Terminal assemblies and related methods

Abstract

A terminal assembly includes a male terminal and a female terminal. The male terminal includes a first base portion and a protrusion portion extending from the first base portion. The protrusions define an oblong shape. The female terminal includes a second base, and a plurality of protrusions extending from the second base. The second base defines a void configured to receive the protrusion. The plurality of protrusions are disposed around the void and collectively define an oblong circle. In the assembled configuration, the projection is engaged with the plurality of projections such that the male terminal is connected with the female terminal.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 620,203, filed on January 12, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a terminal assembly, and more particularly, to a terminal assembly having an oval male terminal and an oval female terminal. Background Art

[0003] Modern vehicles (e.g., automobiles) rely on electrical wires and electrical connections to facilitate communication between various electronic components within the vehicle. Connection systems (e.g., connectors and terminals) play an important role in ensuring the integrity of these electrical connections as well as the reliability and performance of the vehicle. Some connection systems include male terminals and female terminals. In some cases, it is desirable to secure the male terminal to the female terminal such that the male terminal and the female terminal are electrically connected. During the long - term use of certain connection systems, the connection between the male terminal and the female terminal may become loose, such that the female terminal may move excessively relative to the male terminal. This may result in a weak electrical connection or an interruption of the electrical connection between the male terminal and the female terminal. Given the above, although current connection systems have proven useful for their intended purposes, there is still a need for continuous improvement in the relevant art to address challenges related to ensuring a secure connection between mating terminals.

[0004] The background art provided herein is for the purpose of presenting the background of the present disclosure generally. The work of the currently - named inventors within the scope described in this background art section and aspects of the specification that are not otherwise considered prior art as of the filing date of the application are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a terminal assembly. The terminal assembly includes a male terminal and a female terminal. The male terminal includes a first base and a protrusion extending from the first base. The protrusion defines an oval shape. The female terminal includes a second base and a plurality of protrusions extending from the second base. The second base defines a void configured to receive the protrusion. The plurality of protrusions are disposed around the void and together define an oval. In an assembled configuration, the protrusion engages with the plurality of protrusions such that the male terminal and the female terminal are connected.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of assembling a terminal assembly. The method includes disposing at least a portion of a protrusion of a male terminal within a void of a female terminal. The protrusion defines an oval shape. A base of the female terminal defines the void. The method further includes engaging a plurality of protrusions of the female terminal with the protrusion. The plurality of protrusions are disposed around the void and together define an oval. In the assembled configuration, the male terminal is electrically connected to the female terminal.

[0007] Further applicable fields of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims and the drawings. The detailed description and the specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary terminal assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary terminal assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary male terminal of a terminal assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is a top view of an exemplary protruding portion of a male terminal in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary female terminal of a terminal assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 6 is a top view of an exemplary female terminal of a terminal assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 7 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method for assembling a terminal assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0016] In the drawings, reference numerals may be reused to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, shows a terminal assembly 10. The terminal assembly 10 may include a male terminal 12 and a female terminal 14. The male terminal 12 mates with the female terminal 14 such that in the assembled configuration, the male terminal 12 is electrically connected to the female terminal 14. The male terminal 12 is at least indirectly connected to an electrical component 16a, and the female terminal 14 is at least indirectly connected to an additional electrical component 16b. In the assembled configuration, the male terminal 12 is connected to the female terminal 14 such that the electrical component 16a is electrically connected to the additional electrical component 16b.

[0018] Continuing to refer Figure 1 and Figure 2 , in various embodiments, the terminal assembly 10 may be mounted in a vehicle 18 to facilitate power transfer and / or signal (e.g., control signal) transfer between various electronic components (e.g., electrical components 16a, 16b) within the vehicle 18. The vehicle 18 may include one or more of various configurations. For example, the vehicle 18 may include a land vehicle, a passenger car, a van, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a crossover vehicle, a truck (e.g., a pickup truck, a commercial truck, etc.), a bus, a boat, an aircraft (e.g., an airplane, a helicopter, etc.), and / or a combination thereof (e.g., a land and water vehicle, an air and water vehicle, etc.). Although the vehicle 18 shown and described herein includes one terminal assembly 10, it should be understood that the vehicle 18 may include multiple terminal assemblies. In some examples, the vehicle 18 may include multiple terminal assemblies 10.

[0019] Referring Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the male terminal 12 may include a base 20 and a protrusion 22 extending from the base 20. In various embodiments, the base 20 forms an oblong configuration. For example, the outer (e.g., peripheral) surface of the base 20 may define an elliptical or oval (quasi-elliptical) configuration. The base 20 may include a width W20 and a length L20 that is greater than the width W20. Alternatively, the width W20 included in the base 20 may be greater than its length L20. In some examples, the base 20 may define an aspect ratio of approximately 6:9 or 4:3, etc. The base 20 may include a substantially flat upper surface.

