Electrical connectors with improved wire strain relief function

Abstract

This disclosure provides an electrical connector with improved wire strain relief functionality. A connector housing (110) for an electrical connector (100) assembly includes a strain relief member (150) comprising at least one channel (152) configured to receive a portion of a wire (140). The strain relief member (150) includes a plurality of axially spaced strain relief elements (153) projecting from the inner surface (155) of the channel (152) in a strain relief region (157). Each strain relief element (153) includes a contact surface (153a) configured to engage with the insulating sheath (140b) of the wire (140) when a portion of the wire (140) is positioned in the channel (152), causing the insulating sheath (140) material to deform and at least partially fill a corresponding groove (153b) defined between adjacent strain relief elements (153), thereby restricting axial movement of the wire (140) relative to the first connector housing (110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to electrical connectors, and more specifically to safety restraint system (SRS) electrical connectors that include improved strain relief components for wires (e.g., ultra-thin insulated wires). Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors in motor vehicles, such as those used in safety restraint systems (SRS), are critical components ensuring the proper functioning of essential safety devices like airbags and seatbelt tensioners. Generally, an electrical connector includes a first connector housing and a second connector housing configured to be separated and connected to each other via a latching mechanism, such as a locking mechanism (e.g., a male-female configuration). The conductor portion of at least one wire connects to an electrical terminal portion of the electrical connector disposed in one of the connector housings to facilitate electrical connection to a socket in an interconnecting system. The wire is fitted through a corresponding opening located at the distal end of the first and / or second connector housing. To prevent accidental disconnection of the wire from the electrical terminal, it is desirable to limit axial movement of the wire relative to the electrical connector. Axial movement of the wire can be limited by strain relief devices disposed in the first and / or second connector housings.

[0003] An example of an electrical connector assembly including a strain relief element is disclosed in WO2013092193A1. The strain relief element in WO2013092193A1 protrudes from a corresponding surface and is configured to contact the side of the wire, which is pressed into a groove formed between the first and second connector housings. A disadvantage of this structure is that the force applied by the strain relief element is only applied to a limited portion of the wire, such as the opposite side, and therefore insufficient to restrict axial movement of the wire relative to the electrical connector. Furthermore, the compressive force applied by the strain relief element on the side of the wire can damage the insulation sheath of the wire, exposing the conductor to moisture and potentially causing electrical connection failure. This damage to the insulation becomes even more pronounced in ultra-thin insulated wires with a thinner insulation sheath material surrounding the conductor core to reduce weight and cost.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an electrical connector with an improved strain relief component that prevents axial movement of the wire relative to the connector while maintaining the integrity of the wire's insulation sheath. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Overview

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an electrical connector with improved wire strain relief.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a connector housing for an electrical connector assembly is provided, the connector housing being configured to receive at least one cylindrical wire comprising an electrical conductor surrounded by an insulating sheath, the connector housing comprising:

[0008] A strain relief member includes at least one channel extending longitudinally between a distal portion and a proximal portion of the connector housing, the at least one channel being configured to receive a portion of the wire.

[0009] The strain relief member includes a plurality of axially spaced strain relief elements projecting from the inner surface of the channel in the strain relief region. Each strain relief element includes a contact surface configured to engage with the insulating sheath of the wire when a portion of the wire is positioned in the channel, causing the insulating sheath material to deform and at least partially fill a corresponding groove defined between adjacent strain relief elements, thereby restricting axial movement of the wire relative to the connector housing.

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the strain relief element has a sawtooth profile.

