Solid Lubricant Contact Applicator for Plug Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent mating cycles of plug and socket devices lead to wear on the contact surfaces, reducing the service life, increasing maintenance frequency, and requiring more frequent repairs.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant applicator is designed to apply a solid lubricant to the electrically conductive contact elements of plug and socket devices. The applicator has a lubricating surface formed by a solid body containing the solid lubricant, and it is shaped to complement the contact element, allowing it to be plugged together and generate abrasion to apply the lubricant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If plug and socket devices undergo frequent mating cycles, then connectivity and usability are improved, but wear on contact surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
A lubricant applicator is introduced as an intermediary device between the plug and socket contact surfaces. The applicator contains a solid lubricant that is transferred to the contact surfaces during application, reducing direct friction and wear between mating contacts while allowing frequent mating cycles to occur
2Duration of action of stationary object
If contact surfaces are lubricated to reduce wear, then service life is extended, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant applicator is designed as a separable component that can be independently applied and removed. The applicator section with the solid lubricant body can be detached from the support body, allowing for simple replacement or reapplication without disassembling the entire plug or socket device, thus minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The solid lubricant body is designed as a consumable component that can be replaced when depleted. Rather than designing a complex permanent lubrication system, the patent uses a simple, replaceable lubricant applicator that can be easily reapplied, reducing the need for complex integrated lubrication 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 application of a solid lubricant reduces wear on the contact surfaces, thereby extending the service life of plug and socket devices, decreasing maintenance needs, and reducing repair requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The applicator section is sized and shaped in the form of a complementary mating contact to be plugged together with the contact element... generate abrasion to apply the lubricant
Implementation Method 2
generate abrasion to apply the lubricant
Implementation Method 3
The application of a solid lubricant reduces wear on the contact surfaces, thereby extending the service life
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricant applicator for applying a solid lubricant to an electrically conductive contact element of a plug and socket device is provided. The applicator includes an applicator section having a lubricating surface. The lubricating surface is formed by a solid body made of or containing the solid lubricant. The applicator section is sized and shaped in the form of a complementary mating contact to be engaged with or plugged together with the contact element.