Self-Lubricating Connector Housing for Contact Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors experience wear and durability issues due to the degradation of pre-applied lubricants during mating and unmating cycles, particularly in high-power applications, leading to reduced performance and lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A self-lubricating connector system with a lubricating device positioned in the housing that deposits lubricant on the contact surfaces as the contacts move between positions, using resilient members to transfer lubricant through wiping actions, minimizing wear and maintaining contact performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pre-applied lubricant is used on the contact during manufacturing, then the initial friction and wear are reduced, but the lubricant is displaced or degraded during mating and unmating cycles, diminishing its performance enhancement ability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs self-lubrication by incorporating a lubricating device that automatically applies lubricant to the contact surface during mating and unmating cycles, eliminating the need for external lubrication maintenance and ensuring continuous lubrication effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricating device ensures continuous lubrication by repeatedly applying lubricant during each mating and unmating cycle, maintaining constant lubrication effectiveness throughout the connector's operational life rather than relying on a single pre-applied coating
2Reliability
If a lubricating device is added to the connector housing, then continuous lubrication and wear reduction are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricating device is integrated into the existing connector housing structure, combining the lubrication function with the housing rather than adding a separate standalone system, thereby minimizing overall device complexity while achieving continuous lubrication
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricating device operates automatically using the mechanical motion of mating and unmating to drive lubricant delivery, eliminating the need for external power sources, control systems, or maintenance mechanisms
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 effectively reduces wear on contacts by continuously applying lubricant during mating and unmating cycles, enhancing durability and extending the useful life of electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
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.