The need for extending the lifetime of equipment has never been more prevalent. Industries are now relying on high-powered, advanced equipment that operates in harsh environments. Equipment is handling more than it ever has had to as we move towards more automated Industry 4.0 technologies and solutions that can potentially cause strain on equipment.
Below, LEMO explores how one of the solutions to equipment longevity is rugged connectors.
Environmental resistance
One of the main challenges of the automated, complex solutions that are now becoming the norm for modern business solutions is extreme environments that standard connectors can’t manage.
Sophisticated rugged connectors use sealed housing that prevents water, dust, and other contaminants from damaging the equipment. It’s well-known that equipment is frequently operating in environments prone to corrosive materials due to exposure to chemicals, salt, and moisture. The protective sealed housing, therefore, becomes essential for equipment longevity.
Some of the most demanding environments that rugged connectors thrive in include:
- Automotive industry
- Robotics and automation
- Energy and automation
- Medical
Performance consistency
Rugged connectors, such as a K connector, use advanced keying systems for high contact density and secure signal transmission and a push-pull latching system for simple, quick, safe, and reliable frequent connecting and disconnecting.
The result is a more stable electrical performance and longevity that prevents signal degradation or failure.
Similarly, another excellent feature of rugged connectors is a keying system that creates high contact density for a more secure signal transmission, with the sensitive signals being protected by EMC shielding. EMC shielding features include high-quality, oxidation-resistant plating on the contacts that can withstand extreme temperatures without degrading, thus boosting performance consistency.
Improved mechanical durability
Rugged connectors are known for their ability to withstand physical stress from shock and vibration, both of which are known to prematurely degrade equipment. And in industrial settings, this type of degradation is common.
One of the standard design features you should see on a rugged connector is a push-pull self-latching system for an immediate and secure locking mechanism. With advanced latching, accidental disconnections and physical damage should be obsolete, and mechanical durability becomes a given.
Extended operational life
The point of the design mechanisms and features we’ve mentioned so far is to improve equipment longevity and extend the operational life.
These connectors are specifically designed for harsh conditions, and it’s not uncommon for them to last several years in demanding environments or even several decades in less demanding environments.
Many rugged connectors can withstand 5,000 to 10,000 mating cycles (connect and disconnect), translating to 15 years or longer for applications operating in harsh environments such as within the automotive and military industries. The result is a reduced need for frequent and costly replacement or repairs.
Rugged connectors are one of the most essential, yet seemingly small and insignificant, components that increase the overall lifespan of equipment. In environments where mating cycles are high and the conditions of operation are harsh and more demanding, rugged connectors are the solution for safe and reliable connectivity and equipment longevity.
