Connector assembly having a device for adapting a terminal to a connector body and method of

Abstract

A connector assembly comprises a connector housing (2) internally defining a terminal cavity (3), the terminal cavity (3) having a first main locking feature (4) configured to retain a first terminal having a first retention feature (5) within the terminal cavity (3). The connector assembly also includes a second terminal (10) having a second retention feature (18) configured to interface with a corresponding second primary locking feature (16) of a different design than the first primary locking feature (4). The connector assembly further includes an adapter (100, 300) having a first attachment feature (108, 308) configured to engage with the second retention feature (18) of the second terminal (10) to attach the second terminal (10) to the adapter, and a second attachment feature (110, 310) configured to engage with the first primary locking feature (4) of the terminal cavity (3) to attach the adapter (100, 300) to the connector housing (2). A method of assembling the connector assembly is also presented.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 380,307, filed on October 16, 2023, entitled “Connector Assembly with Device for Adapting a Terminal to a Connector Body and Method of Assembling Same,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for adapting a terminal, such as an electrical terminal, to fit into a connector body designed to receive terminals having different designs, particularly different retainer designs. Background Art

[0003] Terminals, such as electrical terminals attached to wire cables, are typically designed to interface with a specific terminal cavity design. This typically results in the selection of a connector housing having the terminal cavity required to accommodate the selected terminal. An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) may specify a specific terminal type to be accommodated by a specific connector housing used in an application. Therefore, a device is needed to adapt a terminal to be retained in an incompatible terminal cavity design in a connector housing.

[0004] Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B An existing terminal 10 and connector housing 12 design is shown, which has features in the terminal 10 and the controller housing 12 for retaining the terminal 10 in the connector housing 12 . Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The terminal cavity 14 of the connector housing 12 is shown with a blocking mechanism 16 that engages with a fin 18 extending from the electrical terminal 10 to prevent the terminal 10 from moving backward in the cavity 14. The terminal 10 also defines a pair of protrusions 20 that extend perpendicular to the insertion axis X of the terminal 10. These protrusions 20 are arranged opposite to each other and are offset from the fin 18. These protrusions 20 are configured to engage with a locking mechanism 22 that is inserted into the connector housing 12 after the terminal 10 is inserted into the terminal cavity 14. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one or more aspects of the present invention, a connector assembly includes a connector housing, which defines a terminal cavity internally, and the terminal cavity has a first main locking feature, and the first main locking feature is configured to retain a first terminal having a first retaining feature in the terminal cavity. The connector assembly also includes a second terminal, which has a second retaining feature, and the second retaining feature is configured to mate with a corresponding second main locking feature of the terminal cavity, and the design of the second main locking feature is different from that of the first main locking feature. The connector assembly also includes an adapter, which has a first attachment feature and a second attachment feature, the first attachment structure is configured to engage with the second retaining feature of the second terminal to attach the second terminal to the adapter, and the second attachment feature is configured to engage with the first main locking feature of the terminal cavity to attach the adapter to the connector housing.

[0006] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an adapter is configured to retain an electrical terminal in a terminal cavity of a connector housing having an incompatible terminal retention feature. The adapter includes a first attachment feature and a second attachment feature, the first attachment feature being configured to engage with the retention feature of the electrical terminal to secure the electrical terminal to the adapter, and the second attachment feature being configured to engage with a first primary locking feature of the terminal cavity to attach the adapter to the connector housing.

[0007] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method for assembling a connector includes the following steps: Providing a connector housing defining a terminal cavity therein, the terminal cavity having a first primary locking feature configured to retain a first terminal having a first retaining feature within the terminal cavity; Providing a second terminal having a second retention feature configured to engage with a corresponding second primary locking feature of the terminal cavity, the second primary locking feature having a different design than the first primary locking feature; Providing an adapter having a first attachment feature and a second attachment feature; engaging the first attachment feature of the adapter and the second retention feature of the second terminal to attach the second terminal to the adapter; and • Engaging the second attachment feature of the adapter with the first primary locking feature of the terminal cavity to attach the adapter to the connector housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a terminal according to the prior art.