[0011] The strain relief component of this disclosure provides a plurality of strain relief elements axially spaced in the longitudinal direction along a portion of a channel, for example, between the distal and proximal portions of the channel or along its entire length. As a result, the contact area between the insulation sheath of the wire and the strain relief elements is increased, leading to improved wire fixation due to the increased frictional force generated over the contact area. Each strain relief element is provided with a contact surface configured to engage with the insulation sheath when the wire (e.g., by a second connector housing) is pressed into the channel. Pressing the wire against the contact surface causes deformation of the insulation sheath material and at least partially fills the groove defined between adjacent strain relief elements. The deformed insulation material engages with the contact surface of the respective strain relief element, thereby restricting axial movement of the wire. The strain relief elements may be provided with a serrated profile having a contact surface including a apex having a generally flat contact area and toothed surfaces projecting at right angles to the apex from the inner surface of the channel, for example, with a zero rake angle. The contact between the tip of the strain-relieving element and the insulating sheath causes deformation of the insulating material and at least partially fills the groove defined between adjacent strain-relieving elements. The deformed material in the groove engages with the toothed surface of the strain-relieving element to restrict axial movement of the wire. The groove, also called a valley, slot, or tooth, is defined between adjacent strain-relieving elements. Each groove may have a gradually tapering inclined profile toward the inner surface of the channel to receive the deformed insulating sheath material. The strain-relieving element of the present invention can be used to restrict movement of different types of wires, such as ultra-fine wires with a small cross-sectional diameter and thin insulating material, such as FLRY and FLUY types. The dimensions of the channel and the strain-relieving element can be adapted to accommodate different types of wires.

[0012] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the strain relief element is configured to take the form of the inner surface of the channel.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the strain relief element is configured to extend circumferentially between the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side of the channel.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the strain relief element is in the form of a rib, which is configured to project radially inward into a receiving space defined between a first longitudinal sidewall and a second longitudinal sidewall of the channel.

[0015] The strain relief component disclosed herein provides strain relief elements configured to engage with a large portion of the wire around its periphery. Each strain relief element is configured to take the form of an inner surface of a channel, creating significant friction between the strain relief element and the insulating sheath. For example, each strain relief element may be configured to extend circumferentially between the first and second longitudinal side edges of the channel in a continuous or discontinuous manner. As a result, each strain relief element is configured to engage with a large surface area of ​​the wire surrounding it. This allows for greater friction in the contact area between the strain relief element and the insulating sheath while reducing deformation of the insulating sheath. Consequently, axial movement of the wire relative to the electrical connector is restricted while maintaining the integrity of the insulating sheath.

[0016] According to embodiments of this disclosure, strain-relieving elements are spaced at equal intervals in the strain-relieving region. By equidistantly spacing the strain-relieving elements, the frictional force generated at the contact area between the strain-relieving elements and the insulated cable sheath is uniformly distributed along the wire portion. As a result, the friction generated in the contact area between the insulation sheath portion and the strain-relieving elements increases proportionally to the number of strain-relieving elements distributed over a given area of ​​the channel. Thus, the resistance provided by the strain-relieving elements increases without altering the profile of the strain-relieving elements, for example, by increasing the deformation of the insulation material by changing their height. Therefore, improved strain relief is provided for the wire positioned within the channel while maintaining the integrity of the insulation sheath. Furthermore, the uniform distribution of the strain-relieving elements facilitates simpler manufacturing processes, such as injection molding.

[0017] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the strain relief element is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel. For example, the strain relief element may be tilted toward the proximal portion of the connector housing. Providing the strain relief element at an angle further increases the frictional force generated in the contact area between the strain relief element and this portion of the wire, resisting the tensile force acting in the opposite direction on the wire.

[0018] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the contact surface of the strain relief element includes a tip portion and a toothed region. The tip portion has a flat profile configured to engage with a portion of the insulating sheath of a wire, and the toothed region is configured to engage with the deformed material of the insulating sheath. The contact area defined by the tip portion is flat, so that the insulating sheath material is not penetrated when the wire is pushed into the channel, thereby maintaining the integrity of the insulating sheath.

[0019] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the height of the toothed area measured between the inner surface of the channel and the top portion is greater than the thickness of the insulating sheath of the wire located within the channel.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the opposite top portion of the strain relief element defines a confined space, the size of which is defined to be smaller than the outer cross-sectional diameter of the wire and larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the electrical conductor of the wire.

[0021] The strain relief element is configured to restrict the receiving space formed by the channel through opposing longitudinal sidewalls, ensuring adequate contact with the insulation sheath of the wire. The size of the confined space defined between the opposing tips of the strain relief element is determined to be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the wire core to prevent damage to the electrical conductor. Simultaneously, the size of the confined space is smaller than the outer diameter of the wire to ensure adequate contact with the insulation sheath to generate the necessary frictional force, thereby restricting axial movement of the wire relative to the electrical connector. For example, the size of the confined space defined between the opposing tips can be 15% to 30% smaller than the outer diameter of the wire.

