Eaton has been chosen by a significant world automaker to provide its Excessive-Energy Lock Field SQ8 connector system for a brand new plug-in hybrid EV platform, marking the primary deployment of the SQ8 configuration in a hybrid utility.
John Romain, product administration director for Eaton’s Mobility Group, mentioned the system represents a big development in terminal expertise. “The HPLB SQ8 connection system is a leap ahead in terminal expertise,” Romain mentioned. “We’ve designed a power-dense, compact and ergonomic resolution that delivers efficiency similar to bolted connections – with out the necessity for specialised instruments or excessive insertion forces. It’s a game-changer for electrified car platforms.”
The SQ8 variant builds on Eaton’s connector expertise designed for harsh environments and high-current functions. The system encompasses a patented, inverted terminal contact design engineered for electrical efficiency and sturdiness beneath excessive temperatures, vibration and mechanical stress.
Not like conventional terminals that depend on copper for each conductivity and spring rigidity, Eaton’s design makes use of a stainless-steel spring to keep up contact pressure and a copper present service for conductivity. This structure is meant to forestall mechanical leisure and failure frequent in high-vibration EV environments.
Testing and benchmarking in opposition to competitor knowledge confirmed the HPLB SQ8 terminal delivers 25 to 35 % enchancment in current-carrying functionality for a given wire dimension. The system additionally supplies 30 to 60 % extra present per unit of quantity, which may scale back car platform weight and enhance energy distribution effectivity.
The connector system can carry as much as 270 amps of present with minimal resistance loss, making it appropriate for battery disconnect items, high-voltage heaters and propulsion programs in electrical, hybrid and industrial autos. The system makes use of a tool-free push-click-pull mating course of that gives safe connections with simply 70 newtons of pressure, eliminating the necessity for mechanical levers.
Key specs embrace compatibility with 25 to 70 sq. millimeter wire gauges, versatile 90-degree and 180-degree terminal orientations, and eight spring-loaded contact factors. The system operates at temperatures as much as 125 levels Celsius and consists of QR-code-enabled half traceability.
The HPLB connector household was initially launched in industrial truck platforms and electrical car functions. The four-contact SQ4 variant has seen subject use, whereas the SQ8 is now accessible for heavy-duty pickup vehicles, battery disconnect items and different electrical car functions.
Romain famous the system’s scalability for future functions. “HPLB is future-ready,” he mentioned. “It meets at this time’s high-voltage, high-durability calls for – and it’s already positioned to scale throughout the subsequent technology of electrified platforms.”