[0010] Figure 2A According to the prior art Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a connector with terminals.

[0011] Figure 2B According to the prior art Figure 1 A top cross-sectional view of a connector with terminals.

[0012] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 3 Exploded view of the connector assembly.

[0014] Figure 5 According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 3 Front view of the connector assembly.

[0015] Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly along section line 6-6.

[0016] Figure 7 According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly along section line 7-7.

[0017] Figure 8 According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly along section line 8-8.

[0018] Fig. 9 According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 3 A top view of the connector assembly.

[0019] Fig.10 According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 4 An isometric view of the terminal adapter of a connector assembly.

[0020] Fig.11 According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.10 Side view of the terminal adapter.

[0021] Fig.12 According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.10 Side view of a terminal adapter with a cable inserted into the terminal adapter.

[0022] Fig.13 According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.10 A top view of a terminal adapter with a terminal partially inserted into the terminal adapter.

[0023] Fig.14According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.10 Side view of a terminal adapter with the terminal fully inserted into the terminal adapter.

[0024] Fig.15 According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.10 A top view of a terminal adapter with the terminal fully inserted into the terminal adapter.

[0025] Fig.16 According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.10 A top cross-sectional view of a terminal adapter of FIG. 1 with the terminal fully inserted into the terminal adapter.

[0026] Fig.17 According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.10 A top cross-sectional view of a terminal adapter of the type shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the terminal adapter engages a primary locking member within a terminal cavity of a connector body.

[0027] Fig.18 According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.10 0014] A right side cross-sectional view of a terminal adapter of FIG. 1, wherein the terminal adapter engages a primary locking member within a terminal cavity of a connector body.

[0028] Fig.19 According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.10 A bottom cross-sectional view of a terminal adapter of the present invention is shown, wherein the terminal adapter engages a secondary locking member within a terminal cavity of a connector body.

[0029] Fig. 20 According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.10 0014] A left side cross-sectional view of a terminal adapter of FIG. 1, wherein the terminal adapter engages a secondary locking member within a terminal cavity of a connector body.

[0030] Fig.21A is an isometric view of another terminal adapter engaged with a terminal attached to a cable according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.21B According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.21A Isometric view of a terminal adapter and a terminal attached to a wire cable.

[0032] Fig.22A According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.21A Top view of a terminal adapter and a terminal attached to a cable.

[0033] Fig. 22B According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.21A End view of a terminal adapter and a terminal attached to a cable.

[0034] Fig. 22C According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig.21A Side view of a terminal adapter and a terminal attached to a cable.

[0035] Fig.23 is a flow chart of a method of assembling a connector assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Several non-limiting examples of adapters are provided herein, wherein the electrical terminals have a structure configured to hold the electrical terminals of the wire cables attached to the connector housing 12 and have a structure designed as Figure 1 , 2A 2B and a particular terminal cavity 14 of the connector housing 12, these adapters are configured to allow the electrical terminal 10 to be retained in a connector having a Figure 3 Another connector housing with a different terminal cavity design is shown. As described above, Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The terminal cavity 14 of the connector housing 12 shown has a blocking mechanism 16 that engages with a fin 18 extending from the electrical terminal 10 to prevent the terminal 10 from moving backward in the cavity 14, and the terminal 10 defines a pair of protrusions 20 that engage with a locking mechanism 22 to retain the terminal 10 in the terminal cavity 14 of the connector housing 12.

[0037] Figure 4 Three different adapters are shown. The first adapter 100 is Figure 6 and Figures 10 to 20 The second adapter 200 is shown in detail in Figure 7 The third adapter 300 is shown in detail in Figure 8 , Figure 22 and Fig.23 Shown in detail.

[0038] The following paragraphs describe a first adapter 100 and a second adapter 200. The first adapter 100 includes an integral seal 102 configured to seal the adapter 100 to the cable 24 attached to the terminal 10 and to seal the adapter 100 to the connector housing 12. The second adapter 200 is substantially the same as the first adapter 100, but lacks the integral seal 102. The second adapter 200 is configured for use with an unsealed connector housing.

