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Would You Like To Test Out a Magnetic, Rotatable, IP67-rated Connector?

rscasny

I have been talking with a roadtest sponsor who is interested in having a product roadtested. It's a magnetic connector that can be disconnected quickly or used in an area where accidental damage is likely. These magnetic connectors are rated current of 5A at 30V AC/DC. The unique design also allows the connector to rotate a full 360 degrees without loss of the electrical connection. While the panel mount connector and cable connectors are individually IP67 rated, due to the design of the magnetic connector the connection itself is not waterproof.

Here's some info about the product

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For More Info

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Datasheet

Poll Questions



  • This is a great solution for those cases where connectors (or wires) are regularly ripped out of the enclosure. You may not be able to prevent the break, but it doesn't cause physical damage.

  • I really like that the other end is already in a cable form.  I could put this to use now.  The ability to quickly disconnect a circuit without destroying something... 

    If it doesn't make it to Roadtest or Design Challenge, it's on the list of potential projects.

  • in reply to kmikemoo

    There seems to be a straight plug and one with 90° angle, according to the data sheet.

  • in reply to Jan Cumps

      I saw that. Grinning  Which one to use?  I'd probably start out with the straight one and make the panel connector into an in-line connection.  5A is respectable.  I would probably use the 90 degree on on a battery maintainer connection to a vehicle or trailer brake battery system.  The "rotatable" part is also interesting.  I'll have to ponder this more. Laughing

  • Magnetic connection provides convenience in many applications and rotation expands this significantly.

    I don't have an immediate need because I haven't been thinking along these lines, but I am sure I can come up with applications for such connectors.

    A road test of such connectors could use some general electronics that keep the number of possible applications high. For example a microcontroller module has many possible applications that need a connection method. These connectors can carry fairly high current so a general purpose OEM power supply might be a good building block. As far as peripherals, the size and current capacity would suggest and actuator more than a sensor.

  • A whole custom hole? Sign me up :).

    This looks interesting, but also a bit on the chunky side for my present needs ... still would be an interesting one to test as I can see it having quite a few nifty applications.

    - Gough

  • It's an interesting product - and one that could fairly easily be tested without needing anything to go with it.

    I can't immediately think of anything that might require it, but it seems like the sort of product that would suddenly find itself a perfect fit for something. I can imagine myself working on some random project in the future and realising that it would be useful. It's the sort of thing that might sit in your toolbox for ages until one day you go "Aha! I have just the thing for that! Where did I put it?"

    I wonder if it would be worth having a pool of useful components like this that members could request when working on a Project14 entry? Rather than trying for find a way to use it, just wait until it jumps out at you.

  • in reply to Fred27

      "Jumps out at you" is my entire project plan!  I'd like to say that I subscribe to the "See a need. Fill a need." philosophy (Bigweld from the movie Robots) but it's more like just chasing the newest bright shiny thing. LaughingThumbsup  It's my version of ADD - Adult Distractability Disorder.

  • in reply to Fred27
    Fred27 said:
    I can't immediately think of anything that might require it

    I'd say: any low power situation where losing the connection without physical damage is a better outcome than dragging the cables out of a device, bending connectors, breaking wires, letting a cabinet fall over.

    edit: and in situations where you connect moveable things, like in a car diagnostics/inspection booth. Where someone can drive away and take the whole set-up with them.

  • in reply to kmikemoo

    Finding a part to "fill a need" is a process that could probably be scientifically studied. The process I go through varies but it is  something like:

    • what do I imagine is the ideal part to fill this need?
    • what do I think I have that comes closest to this ideal part? (I often cannot remember everything I have - so)
    • rummage around several possible storage locations to see if I actually have something that I remember or something else that might fit the bill
    • give up and order something
    • suddenly realize I was looking in the wrong place and find something suitable
    • when the now un-needed part comes in, squirrel it away somewhere where I am never going to forget it
    • and then promptly forget all about it