Rapid Electrical Self-Sealing Snap-Connector Technology

To address the Navy’s need for a quick connect technology for distributive power wires that will work with various wire types and sizes aboard ships, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Rapid Electrical Self-Sealing Snap-Connector Technology (RESST), based on modular, multiple-conductor wiring harnesses with universal blind-mating and omnidirectional connectors. RESST is based on POC’s unique snap fastener technology which will reduce connector failure rate and changeover time, and simplify maintenance. Universal connector and harness assemblies will enable RESST to offer true 360-degree connection capability along with self-aligning and self-sealing mechanisms, allowing for relatively easy mating/separation, even in tight and blind spaces where only one hand can be used. The proposed RESST system not only addresses the major Navy requirements, but also has significant commercial applications, including civilian watercraft, recreational vehicle wiring, and the retrofitting of power distribution networks in buildings. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the RESST system by building and testing bench-top prototypes and will estimate ROI and TOC. In Phase II, POC plans to build and test an advanced prototype to be tested in real world environments and a plan for implementation in full-scale applications.