[0039] The adapter 100 defines a slot 104 configured to receive the fin 18 of the terminal 10. The adapter 100 includes an aperture 108 in which one of the protrusions 20 extending from the side of the terminal 10 is received. The adapter 100 has an edge 110 extending perpendicular to the insertion axis X of the terminal 10 and configured to engage the latch mechanism 4 in the terminal cavity 3 of the connector housing 2.

[0040] The connector housing 2 also includes a secondary locking feature 6 configured to retain the adapter 100 in the terminal cavity. The secondary locking feature 6 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion axis X and is configured to be disposed in an opening 112 in the adapter 100 to further retain the adapter 100 in the terminal cavity 3 of the connector housing 2. The edge 110 is formed by the opening 112.

[0041] The third adapter 300 defines two flexible features 312 at the sides of the slot 304 that open to receive the fin 18 and close once the fin is fully seated within the slot 304. The adapter 300 has an edge 310 that extends perpendicular to the insertion axis X and is configured to engage the latch mechanism 4 in the terminal cavity 3 of the connector housing 2. The adapter 300 includes a pair of flexible arms 306 that extend parallel to the insertion axis X of the terminal into the adapter 300. Each arm of the pair of flexible arms 306 defines an aperture 308 in which one of the protrusions 20 extending from the side of the terminal 10 is received.

[0042] A method 400 of assembling a connector includes: Step 402 , which includes providing a connector housing 2 defining a terminal cavity 3 therein, the terminal cavity 3 having a first primary locking feature 4 configured to retain a first terminal having a first retaining feature 5 within the terminal cavity 3 ; Step 404, which includes providing a second terminal 10 having a second retention feature 18, the second retention feature 18 is configured to mate with a corresponding second primary locking feature 16 of the terminal cavity 3, the second primary locking feature 16 having a different design than the first primary locking feature 4; Step 406 , including providing an adapter 100 , 200 , 300 having a first attachment feature (aperture 108 , 308 ) and a second attachment feature (edge ​​110 , 310 ); Step 408 , which includes engaging the first attachment feature (aperture 108 , 308 ) of the adapter 100 , 200 , 300 with the second retention feature 20 of the second terminal 10 to attach the second terminal 10 to the adapter 100 , 200 , 300 ; and Step 410 , which includes engaging the second attachment feature (edge ​​110 , 310 ) of the adapter 100 , 200 , 300 with the first primary locking feature 5 of the terminal cavity 3 to attach the adapter 100 , 200 , 300 to the connector housing 2 .

[0043] The method 400 may further include: Step 412 , which includes using the fin 18 to expand the two flexible features 312 to open the slot 304 when the fin 18 is inserted into the slot 304 ; and • Step 414 , which includes snapping the two flexible features 312 together to close the slot 304 once the fin 18 is fully seated within the slot 304 (step 414 ).

[0044] The method 400 may further include: Step 416 , which includes sealing the adapter 100 to the cable 24 attached to the second terminal 10 using the integral seal 102 of the adapter 100 (step 416 ); and • Step 418 , which includes sealing the adapter 100 to the connector housing 10 using the integral seal 102 (step 418 ). The integral seal 102 is preferably co-molded with the adapter 100 .

[0045] While the examples shown involve electrical connectors, other embodiments may be configured to connect other conductors, such as fiber optic cables, pneumatic lines, hydraulic lines, etc., or combinations of these conductors.

[0046] According to one or more aspects of the present invention, a connector assembly includes a connector housing, which defines a terminal cavity internally, and the terminal cavity has a first main locking feature, and the first main locking feature is configured to retain a first terminal having a first retaining feature in the terminal cavity. The connector assembly also includes a second terminal, which has a second retaining feature, and the second retaining feature is configured to mate with a corresponding second main locking feature of the terminal cavity, and the design of the second main locking feature is different from that of the first main locking feature. The connector assembly also includes an adapter, which has a first attachment feature and a second attachment feature, the first attachment structure is configured to engage with the second retaining feature of the second terminal to attach the second terminal to the adapter, and the second attachment feature is configured to engage with the first main locking feature of the terminal cavity to attach the adapter to the connector housing.