[0022] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one channel has a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-sectional profile. It should be noted that the channel can have any other desired cross-sectional profile.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of at least one channel is determined such that when the wire is positioned in the receiving space of the channel, a portion of the wire protrudes through the opening of the channel.

[0024] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the strain relief member includes a plurality of channels, each channel configured to receive a corresponding cylindrical wire. Depending on the application, the electrical connector may be configured to receive more than one wire; for example, SRS applications may require at least two wires. The strain relief member is therefore adapted to provide a channel for each wire containing the strain relief element of this disclosure to limit axial movement of the wire relative to the connector.

[0025] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an electrical connector assembly is provided, the electrical connector assembly comprising:

[0026] The first connector housing according to the embodiment of the first aspect; and

[0027] A second connector housing, configured to be coupled to a first connector housing, includes a contact surface configured to apply a compressive force to the wire when the second connector housing is coupled to the first connector housing, to push a portion of the wire into the channel of the strain relief member.

[0028] The second connector housing can take the form of a cover for the first connector housing. As a result, the compressive force exerted on the wire by the complementary surfaces of the second connector housing at the strain-relief location ensures that this portion of the cable is pushed into the channel and engages with the strain-relief element. When the first and second connector housings are joined together, the compressive force on the wire further increases the frictional force provided at the contact area between the strain-relief element and a portion of the wire. Consequently, axial movement of the wire is further restricted when positioned in the channel.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector assembly is a Safety Restraint System (SRS) connector, suitable for connection to a corresponding socket of a safety restraint system.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling an electrical connector assembly according to a second aspect is provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0031] Provide a first connector housing and a second connector housing;

[0032] A portion of the electrical conductor of the wire is exposed;

[0033] Connect the exposed electrical conductor to the electrical terminals provided on the first connector housing or the second connector housing; and

[0034] The second connector housing is coupled to the first connector housing via a latching mechanism, such that a compressive force is applied to the wire to push a portion of the wire into the channel, causing the strain relief element to engage with a portion of the insulating sheath of the wire, and the insulating sheath material deforms and at least partially fills the corresponding groove defined between adjacent strain relief elements. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The following figures are provided as examples to further explain and describe various aspects of this disclosure:

[0036] Figure 1A A perspective view of an exemplary safety restraint system (SRS) connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the SRS connector along line AA;

[0038] Figure 2 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1A A perspective view of an exemplary first connector housing for a Safety Restraint System (SRS) connector;

[0039] Figure 3A The setting is shown Figure 2An enlarged view of the strain relief component on the first connector housing shown;

[0040] Figure 3B It shows Figure 2 A top view of the strain relief component, showing the arrangement of the strain relief element in one of the channels;

[0041] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A top view of the first connector housing, with representative measurements of the strain relief member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 5 and Figure 6A An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 2 Different views of the first connector housing, in which the wires are positioned in the corresponding channels of the strain relief member;

[0043] Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A An enlarged view of a portion of the strain relief component of the first connector housing shown;

[0044] Figure 6C The first connector housing is shown along... Figure 6A The cross-sectional view of line FF; and

[0045] Figure 6D The first connector housing is shown along... Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of line EE. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The following discussion provides many exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of this invention. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the subject matter of this invention is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements B and D, then the subject matter of this invention is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0047] For simplicity and clarity, reference numerals may be repeated between the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements. Numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the examples described herein. These examples can be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, and components have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the described examples. This description should not be considered as limiting the scope of the examples described herein.

[0048] Figure 1A and Figure 1BAn exemplary Safety Restraint System (SRS) connector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The electrical connector 100 includes a first connector housing 110 and a second connector housing 120, the first and second connector housings being configured to be separated and connected to each other via a male-female latching mechanism or equivalent. The second connector housing 120 may be in the form of a cover for covering the first connector housing 110, or in the form of a complementary component. The first connector housing 110 is provided with electrical terminals 130, which are configured to connect to complementary sockets of safety systems such as airbag systems, seatbelt tensioning systems, etc. A pair of wires 140 are received into the first connector housing 110 through corresponding openings provided at the rear portion 116 of the first connector housing 110. The wires 140 are configured to connect to terminal portions 112 of the electrical terminals 130 provided in the first connector housing 110. Figure 1B As shown, the second connector housing 120 may be provided with a contact surface 121, which is configured to apply a compressive force to the wire 140 when the second connector housing 120 is connected to the first connector housing 110, so as to fix a portion of the wire 140 in corresponding first and second channels 152 of the strain relief member 150 provided on the first connector housing 110, as shown. Figures 2 to 6D As shown.

