The Role and Influencing Factors of Fibers on the Contact Performance of Electrical Connectors

This article investigates the role and influencing factors of fibers on the contact performance of connectors. Quantitative analysis was conducted on the contact performance of three types of connectors with different structures under conditions such as friction mating and mechanical impact when fibers enter. The fibers entering the contact terminals of connectors can cause an increase in contact resistance and, in severe cases, lead to complete contact failure. The extent of resistance increase and the probability of contact failure are determined by the connector structure and operating conditions. This article analyzes the influence of connector structure and operating conditions on fiber action based on the average resistance increment, probability of abnormal resistance increment, and probability of contact failure. Friction mating only slightly increases the probability of abnormalities, and connectors with grid isolation exhibit a lower probability of abnormalities compared to those without grid isolation. Impact can minimize the impact of fibers on contact performance. The average increase in contact resistance of connectors without grid isolation is smaller than that of connectors with grid isolation. Fibers are prone to leave the terminal area of the connector during impact, reducing the impact on contact resistance.