[0047] In some aspects of the connector assembly according to the preceding paragraphs, the second terminal is an electrical terminal that is attached to an electrical wire.

[0048] In some aspects of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the size, shape, and configuration of the second retention feature is incompatible with engagement of the first primary locking feature.

[0049] In some aspects of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the second terminal is secured in the terminal cavity by engagement of the second retaining feature of the second terminal with the first attachment feature of the adapter, and engagement of the second attachment feature of the adapter with the first primary locking feature of the connector housing.

[0050] In some aspects of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the second retention feature of the second terminal is a fin extending perpendicular to the insertion axis of the second terminal. The adapter defines a slot configured to receive the fin. The first attachment feature of the connector housing is a flexible latch hook configured to engage an edge of the adapter.

[0051] In some aspects of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the adapter defines two flexible features on sides of the slot that open to receive the fin and close after the fin is fully seated within the slot.

[0052] In some aspects of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the terminal cavity of the connector housing is a first terminal cavity. The adapter defines a second terminal cavity, and the second terminal is fixed in the second terminal cavity by a fin received in the groove.

[0053] In some aspects of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the second terminal defines a pair of protrusions extending perpendicular to the insertion axis, which are arranged opposite to each other and offset from the fin. The adapter includes a pair of flexible arms extending parallel to the insertion axis, each arm defining an aperture in which one of the protrusions is received.

[0054] In some aspects of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the edge extends perpendicular to the insertion axis.

[0055] In some aspects of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the connector housing further comprises a secondary locking feature configured to retain the adapter in the terminal cavity and movable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion axis and disposed in the opening of the adapter.

[0056] In some aspects of the connector assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, the adapter further includes an integral seal configured to seal the adapter to a cable attached to the second terminal and to seal the adapter to the connector housing.

[0057] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an adapter is configured to retain an electrical terminal in a terminal cavity of a connector housing having an incompatible terminal retention feature. The adapter includes a first attachment feature and a second attachment feature, the first attachment feature being configured to engage with the retention feature of the electrical terminal to secure the electrical terminal to the adapter, and the second attachment feature being configured to engage with a first primary locking feature of the terminal cavity to attach the adapter to the connector housing.

[0058] In some aspects of the adapter according to the preceding paragraph, the retaining feature of the electrical terminal is a fin extending perpendicular to the insertion axis of the second terminal. The adapter defines a slot configured to receive the fin. The first attachment feature of the connector housing is a flexible latch hook configured to engage an edge of the adapter.

[0059] In some aspects of the adapter according to the preceding paragraph, the adapter defines two flexible features on sides of the slot that open to receive the fin and close after the fin is fully seated within the slot.

[0060] In some aspects of the adapter according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the electrical terminal defines a pair of protrusions extending perpendicular to the insertion axis, which are arranged opposite each other and offset from the fin. The adapter includes a pair of flexible arms extending parallel to the insertion axis, each arm defining an aperture in which one of the protrusions is received.

[0061] In some aspects of the adapter according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the edge extends perpendicular to the insertion axis.

[0062] In some aspects of the adapter according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the adapter further comprises an integral seal configured to seal the adapter to a cable attached to the electrical terminal and to seal the adapter to the connector housing.

[0063] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method for assembling a connector assembly includes the following steps: Providing a connector housing defining a terminal cavity therein, the terminal cavity having a first primary locking feature configured to retain a first terminal having a first retaining feature within the terminal cavity; Providing a second terminal having a second retention feature configured to engage with a corresponding second primary locking feature of the terminal cavity, the second primary locking feature having a different design than the first primary locking feature; Providing an adapter having a first attachment feature and a second attachment feature; engaging the first attachment feature of the adapter and the second retention feature of the second terminal to attach the second terminal to the adapter; and • Engaging the second attachment feature of the adapter with the first primary locking feature of the terminal cavity to attach the adapter to the connector housing.