[0049] Now refer to Figures 2 to 6D An exemplary embodiment of a first connector housing 110 of an SRS electrical connector 100 is shown, which includes a strain relief member 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1A A perspective view of the first connector housing 110 of the SRS electrical connector 100. The first connector housing 110 is provided with a strain relief member 150, which is configured to provide strain relief to the wire 140 connected to the terminal portion. Figure 6C and Figure 6DAs shown, each wire 140 includes an insulating sheath 140b surrounding an electrical conductor 140a. Strain relief members 150 include first and second channels 152 extending longitudinally between a distal and proximal portion of the first connector housing 110. For example, the channels 152 may extend from a rear portion 116 of the first connector housing 110 to an inner portion 117 of the first connector housing 110. Each channel 152 includes first and second longitudinal sidewalls 152a defining a receiving space 156 for receiving the wire 140 through an opening 152c defined between the first and second sides 152b of the first and second sidewalls 152a. The channels 152 may have a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-sectional profile along their length, but other shapes, such as V-shaped or equivalent shapes, are also contemplated. Each channel 152 is provided with an axially spaced set of strain relief elements 153 projecting from the inner surface of the channel 152. The strain-relieving element 153 protrudes radially inward into the receiving space 156 of the channel 152 relative to the inner surface of the channel 152. As a result, the strain-relieving element 153 restricts the receiving space 156 of the channel 152. Figure 3B As shown, strain relief elements 153 are disposed on strain relief regions 157 of channels 152, for example, between the proximal and distal portions of channels 152. Generally, strain relief elements 153 have a serrated profile providing contact surfaces 153a configured to engage corresponding portions of the insulating sheath of wire 140 into corresponding grooves disposed between the successive strain relief elements 153. Each strain relief element 153 is provided with a contact surface 159 including a top portion 153a having a generally flat profile, configured to engage with a corresponding surface of the insulating sheath 140b of wire 140 when a portion of wire 140 is pushed into the receiving space 156 of channel 152. The contact between the top portion 153a of the strain relief element 153 and the insulating sheath 140b causes material deformation of the insulating sheath 140b into the corresponding grooves 153b formed between the successive strain relief elements 153. The deformed insulating material engages with the toothed regions 153c of each strain-relieving element 153. Therefore, when tension is applied to the wire, the interaction between the toothed regions 153c and the deformed material of the insulating sheath generates a resisting force to limit axial movement of the wire 140 in the direction of tension. The toothed regions 153c can project at right angles to the tip portion 153a from the inner surface 155 of the channel 152, for example, with a zero rake angle. Grooves 153b, also referred to as valleys, slots, or notches, are defined between the strain-relieving elements 153. Each groove 153b has an inclined profile that tapers gradually toward the inner surface of the channel 152 to receive the deformed material of the insulating sheath 140b.

[0050] Figure 3A The setting is shown Figure 2 An enlarged view of the strain relief member 150 on the first connector housing 110. As shown, the strain relief element 153 is configured to extend circumferentially between the first and second longitudinal sides 152b of the channel 152, following the form of the channel 152. As a result, the strain relief element 153 contacts a larger portion of the insulating sheath 140b of the wire 140, thereby increasing the friction generated at the contact area between the strain relief element 153 and the insulating sheath 140b, and uniformly distributing the deformation of the insulating material to prevent damage to the insulating sheath 140b. Figure 3B A top view of a strain relief element 153 disposed in one of the channels 152 of the first connector housing 110 is shown. As shown, the strain relief element extends into a receiving space 156 of the channel 152, which is defined between opposing longitudinal sidewalls 152a. As a result, the receiving space 156 of the channel is confined to a restricted receiving space 154 defined between opposing tips 153a of the strain relief element 153. The dimensions of the restricted space 154 defined between the opposing strain relief elements 153 are determined to be smaller than the outer diameter of the wire 140, but larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the conductor 140a. Therefore, sufficient contact is established between the strain relief element 153 and the wire 140 while maintaining the integrity of the insulating sheath 140b. For example, the restricted receiving space 154 may be 15% to 30% smaller than the outer cross-sectional diameter of the wire 140. As previously mentioned, the strain relief element 153 may be disposed on a strain relief region 157 of the channel 152. The size of the strain relief region can be determined based on the requirements of the desired application of connector 100 and the tension that may be encountered on wire 140. For example, depending on the length of channel 152, the strain relief region 157 can be expanded by adding more strain relief elements 153 or by providing strain relief elements 153 with larger dimensions.

