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This revolutionary ‘Dock, Mate & Lock’ (DML) technology is undoubtedly an engineering breakthrough.
Designed and developed by Elma-Mektron in partnership with a third party this proven and robust innovative technology provides a reliable cable/patch lead-free method for case-to-case docking, interconnection and mechanical locking all in one simple action. |
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Hitherto, the traditional way in achieving case-to-case interconnection has been through a series of patch cables and a separate mechanical clamping/locking mechanism. This often proves clumsy and is certainly less than ideal from a logistical (ILS, Integrated Logistical Support) standpoint.
A typical use, one for which ‘Dock, Mate & Lock’ was originally devised, can be found in rapid deployment automatic test equipment (ATE), particularly for defence applications. Invariably these type of applications require a number of electronic equipment enclosures or cases, which collectively as a set make up a complete ATE system, to be transported at a case/enclosure level to the point of deployment, quickly assembled and commissioned for use.
The significant benefits therefore of a quick, simple, robust and reliable ‘one-hit’ method of mating, interconnecting and mechanically locking such cases together are evidently very clear.
Of course this technique offers a number of advantages in many other types of application. These include for example:
- Case- or enclosure-to-bulkhead interfacing
- Cabinet-to-cabinet interfacing
- Cabinet-to-bulkhead interfacing
Key features and benefits of ‘Dock, Mate & Lock’:
- Tried, tested and very robust
- ‘One-hit’ action for docking, interconnection and mechanically locking
- No mechanical stresses placed on connectors
- Lightweight construction
- Modular concept – can be adapted mechanically and electrically
- Maintains high integrity EMC from case-to-case
- Based on proven and robust modular connector technology
- Can cater for mixed connector contacts – signal, power and co-axial etc.
- Eliminates case-to-case patch cable connectivity
- Optimises deployment and commissioning times
- Significant logistical (ILS) advantages
- Mechanism fully environmentally protected during transportation
- Multiple surface interfaces - can be utilised on top, bottom, sides and rear of units for example
- Used on major Typhoon (Euro fighter) avionics ATE programme
More information can be found on Elma-Mektron’s ‘Dock, Mate & Lock’ technology in a published test and development article entitled “Getting your COTS system up and running takes much more than boards and software” featuring a case study. This article from VMEbus Systems magazine can be viewed and downloaded from the ‘Technical Articles’ part of the ‘News’ section of our website. |
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