[0064] In some aspects of the method according to the preceding paragraph, the retention feature of the second terminal is a fin extending perpendicular to the insertion axis of the first terminal. The adapter defines a slot between the two flexible features. In this example, the method further includes: When the fin is inserted into the slot, the two flexible features are spread apart using the fin to open the slot; and • Once the fin is fully seated in the slot, the two flex features snap back together to close the slot.

[0065] In some aspects of the method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the adapter further comprises an integral seal. In this example, the method further comprises: sealing the adapter to the cable attached to the second terminal using an integral seal; and Use an integral seal to seal the adapter to the connector housing.

[0066] Although the present invention is described with reference to (one or more) exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and that equivalents may be substituted for the elements of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made without departing from the basic scope of the present invention to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed (one or more) embodiments, but includes all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

[0067] As used herein, “one or more” includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element, such as in a distributed fashion, several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0068] It should also be understood that, although in some cases, the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments, the first contact can be referred to as the second contact, and similarly, the second contact can be referred to as the first contact. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not identical contacts.

[0069] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items. It should also be understood that the terms "comprising", "containing", "including" and / or "comprising" used in this specification specifically refer to the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0070] As used herein, the term "if" may be alternatively interpreted as "when" or "in" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting", depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined" or "if [the state or event] is detected" may be alternatively interpreted as meaning "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [the condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the condition or event]", depending on the context.

[0071] In addition, although the terms of regulations or directions may be used herein, these elements should not be limited by these terms. Unless otherwise specified, all regulations or directions are used to distinguish one element from another element, and unless otherwise specified, do not represent any particular order, order of operation, direction or orientation.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising: A connector housing (2) defining a terminal cavity (3) therein, the terminal cavity (3) having a first primary locking feature (4) configured to retain a first terminal having a first retaining feature (5) within the terminal cavity (3); a second terminal (10), the second terminal having a second retaining feature (18), the second retaining feature being configured to engage with a corresponding second primary locking feature (16), the second primary locking feature being designed differently from the first primary locking feature (4); as well as An adapter (100, 200, 300) having a first attachment feature (108, 308) and a second attachment feature (110, 310), wherein the first attachment feature (108, 308) is configured to engage with the second retention feature (18) of the second terminal (10) to attach the second terminal (10) to the adapter (100, 200, 300), and the second attachment feature (110, 310) is configured to engage with the first primary locking feature (4) of the terminal cavity (3) to attach the adapter (100, 200, 300) to the connector housing (2).

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second terminal (10) is an electrical terminal attached to an electric wire.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The size, shape and configuration of the second retaining feature (18) are incompatible with engagement of the first primary locking feature (4).

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second terminal (10) is fixed in the terminal cavity (3) by the engagement of the second retaining feature (18) of the second terminal (10) with the first attachment feature (108, 308) of the adapter (100, 300), and the engagement of the second attachment feature (110, 310) of the adapter (100, 300) with the first primary locking feature (4) of the connector housing (2).

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second retaining feature (18) of the second terminal (10) is a fin (18) extending perpendicular to the insertion axis (X) of the second terminal (10), wherein the adapter (100, 300) defines a slot (104, 304) configured to receive the fin (18), and wherein the first attachment feature (108, 308) of the connector housing (2) is a flexible latch hook configured to engage with an edge (110) of the adapter (100, 300).

6. The connector assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The adapter (300) defines two flexible features (312) on the sides of the slot (304) that open to receive the fin (18) and close once the fin (18) is fully seated within the slot (304).

7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The terminal cavity (3) of the connector housing (2) is a first terminal cavity (3), wherein the adapter (300) defines a second terminal cavity (4), and the second terminal (10) is fixed in the second terminal cavity (3) by the fin (18) accommodated in the groove (304).

8. The connector assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second terminal (10) defines a pair of protrusions (20) extending perpendicular to the insertion axis (X), the pair of protrusions being arranged opposite to each other and offset from the fin (18), wherein the adapter (300) includes a pair of flexible arms (306) extending parallel to the insertion axis (X), each arm defining an aperture, and one of the protrusions (20) being received in the aperture.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The edge (110) extends perpendicularly to the insertion axis (X).