[0051] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2A top view of the first connector housing 110, showing representative dimensions of the strain relief members 150. As shown, each channel 152 may be provided with strain relief members 153 axially spaced at equal intervals (e.g., every 0.45 mm) along the desired portion of the channel 152. The length and dimensions of the receiving space 156 of the channel 152 may vary depending on the type of wire 140, the application, and the required strain relief. Similarly, the confined receiving space 154 of the channel 152 defined between the opposing tip portions 153a of the strain relief elements 153 may be adjusted according to the thickness of the wire 140. For example, the receiving space 156 of the channel 152 may be configured to accommodate an ultrafine wire 140 having an outer cross-sectional diameter between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm, while the confined receiving space 154 between the tip portions 153a of the strain relief elements 153 may be limited to a thickness smaller than the wire 140, for example, between 10% and 40% smaller than the outer cross-sectional diameter of the wire 140, to ensure adequate contact with the insulation material 140b of the wire 140. Similarly, the dimensions of the individual strain-relieving elements 153 of the strain-relieving member 150 can be adjusted according to the application of the electrical connector and the dimensions of the wire 140. For example, for ultra-fine wires 140, the width of each strain-relieving element 153 can be approximately 0.35 mm. The height of each strain-relieving element 153, measured between the inner surface of the channel 152 and the top of the contact surface 153a of the strain-relieving element 153, can be configured to be greater than the thickness of the insulating sheath 140b to ensure proper contact.

[0052] Figure 5 and Figure 6A It shows Figure 2 A top view of the first connector housing 110, wherein a pair of wires 140 are connected to a terminal portion 112 via an electrical connection element 160 (e.g., ferrite or equivalent). A portion of each wire 140 is positioned within a corresponding channel 152 of a strain-relieving member 153, wherein the strain-relieving member 153 contacts the insulating sheath 140b of the wire 140. As a result, axial movement of the wire 140 due to tensile forces applied to the wire 140 is limited. Figure 6A As shown, wire 140 can have different thicknesses, such as ultra-fine insulated wires like FLUY or CIVUS type wires, or other types of wires like FLY or FLRY.

[0053] Figure 6B It shows Figure 6AAn enlarged top view of the strain relief member 150 is shown. As indicated, the top portion 153a of the strain relief element 153 can be positioned at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the wire 140. For example, the strain relief element 153 can be tilted toward the proximal portion of the first connector housing 110. As a result, and due to the angle of the strain relief element 153, greater friction can be generated with the surface of the wire 140.

[0054] Figure 6C The first connector housing 110 is shown along... Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of wire FF. As shown, when wire 140 is positioned in the receiving space 156 of channel 152, a portion 140c of wire 140 protrudes from the opening 152c of channel 152. (Refer to previous...) Figure 1B As described, the second connector housing 120 may be provided with a contact surface 121 configured to apply a compressive force to the wire 140 when the second connector housing 120 is coupled to the first connector housing 110 to secure a portion of the wire 140 in the channel 152.

[0055] Figure 6D The first connector housing 110 is shown along... Figure 6A The cross-sectional view of the wire EE is shown. As shown, the contact surface 153a of each strain relief element 153 contacts a portion of the insulating sheath 140b around the periphery of the insulating sheath, thereby increasing the contact area between the strain relief element 153 and the wire 140 while maintaining the integrity of the insulating sheath 140b.