[0020] In various embodiments, the base 20 may be coupled to an electrical contact 24. The electrical contact 24 includes one or more conductive materials. The base 20 may be fixed to the electrical contact 24 via a soldering process, a reflow process, a hot pressing process, or a brass cladding process, etc. In the assembled configuration, the electrical contact 24 is electrically connected to the electrical component 16a such that the male terminal 12 is electrically connected to the electrical component 16a.

[0021] In various embodiments, the protrusion 22 forms an oval-shaped structure. For example, the outer (e.g., peripheral) surface of the protrusion 22 may define an ellipse or an oval that protrudes from the base 20 (e.g., from the upper surface of the base 30). In other embodiments, the protrusion 22 may form a stadium shape. Although the protrusion 22 is generally shown as forming a hollow structure, it should be understood that within the scope of the present disclosure, the protrusion 22 may also form a solid structure.

[0022] The protrusion 22 may include a width W22 and a length L22 that is greater than the width W22. Alternatively, the width W22 included in the protrusion 22 may be greater than its length L22. In some examples, the protrusion 22 may define an aspect ratio of approximately 6:9 or 4:3, etc. As will be explained in more detail below, in the assembled structure (e.g., Figure 1 ), the protrusion 22 is connected to the female terminal 14.

[0023] In various embodiments, the male terminal 12 includes one or more conductive materials. For example, the male terminal 12 may include one or more metals and / or one or more conductive plastics, etc. In some examples, the male terminal 12 may be manufactured via a metal stamping process.

[0024] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the female terminal 14 may include a base 30, a void 32 provided in the base 30, and a plurality of protrusions 34 that extend from the base 30 and are disposed around the void 32. In various embodiments, the base 30 forms an oval-shaped structure. For example, the outer (e.g., peripheral) surface of the base 30 may define an elliptical or oval-shaped structure. The base 30 may include a width W30 and a length L30 that is greater than the width W30. Alternatively, the width W30 included in the base 30 may be greater than its length L30. In some examples, the base 30 may define an aspect ratio of approximately 6:9 or 4:3, etc. The upper surface of the base 30 may be substantially flat.

[0025] In various embodiments, the void 32 is defined by the oval-shaped inner (e.g., peripheral) surface 36 of the base 30. For example, the inner (e.g., peripheral) surface 36 of the base 30 may define an ellipse or an oval. In other embodiments, the inner surface 36 of the base 30 defines a stadium shape.

[0026] The void 32 may define a width W32 and a length L32 that is greater than the width W32. Alternatively, the width W32 defined by the void 32 may be greater than its length L32. In some examples, the void 32 may define an aspect ratio of approximately 6:9 or 4:3, etc. As will be explained in more detail below, in the assembled structure (e.g., Figure 1 ), the void 32 receives at least a portion of the protrusion 22 of the male terminal 12.

[0027] In various embodiments, the protrusions 34 may be disposed around the void 32 to collectively form an oval configuration. For example, the inner (e.g., peripheral) surface 38 of the protrusions 34 may collectively define an ellipse or an oval. In other embodiments, the inner surface 38 of the protrusions 34 collectively defines a stadium shape. The first plurality (e.g., two) of inner surfaces 38 may define a width W38, and the second plurality (e.g., two) of inner surfaces 38 may define a length L38 that is greater than the width W38. Alternatively, the width W38 may be greater than the length L38. In some examples, the ratio of the width W38 to the length L38 is about 6:9 or 4:3, etc. In some embodiments, the length L38 is substantially equal to the length L32, and the width W38 is substantially equal to the width W32. In other embodiments, the length L38 is less than the length L32, and the width W38 is less than the width W32.

[0028] In an assembled configuration (e.g., Figure 1 ), the protrusions 34 (e.g., the inner surface 38) engage with the protrusions 22 of the male terminal 12. Although the female terminal 14 shown herein includes twelve protrusions 34, it should be understood that the female terminal 14 may include more or fewer than twelve protrusions 34. In some exemplary configurations, the female terminal 14 includes eight protrusions 34. In some cases, the female terminal 14 includes six protrusions 34.

