Appliance Design - February 2009 - (Page 29)

CoNNECtorS & CorDS the diagram shows the three dimensions required to specify a Zebra elastomeric connector from Fujipoly. The ratio of height to width, called the aspect ratio, should be 1.5 and higher in order to minimize the deflection force. Fujipoly’s Zebra connectors are made of alternating layers of conductive and nonconductive silicone. The conductive layers will connect matched contact pads and the insulating layers isolate adjacent circuits. Zebra connector from Fujipoly can be encased in a support or insulation barrier. the size of the specified connector. Elastomer connectors can be extruded in large quantities and trimmed to length. As less material is used, the cost comes down. Generally, elastomeric connectors are considered a cost-effective solution for boardto-board, chip-to-board, and other electrical connections. They are ideally suited for applications requiring high-pad densities, where a lot of contact is needed for reliable connections, and close board separation. They also have electromagnetic shielding properties, which can make it a good choice for highfrequency signal transmission applications. Once assembled, the rugged and lost-lasting elastomers provide a gasket-like seal around the contact point, isolating it from any oils or other corrosives, so it can be used in more harsh environments. Portable devices, which are frequently dropped, also need to be more robust. In this case, mechanical connectors can often prove too fragile to resist shock and vibration. Elastomer materials have inherent shock and damping attributes, making them a more robust solution. The elastomeric connectors are easy to install, which is another advantage of these connectors. For traditional mechanical connectors, installation is becoming more of a challenge, especially with high-density connectors that require additional soldering, says Christian Miraglia, engineer with Fujipoly America. He says that elastomeric connectors have zero insertion force and do not require soldering, which can improve the manufacturing assembly process as they can be dropped into place by a worker or robot. Electrical contact is made by positioning www.applianceDESIGN.com the elastomeric connector between mirroring indium tin oxide contact pads. Pressure is applied by the mating surfaces, which generates what is called the deflection force, establishing an electrical connection. The elastomer material is compressed by 5 to 50 percent, which can change as a result of the durometer. Some military applications, for example, require higher durometer material, and, as such, the deflection force needs to be greater. The elastomeric connector is typically made of silicone that has been made conductive by either being filled with metal particles or wrapped in metal wires. In the first construction, the silicone is embedded with metallic particles such as silver, carbon, and derivatives of these such as low-temperature carbon. The filled connectors are composed of LOW COST Variable Speed Controls For Fans, Blowers, Humidiers, Stoves, Heaters, Whole House Ventilators, Range Hoods, Lamps. . . DIAL-A-TEMP Plug-In 2.5 Amps-120VAC. KBWC-Wall Box Mount 2.5, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0 & 15.0 Amp models, 120 & 240VAC, 50/60Hz. KBMC-Panel Mount 2.5, 3.0 & 4.0 Amp models, 120 & 240VAC, 50/60Hz. Designed for Shaded Pole, AC/DC and Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) Motors. Send for complete literature. If it’s not in our catalog, let KB engineers design a custom control for your application. KB Electronics, Inc. 12095 N.W. 39th Street • Coral Springs, FL 33065-2516 954 346-4900 • Fax: 954 346-3377 • Outside FL 800 221-6570 www.kbelectronics.com • Email: info@kbelectronics.com applianceDESIGN AD03084KB.indd 1 February 2009 29 1/24/08 9:48:41 AM http://www.kbelectronics.com http://www.kbelectronics.com http://www.appliancedesign.com

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Appliance Design - February 2009 Contents Editorial Shipments/Forecasts News Watch Force-Sensing Technology Offers Designers an Alternative Approach to Creating Touch-Control Interfaces A Flammable Vapor Sensing Technology that was Originally Developed for use in Water Heaters has Evolved for use in a Broader Array of Applications Latches, Hinges, and Slides Must Reliably Secure Parts Together, Sometimes for Hundreds of Thousands of Cycles. Beyond their Utilitarian Functions, They Can Also Change Consumer Perceptions Elastomeric Electrical Connectors Can Solve Space Constraint Problems in Electronic Products and Provide Some Cost Advantages as Well A Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor with a Novel Electrode Design Can Suppress Electromagnetic Interference, Improve Circuit Performance, and Reduce the Number of Needed Components Design Marts Association Report: AHRI Advertisers’ Index

Appliance Design - February 2009

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