Plug-in connectors aging and in situ diagnostic tool force measurement implementation
Résumé
This paper concerns the study of plug-in connector used in low level (a few Amperes). In this case, the application fields are instrumentation and control (IandC) installations. The long service duration of these semi-permanent contacts throughout their lifetime relies on having a stable force. The objective of this study is to know the main mechanical parameters which impact on the connector’s lifetime. The main results are that insertion force and friction coefficient of contact change after thousands of insertion-extraction cycles. To avoid these parameters (insertion force and friction coefficient μ) that change during mating cycle, an innovative diagnostic tool has been investigated, to directly measure, in situ, the contact force of each spring of the connector. © 2016, Editura Cefin. All rights reserved.