[0029] Referring to Figure 2 , the protrusions 34 may define various lengths. For example, the first protrusion 34-1 may define a first length L1, and the second protrusion 34-2 may define a second length L2 that is less than the first length L1. In some exemplary configurations, approximately half of the protrusions 34 define lengths that are substantially (e.g., + / - 10%) similar to the first length L1, and approximately half of the protrusions define lengths that are substantially (e.g., + / - 10%) similar to the second length L2. In some examples, every other protrusion among the plurality of protrusions 34 defines the first length L1 such that the protrusions 34 defining the second length L2 are disposed between two protrusions 34 defining the first length L2.

[0030] In various embodiments, the female terminal 14 includes one or more conductive materials. For example, the female terminal 14 may include one or more metals and / or one or more conductive plastics, etc.

[0031] Now referring to Figure 6 , the female terminal 14 may include a connection portion 40. The connection portion 40 may be connected to the base 30 and / or may extend from the base 30. The connection portion 40 is connected to at least one wire 42. In various embodiments, the wire 42 may be fixed to the connection portion 40 via crimping or soldering, etc. In an assembled configuration, the wire 42 is electrically connected to an additional electrical component 16b such that the female terminal 14 is electrically connected to the additional electrical component 16b.

[0032] In various embodiments, the electrical components (e.g., electrical components 16a, 16b) include one or more of a variety of configurations. For example, the electrical components can include electrical devices, electrical components of the vehicle 18, and / or electronic devices, etc. In some examples, the electrical component 16a can include electrical components of the vehicle 18 such as an antenna or a window defroster. The additional electrical component 16b can include electrical components of the vehicle 18 such as a radio, a telephone, or a window defroster controller.

[0033] Now referring to Figure 2 , in the assembled configuration, the male terminal 12 is electrically connected to the electrical contact 24 and the electrical component 16a. The female terminal 14 is electrically connected to the wire 42 and the additional electrical component 16b. The male terminal 12 is connected to the female terminal 14 such that the electrical component 16a is electrically connected to the additional electrical component 16b.

[0034] In various embodiments, at least a portion of the protrusion 22 of the male terminal 12 is disposed in the void 32 of the female terminal 14. The protrusion 22 contacts the protrusion 34 of the female terminal 14, and the base 20 of the male terminal 12 contacts the base 30 of the female terminal 13 such that the male terminal 12 is electrically connected to the female terminal 14. The oval defined by the protrusions 34 together, the oval defined by the inner surface 36, and / or the oval defined by the protrusion 22 limit the movement (e.g., rotation) of the female terminal 14 relative to the male terminal 12, thereby forming a firm electrical connection between the female terminal 14 and the male terminal 12. The length of the protrusion 34 (e.g., the first length L1 and the second length L2) limits the movement (e.g., rotation about an axis extending in the direction of L1 and / or translation in the direction of L1) of the female terminal 14 relative to the male terminal 12, thereby forming a firm electrical connection between the female terminal 14 and the male terminal 12.

[0035] In various embodiments, the electrical contact 24 is connected to the surface 50 of the vehicle 18. The surface 50 can include a glass surface, such as a window or a windshield of the vehicle 18. In various embodiments, the terminal assembly 10 can be disposed in a housing (not shown). In some exemplary configurations, the terminal assembly 10 can be encapsulated by a molding process.

[0036] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 700 for assembling the terminal assembly 10. Control starts at 704. At 704, a user can place the electrical contact 24 on the surface 50 of the vehicle 18. Control proceeds to 708. At 708, the user can connect the electrical component 16a to the electrical contact 24. Control proceeds to 712.

[0037] At 712, the user may fix the base 20 of the male terminal 12 to the electrical contact 24 such that the male terminal 12 is electrically connected to the electrical component 16a. The control proceeds to 716. At 716, the user may fix at least one wire 42 to the female terminal 14. The control proceeds to 720. At 720, the user may connect an additional electrical component 16b to the wire 42 such that the female terminal 14 is electrically connected to the additional electrical component 16a. The control proceeds to 724.

[0038] At 724, the user may dispose at least a portion of the protrusion 22 of the male terminal 12 within the void 32 of the female terminal 14. The control proceeds to 728. At 728, the user may engage the plurality of protrusions 34 of the female terminal 14 with the protrusion 22 such that the male terminal 12 is connected to the female terminal 14 and the electrical component 16a is electrically connected to the additional electrical component 16b. Then the control ends.

[0039] The following technical solutions provide exemplary configurations of the terminal assembly and related methods as described above.

[0040] Technical solution 1: A terminal assembly, comprising: a male terminal including a first base and a protrusion extending from the first base and defining an oval shape; and a female terminal including a second base and a plurality of protrusions extending from the second base, the second base defining a void configured to receive the protrusion, the plurality of protrusions being disposed around the void and together defining an oval shape, the protrusion being engaged with the plurality of protrusions in an assembled configuration such that the male terminal is connected to the female terminal.