10. The connector assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that The connector housing (2) further comprises a secondary locking feature, which is configured to retain the adapter (100) in the terminal cavity (3) and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion axis (X) and is disposed in an opening (112) of the adapter.

11. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter (100) also includes an integral seal (102) configured to seal the adapter (100) to a cable attached to the second terminal (10) and to seal the adapter (100) to the connector housing (2).

12. An adapter (100, 300) configured to retain an electrical terminal in a terminal cavity (3) of a connector housing (2) having an incompatible terminal retention feature, the adapter (100, 3000) comprising: A first attachment feature (108, 308) and a second attachment feature (110, 310), wherein the first attachment feature (108, 308) is configured to engage with a retaining feature of the electrical terminal to secure the electrical terminal to the adapter (100, 300), and the second attachment feature (110, 310) is configured to combine with a first primary locking feature (4) of the terminal cavity (3) to attach the adapter (100, 200, 300) to the connector housing (2).

13. The adapter (100, 300) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The retaining feature of the electrical terminal is a fin (18) extending perpendicular to the insertion axis (X) of the electrical terminal, wherein the adapter (100, 300) defines a slot (104, 304) configured to receive the fin (18), and wherein the first attachment feature (108, 308) of the connector housing (2) is a flexible latch hook configured to engage with an edge (110) of the adapter (100, 300).

14. The adapter (300) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The adapter (300) defines two flexible features (312) on the sides of the slot (304) that open to receive the fin (18) and close once the fin (18) is fully seated within the slot (304).

15. The adapter (300) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The electrical terminal defines a pair of protrusions (20) extending perpendicular to the insertion axis (X), the pair of protrusions being arranged opposite to each other and offset from the fin (18), wherein the adapter (300) includes a pair of flexible arms (306) extending parallel to the insertion axis (X), each arm defining an aperture, and one of the protrusions (20) being received in the aperture.

16. The adapter (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The edge (110) extends perpendicularly to the insertion axis (X).

17. The adapter (100, 300) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The adapter (100) also includes an integral seal (102) configured to seal the adapter (100) to a cable attached to the electrical terminal and to seal the adapter (100) to the connector housing (2).

18. A method (400) of assembling a connector assembly, the method comprising: A connector housing (2) is provided, wherein the connector housing defines a terminal cavity (3) inside, wherein the terminal cavity (3) has a first primary locking feature (4), wherein the first primary locking feature is configured to retain a first terminal having a first retaining feature (5) in the terminal cavity (3); Providing a second terminal (10), the second terminal (10) having a second retaining feature (18), the second retaining feature being configured to engage with a corresponding second primary locking feature (16) of the terminal cavity (3), the second primary locking feature (16) being designed differently from the first primary locking feature (4); Providing an adapter (100, 300) having a first attachment feature (108, 308) and a second attachment feature (110, 310); engaging the first attachment feature (108, 308) of the adapter (100, 300) with the second retention feature (18) of the second terminal (10) to attach the second terminal (10) to the adapter (100, 300); and The second attachment feature (110, 310) of the adapter (100, 300) is engaged with the first primary locking feature (4) of the terminal cavity (3) to attach the adapter (100, 300) to the connector housing (2).

19. The method (400) according to claim 18, characterized in that: The second retaining feature (18) of the second terminal (10) is a fin (18) extending perpendicular to an insertion axis (X) of the first terminal, wherein the adapter (300) defines a slot (304) between two flexible features (312), and wherein the method (40) further comprises: When the fin (18) is inserted into the slot (304), the two flexible features (312) are deployed using the fin (18) to open the slot (304); and Once the fin (18) is fully seated within the slot (304), the two flexible features (312) are snapped together to close the slot (104, 304).

20. The method (400) of claim 18, wherein: The adapter (100) further comprises an integral seal (102), wherein the method (40) further comprises: sealing the adapter (100) to a cable attached to the second terminal (10) using the integral seal (102); and The adapter (100) is sealed to the connector housing (2) using the integral seal (102).

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