Hoogtecontact

Hoogtecontact is a term used in Dutch technical language to describe a contact element whose engagement or activation depends on the vertical position of components within a mechanism. In practice it refers to a contact that is defined by a specified height, so that mating occurs only when parts reach a certain elevation. This helps ensure correct alignment, reliable switching, and prevention of premature or missing contact due to mispositioning.

There are several variants of hoogtecontact. A fixed height contact uses a rigid element that always reaches the same height relative to its reference; an adjustable height contact allows setting the contact height via threaded adjustments or shims; a spring-loaded height contact uses a plunger combined with a spring to tolerate small height variations while maintaining a determined contact force. The choice depends on the required tolerance, wear characteristics, and the acceptable contact force in the application.

Common applications include electrical connectors and plug-socket interfaces where correct mating requires a defined height, limit switches and position sensors that trigger at a particular elevation, and fixturing or tooling where height-defined contacts signal the correct assembly stage. The concept is also relevant in automated systems and machinery where height-based engagement provides reliable signaling or stopping positions.

Design considerations for hoogtecontact cover tolerances, surface finish, corrosion resistance, wear and lifecycle, dirt protection, mating force, and environmental conditions. Specifications typically specify a nominal height with allowable tolerances, and verification is performed with height gauges, calipers, or coordinate measuring equipment. See also contact (engineering), tolerances, alignment, and height gauge.