[0041] Technical solution 2: The terminal assembly according to technical solution 1, wherein the first base defines an oval shape.

[0042] Technical solution 3: The terminal assembly according to technical solutions 1 to 2, wherein the second base defines an oval shape.

[0043] Technical solution 4: The terminal assembly according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 3, wherein the female terminal includes an inner surface defining a void having an oval shape.

[0044] Technical solution 5: The terminal assembly according to technical solution 1, wherein: a first protrusion among the plurality of protrusions defines a first length; a second protrusion among the plurality of protrusions defines a second length; and the second length is less than the first length.

[0045] Technical solution 6: The terminal assembly according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 5, wherein in the assembled configuration, the male terminal is connected to the female terminal such that the plurality of protrusions restrict movement of the female terminal relative to the male terminal.

[0046] Technical solution 7: The terminal assembly according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 6, wherein: the first base is configured to be connected to the electrical contact; the electrical contact is configured to be connected to the electrical component; and in the assembled configuration, the male terminal is electrically connected to the electrical component.

[0047] Technical solution 8: The terminal assembly according to technical solution 7, wherein: the female terminal includes a connecting portion that is connected to the second base and is configured to be connected to the wire; and in the assembled configuration: the wire is electrically connected to the additional electrical component, and the male terminal is connected to the female terminal such that the electrical component is electrically connected to the additional electrical component.

[0048] Technical solution 9: The terminal assembly according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 8, wherein the oval shape defined by the plurality of protrusions is an oval.

[0049] Technical solution 10: A transportation vehicle, comprising: the terminal assembly according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 9; an electrical component electrically connected to the male terminal; and an additional electrical component electrically connected to the female terminal, wherein, in the assembled configuration, the male terminal is connected to the female terminal such that the electrical component is electrically connected to the additional electrical component.

[0050] Technical solution 11: A method of assembling a terminal assembly, the method comprising: disposing at least a portion of the protrusion of the male terminal in the gap of the female terminal, the protrusion defining an oval shape, and the base of the female terminal defining the gap; and engaging the plurality of protrusions of the female terminal with the protrusion such that the male terminal is electrically connected to the female terminal in the assembled configuration, and the plurality of protrusions are disposed around the gap and jointly define an oval shape.

[0051] Technical solution 12: The method according to technical solution 11, wherein the base of the male terminal defines an oval shape.

[0052] Technical solution 13: The method according to technical solutions 11 to 12, wherein the base of the female terminal defines an oval shape.

[0053] Technical solution 14: The terminal assembly according to any one of technical solutions 11 to 13, wherein the female terminal includes an inner surface defining a gap having an oval shape.

[0054] Technical solution 15: The method according to any one of technical solutions 11 to 14, wherein: the first protrusion among the plurality of protrusions defines a first length; the second protrusion among the plurality of protrusions defines a second length; and the second length is less than the first length.

[0055] Technical solution 16: The method according to any one of technical solutions 11 to 15, wherein, in the assembled configuration, the male terminal is connected to the female terminal such that the plurality of protrusions restrict the movement of the female terminal relative to the male terminal.

[0056] Technical Solution 17: According to the method described in any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 16, wherein: the base of the male terminal is configured to be connected to the electrical contact; the electrical contact is configured to be connected to the electrical component; and in the assembled configuration, the male terminal is electrically connected to the electrical component.

[0057] Technical Solution 18: According to the method of Technical Solution 17, wherein: the female terminal includes a connection portion that is connected to the base of the female terminal and is configured to be connected to a wire; and in the assembled configuration: the wire is electrically connected to an additional electrical component, and the male terminal is connected to the female terminal such that the electrical component is electrically connected to the additional electrical component.

[0058] Technical Solution 19: According to the method described in any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 18: wherein, the oval shape jointly defined by a plurality of protrusions is an oval.

[0059] Technical Solution 20: According to the method described in any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 19, further comprising: providing an electrical contact on the glass surface of a vehicle; connecting the electrical component to the electrical contact; and fixing the base of the male terminal to the electrical contact, wherein, in the assembled configuration, the male terminal is electrically connected to the electrical component.

[0060] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of forms. Thus, while the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent after studying the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. In the written description and claims, one or more steps in a method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, one or more instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be executed in a different order (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, the numbering or other markings of the instructions or method steps are for convenience of reference and are not intended to indicate a fixed order.

