What is the function and principle of Tulipcontact？

Tulipcontact (also known as the plum blossom contact spring finger or plum blossom contact finger) is a common electrical connection component in power equipment. It is mainly used in high-voltage switchgear, circuit breakers, disconnectors, GIS (gas insulated switchgear) and other equipment, and plays the role of conductivity, elastic contact and mechanical buffering. Its core principles and functions are as follows:

1. The function of Tulipcontact

Reliable Electrical Connection

In high-voltage equipment, a plum blossom contact uses multiple spring-loaded fingers to create close contact with conductors (such as plugs or busbars), ensuring stable current transmission, reducing contact resistance, and preventing local overheating.

Adaptive Contact Pressure

The contact's "petal"-shaped spring structure adapts to even minor deviations in conductor dimensions. Even with wear and machining errors, it maintains sufficient contact pressure to prevent contact failure.

Vibration and shock resistance

The elastic design absorbs mechanical vibration or electrodynamic forces generated by short-circuit currents, preventing loose connections and improving device stability under dynamic conditions.

Long life and maintenance-free

Utilizing highly conductive, corrosion-resistant materials (such as silver-plated copper alloy) combined with spring steel, which offers excellent elastic fatigue properties, this design is suitable for frequent operation or long-term use.

Arc protection

During circuit breaker opening and closing, close contact reduces arc damage. Some designs also utilize multiple contact fingers to divide current and mitigate arcing effects.

2.Structural principle of Tulipcontact

Flexible Contact Finger Design

Composed of multiple curved metal plates (usually 6-12) arranged in a ring, the contact resembles plum blossom petals. Each contact finger has a raised contact point on the inside, which compresses the conductor using spring force.

Dual Spring System

Radial springs: Maintain the inward grip of the contact fingers, ensuring contact pressure.

Axial springs (in some designs): Assist the contact in cushioning the mechanical impact during insertion and removal.

Material Selection

The base material is a highly conductive copper alloy (such as chromium copper or beryllium copper), plated with silver or nickel to enhance oxidation resistance and contact conductivity.

Self-Cleaning Effect

Micro-slipping between the contact fingers and the conductor during insertion and removal removes surface oxides, maintaining low contact resistance.

3.Typical application scenarios

Circuit breaker moving/stationary contacts: such as the plug-in connection of vacuum circuit breakers.

Disconnectors: Ensure reliable contact during opening and closing.

GIS equipment: Enables compact conductor connections in gas-insulated environments.

Railway power supply systems: Meet the high reliability requirements of frequent vibration.

4.Advantages and Precautions

Advantages: Low contact resistance, anti-aging, and long plug-in/out life (up to tens of thousands of times).

Precautions: Regularly check for loss of contact spring force and plating wear to prevent overheating and malfunctions caused by contamination (such as dust and oxidation).

Contact Us

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