[0056] Although the strain relief member 150 of this disclosure has been described according to its preferred embodiments, it is not intended to be so limiting, but only to the scope set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector housing (110) for use in an electrical connector assembly (100) in a safety restraint system, the connector housing (110) being configured to receive at least one cylindrical wire (140) comprising an electrical conductor (140a) surrounded by an insulating sheath (140b), the connector housing (110) comprising: A strain relief member (150) includes at least one channel (152) extending longitudinally between a distal portion (116) and a proximal portion (117) of the connector housing (110), the at least one channel (152) being configured to receive a portion of the wire (140). The strain relief member (150) includes a plurality of axially spaced strain relief elements (153) projecting from the inner surface (155) of the channel (152) on a strain relief region (157) extending longitudinally along the axis. The plurality of strain relief elements (153) are separated by slots (153b) positioned therebetween. Each strain relief element (153) includes a contact surface (159) configured to engage with the insulating sheath (140b) of the wire (140) when a portion of the wire (140) is positioned in the channel (152), causing the insulating sheath (140b) material to deform and at least partially fill adjacent corresponding slots (153b) defined between adjacent strain relief elements (153), thereby restricting axial movement of the wire (140) relative to the connector housing (110). The contact surface (159) of the plurality of strain relief elements (153) includes: The top portion (153a) has a flat profile parallel to the axis and is configured to engage with a portion of the insulating sheath (140b) of the wire (140). The tooth surface region (153c) is perpendicular to the axis and is configured to engage with the deformed material of the insulating sheath (140b). The plurality of strain relief elements (153) are in the form of ribs, the ribs being configured to project radially inward into a receiving space (156) of the channel (152) defined between a first longitudinal sidewall and a second longitudinal sidewall; and wherein the plurality of strain relief elements (153) are configured to extend circumferentially between the first longitudinal sidewall and the second longitudinal sidewall of the channel (152).

2. The connector housing (110) according to claim 1, wherein, The strain relief element (153) has a sawtooth profile.

3. The connector housing (110) according to claim 1, wherein, The strain relief element (153) is configured to take the form of the inner surface (155) of the channel (152).

4. The connector housing (110) according to claim 1, wherein, The strain relief elements (153) are spaced apart at equal intervals on the strain relief region (157).

5. The connector housing (110) according to claim 4, wherein, The height of the toothed area (153c) between the inner surface (155) of the channel (152) and the top portion (153a) is greater than the thickness of the insulating sheath (140b) of the wire (140) located within the channel (152).

6. The connector housing (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The opposing top portion (153a) of the strain relief element (153) defines a confined space (154), the size of which is determined to be smaller than the outer cross-sectional diameter of the wire (140) and larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the electrical conductor (140a) of the wire (140).

7. The connector housing (110) according to claim 1, wherein, The strain relief element (153) is positioned at an angle relative to the inner surface (155) of the channel (152).

8. The connector housing (110) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one channel (152) has a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-sectional profile.

9. The connector housing (110) according to claim 1, wherein, The dimensions of the at least one channel (152) are determined such that when the wire (140) is located in the receiving space (156) of the channel (152), a portion (140c) of the wire (140) protrudes through the opening (152c) of the channel (152).

10. The connector housing (110) according to claim 1, wherein, The strain relief component (150) includes a plurality of channels (152), each channel being configured to receive a corresponding cylindrical wire (140).

11. An electrical connector assembly (100) for use in a safety restraint system, the electrical connector assembly comprising: A first connector housing (110), wherein the first connector housing is a connector housing according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and A second connector housing (120) configured to be coupled to a first connector housing (110) includes a contact surface (121) configured to apply a compressive force to the wire (140) when the second connector housing (120) is coupled to the first connector housing (110) to push a portion of the wire into the channel (152) of the strain relief member (150).

12. The electrical connector assembly (100) according to claim 11 is adapted to be connected to a corresponding socket of a safety restraint system.

13. A method of assembling an electrical connector assembly (100) according to claim 12, the method comprising the steps of: A first connector housing (110) and a second connector housing (120) are provided. A portion of the electrical conductor (140a) of the wire (140) is exposed; The exposed electrical conductor (140a) is connected to an electrical terminal (112) disposed on the first connector housing (110) or the second connector housing (120); and The second connector housing (120) is coupled to the first connector housing (110) by a latching mechanism, such that a compressive force is applied to the wire to push a portion of the wire (140) into the channel (152), such that the strain relief element (153) engages with a portion of the insulating sheath (140b) of the wire (140), and the insulating sheath (140b) material deforms and at least partially fills the corresponding groove (153b) defined between adjacent strain relief elements (153).

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