an outside surface of either the first contact of the second contact when the first contact and the second contact are moved into electrical and mechanical engagement with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A self-lubricating connector with a housing having a contact receiving cavity with a contact provided therein. A lubricating device is positioned in the housing proximate the contact. The lubricating device extends into the contact receiving cavity and has lubricant provided therein. The lubricant from the lubricating device is deposited or on the outside surface of the contact as the contact is moved between the first position and the second position, reducing wear on the contacts as the contacts are moved between the first position and the second position.