Connectors made from conductive rubber

Abstract

Conductive rubber compounds fabricated into a variety of shapes are increasingly finding their way into military, industrial and consumer electronics products. They have a long history as switching devices in automotive horns, door activated lights and keyboards and are available in four configurations; buttons mounted in insulated carriers, alternating layered connectors (ALC), separate elements, and pads, which become conductive when pressure is applied. These connectors can provide connective densities up to 200 lines per inch, shock and vibration damping, gas tight sealing, tolerance forgiveness, replacement ease, low cost and mass production capability.