[0061] Furthermore, although each embodiment is described above as having certain features, any one or more of these features described for any embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with the features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the arrangement of one or more embodiments with respect to each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] The terms used herein are for describing particular example configurations only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an", and "the" may be intended to include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms including "comprises", "comprising", "including", and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring execution in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as the order of execution. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0063] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected", "joined", "coupled", "adjacent", "close", "next to", "on", "above", "below", and "disposed". Unless explicitly described as "direct", when the relationship between a first element and a second element is described in the foregoing disclosure, the relationship encompasses both direct and indirect relationships, where in a direct relationship there are no other intermediate elements between the first element and the second element, and in an indirect relationship there is one or more intermediate elements between the first element and the second element. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0064] The term "set" does not necessarily exclude the empty set - in other words, in some cases, a "set" may have zero elements. The term "non-empty set" can be used to denote the exclusion of the empty set - in other words, a non-empty set will always have one or more elements. The term "subset" does not necessarily require a proper subset. In other words, a "subset" of a first set can have the same scope (equal to) the first set. Additionally, the term "subset" does not necessarily exclude the empty set - in some cases, a "subset" may have zero elements.

[0065] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms used herein do not imply an order or sequence unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary construction.

[0066] The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted to mean the logic (A or B or C) using the non-exclusive logical "or", and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C".

Claims

1. A terminal assembly, comprising: A male terminal, said male terminal including a first base portion, and a protrusion extending from said first base portion and defining an oval shape; And A female terminal, said female terminal including a second base portion, and a plurality of protrusions extending from said second base portion, said second base portion defining a void configured to receive said protrusion, said plurality of protrusions being disposed around said void and jointly defining an oval shape, said protrusion being engaged with said plurality of protrusions in an assembled configuration such that said male terminal is connected to said female terminal.

2. The terminal component according to claim 1, wherein Said first base portion defines an oval shape.

3. The terminal component according to claim 1, characterized in that Said second base portion defines an oval shape.

4. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, wherein Said female terminal includes an inner surface defining said void having an oval shape.

5. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A first protrusion among said plurality of protrusions defines a first length; A second protrusion among said plurality of protrusions defines a second length; and Said second length is less than said first length.

6. The terminal component according to claim 1, characterized in that In said assembled configuration, said male terminal is connected to said female terminal such that said plurality of protrusions restrict movement of said female terminal relative to said male terminal.

7. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Said first base portion is configured to be connected to an electrical contact; Said electrical contact is configured to be connected to an electrical component; and In said assembled configuration, said male terminal is electrically connected to said electrical component.

8. The terminal assembly according to claim 7, wherein: Said female terminal includes a connection portion connected to said second base portion and configured to be connected to a wire; and In said assembled configuration: Said wire is electrically connected to an additional electrical component, and Said male terminal is connected to said female terminal such that said electrical component is electrically connected to said additional electrical component.

9. The terminal component according to claim 1, characterized in that The oval shape jointly defined by said plurality of protrusions is an egg shape.

10. A transportation vehicle, comprising: The terminal assembly according to claim 1; An electrical component electrically connected to said male terminal; And An additional electrical component electrically connected to said female terminal, wherein, in said assembled configuration, said male terminal is connected to said female terminal such that said electrical component is electrically connected to said additional electrical component.

11. A method of assembling a terminal assembly, said method comprising: Disposing at least a portion of a protrusion of a male terminal in a void of a female terminal, said protrusion defining an oval shape, said base of said female terminal defining the void; And Engaging said plurality of protrusions of said female terminal with said protrusion such that said male terminal is electrically connected to said female terminal in an assembled configuration, and said plurality of protrusions are disposed around said void and jointly define an oval shape.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The base of said male terminal defines an oval shape.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein The base of said female terminal defines an oval shape.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein Said female terminal includes an inner surface defining said void having an oval shape.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein: A first protrusion among said plurality of protrusions defines a first length; A second protrusion among said plurality of protrusions defines a second length; and Said second length is less than said first length.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein In the assembled configuration, the male terminal is connected to the female terminal such that the plurality of protrusions restrict movement of the female terminal relative to the male terminal.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The base of the male terminal is configured to be connected to an electrical contact; The electrical contact is configured to be connected to an electrical component; and In the assembled configuration, the male terminal is electrically connected to the electrical component.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The female terminal includes a connection portion that is connected to the base of the female terminal and is configured to be connected to a wire; and In the assembled configuration: The wire is electrically connected to an additional electrical component, and The male terminal is connected to the female terminal such that the electrical component is electrically connected to the additional electrical component.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The oval shape defined jointly by the plurality of protrusions is egg-shaped.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein Further included are: Providing an electrical contact on a glass surface of a vehicle; Connecting an electrical component to the electrical contact; And Fixing the base of the male terminal to the electrical contact, wherein, in the assembled configuration, the male terminal is electrically connected to the electrical component.

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