Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Microsystems and Solid State Technologies EMFTElectrical connector systems are the interface between mechatronic or electrical systems, for example in automobiles. Up to now, small and medium-sized enterprises usually only used the electrical properties from the data sheets prior to installation. Environmental impact such as vibration during later operation has not been assessed. This can lead to premature wear and, in the worst case, costly recalls.
Project StroBa: Analyzing causes of connector deterioration
An extract from the guideline for the robust design of connectors
Vibration due to uneven road surfaces
Vibrations due to internal vehicle parts
Unsuitable mounting position for vertical excitations: Angled connector on board
In the StroBA project, a Fraunhofer EMFT research team at the Oberpfaffenhofen site is taking a closer look at the effects of environmental impact on connector systems in cooperation with Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences: the aim here is to look at how damage and aging response is influenced by different types of micromotion (rotation and translation) and by mounting position of the cable as well design features.
A design guideline has been developed for the robust design of connectors with regard to micromotion, mounting position, the selection and testing of connectors based on the results. This allows small and medium-sized enterprises to select the right connector for the respective area of application. This makes it also easier for development engineers to minimize the effects of micromotion during the design phase through the choice of favorable mounting positions and other constructive measures and to ensure resilience through more precisely targeted tests of connectors. The aim of the research project was achieved.
The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and the German Federation of Industrial Research Associations (AiF) under reference 20139 N.