CHICAGO INNOVATION AWARDS

Molex Incorporated

We are all familiar with the typical consumer input/output (I/O) connection systems (how many times have you had to plug in your TV to a tuner? You push and screw hoping to get the connection so you can turn your TV on). In an industrial environment, there are sometimes hundreds of these types of connection systems on the manufacturing plant floor that require frequent connecting/disconnecting. Users must make sure that they make the connection each and every time or they run the risk of equipment downtime or even failure. In addition, users are at risk for physical harm due to the repetition of connecting (it takes time and effort to ensure accuracy). With the Molex Ultra-Lock Connection System, you push to connect, pull to disconnect, eliminating all the effort required to make the right connection. The risk of equipment downtime and harm to users is virtually eliminated. In addition, the patented “push-to-lock” system ensures a fast, reliable, and strong connection every time, saving time and money.

In industrial manufacturing environments sealed, rugged connectors are used to provide connections to field sensors and other I/O devices that are integral to highly automated machines. These connections are mission critical, as any fault at this level is very hard to detect and can bring down a production line with serious lost of productivity. Compounding this problem is the fact that it is not uncommon for fully automated machines to have a high concentration of I/O devices – oftentimes in the hundreds.

Traditionally, I/O connections are made with a connector featuring a threaded coupling that provides ruggedness and environmental sealing. However, the operator must completely thread down the connector to ensure optimal sealing performance. Due to fatigue and time to accomplish, this critical step is not always properly done.

The Ultra-Lock Connection System, developed by Molex Incorporated, is the next generation of connectors for I/O connectivity. Ultra-Lock is a push on, positive locking connector with a unique radial seal design that delivers a secure, consistent seal each and every time new with one simple push. It works by “pushing down” to connect and “pulling up” to disconnect.

The push-to-lock technology of the Ultra-Lock Connection System can eliminate manufacturing downtime, increase productivity and lower costs. Intermittent signals caused by the inconsistent tightening of threaded connectors can strike at the worst possible time. When a system goes down or is plagued by repeated troubleshooting, material can be damaged, machinery is at risk and productivity grinds to a halt. As a result, revenues and profits are lost.

With Molex’s Ultra-Lock Connection System – unlike traditional threaded connectors – there is no chance of under- or over-tightening and no need to turn, twist or even touch the coupler, making hard-to-reach connections a snap. With one simple push, the unique radial seal design delivers a secure, consistent seal each and every time. This reduces installation time by up to 93 percent.

The Ultra-Lock Connection System is also backward-compatible with existing M12 threaded connectors. It is available with materials and components specifically designed to withstand the harsh chemical, temperature and washdown environments of food and beverage industries and other plant sanitation requirements for pharmaceutical and personal care products.

The system is made with an IP69K industrial strength seal, the highest grade 316 stainless steel hardware, a 100 degree Celsius rated overmold, a cable jacket material and a chemical-resistant EPDM O-ring with a high-temp engineered plastic contact carrier.

Available from 3 to 12 circuits in a tight 18mm footprint, the Ultra-Lock Connection System covers a large array of possible applications that extend past more conventional automation machine I/O connectivity.

For more information on the Ultra-Lock Connection System, visit http://www.woodhead.com/ultralock/.