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looking for "Detent" electrical connectors/contacts

I apologize for the cross post, I realized I might have originally submitted to the wrong group...

I have been looking all over for a some type of connector/contact that I can use to connect power between to separate cases that slide together. The cases are made of plastic, and I was thinking some type of contact that looks like a rivet or screw head (Slightly convex head). The contact on the other side would be slightly concave. So the contacts would sort of snap together when they are moved into position across from each other. This would also prevent the to cases from sliding apart, until enough pressure is exerted. I know that Milmax and others make a spring version of something similar to this, but I would prefer to use the slight flexibility of the plastic case to provide the spring action, not to mention keeping the design simpler. It would be great if these were simple "push-through" barbed contacts. Does anyone know of a supplier for something like this?

Tom Kuhn

Reply to
Tom
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Look at the contacts of an industrial battery-powered drill and its charger; they seem to do it reliably. If you have any control over the form of the case, mold detents into it.

Good Luck! Rich

Reply to
Rich Grise

Would banana plugs/jacks provide enough mechanical resitance? They're cheap and available everywhere.

...jerry

Reply to
Jerry R

how about magnetic contacts, they'ree becoming popular on some gadgets.

I've seen thumbtacks in both convex and concave, dunno what the cheap brass-plating would stand up to though.

Bye. Jasen

Reply to
jasen

The problem with plugs like that are that the case slides on each other in a parallel fashion, so each box is pretty flush with the other.

Reply to
Tom

ready made? u seek a mechanical solution to a electrical issue it seems. u already have described the performance, perhaps some commonly avail harware store fasteners, brass type? ( custom gold plated? ), or just some spring brass alligned to contact when the cases slide together..

substantial power requirements will demand that you make soem kind of calculation regarding contact loss or heating effect if much current is being used. and repeated contact may result in erosion of the contact points.

and the theres the looming issue of safety, will the power source contacts be exposed so some person may be toasted?

even humidity may be a problem if it is continual and present.

nice nickel plated polished roundy headed rivets may suffice. those with a low curve may be available for less than a penny per.

dont always rely on "pre-manufactured" solutions, use your imagination....

Reply to
<hapticz

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