ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Electrical interconnections for vehicles, electrical interconnection assemblies for vehicles, and methods of mounting electrical interconnections on vehicles are provided. An electrical interconnection for a vehicle comprises a barbed projection having a proximal end secured to the vehicle, the projection having a distal end with outwardly extending barbs; an electrical connector having a selected mounting interface; and a universal connector bracket having a body formed with a cavity and a corresponding mounting interface, the distal end of the barbed projection being received within the cavity, the barbs penetrating the body, and the selected mounting interface of the electrical connector being removably connected to the corresponding mounting interface of the universal connector bracket.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The description refers to electrical connections in vehicles, in particular to assemblies that ensure proper assembly of electrical connectors.

[0002] The installation space for electrical circuits that power electrical machines in vehicles can be limited. The implementation of large-capacity electrical systems can be constrained by the available installation space. An example of a large-capacity circuit is a circuit that carries high-voltage current between an inverter device and a traction motor. Known design factors of a large-capacity circuit include the length and routing of high-voltage cables, which are based on electrical energy losses, inductance and electrical noise generation, thermal management and heat dissipation, and accessibility for assembly and maintenance.

[0003] DE 10 2004 055 462 A1 describes an electrical connector comprising a housing having a mating side configured for attachment to an electrical connector interface. A locking assembly is provided on a side wall of the housing. The locking assembly is oriented to extend along the side wall and has a locking element formed at one end thereof proximate the mating side. The locking assembly includes pivot supports at an intermediate location along a length of the locking assembly. The pivot supports pivotally connect the locking assembly to the side wall.

[0004] DE 10 2021 205 760 A1 describes a terminal connector comprising a cap, a plug received in the cap in a mounting direction, and a clip mounted along the mounting direction to secure the cap and the plug. The plug comprises a flexible securing element configured to simultaneously secure the cap and the clip. The securing element is deformably connected to the plug in a vertical direction relative to the plug.

[0005] It is desirable to provide new and improved methods and assemblies for assembling electrical connectors in vehicles. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. DESCRIPTION

[0006] In one embodiment, an electrical connection for a vehicle comprises a barbed projection having a proximal end attached to the vehicle, the projection including a distal end with outwardly extending barbs; an electrical connector having a selected mounting interface; and a universal connector bracket having a body formed with a cavity and a corresponding mounting interface, the distal end of the barbed projection being received within the cavity, the barbs penetrating the body, and the selected mounting interface of the electrical connector being removably connected to the corresponding mounting interface of the universal connector bracket.

[0007] In certain embodiments of the electrical connection, the selected mounting interface of the electrical connector is selected from a group of regulated mounting interfaces, and the universal connector mount is selected from a group of universal connector mounts, each universal connector mount in the group is formed with the cavity, and each regulated mounting interface is provided on a corresponding universal connector mount within the group.

[0008] In certain embodiments of the electrical connection, the selected mounting interface is a clip slot and the corresponding mounting interface is a retaining clip.

[0009] In certain embodiments of the electrical connection, the electrical connector connects a first electrical wire and a second electrical wire together.

[0010] In certain embodiments of the electrical connection, the barbed projection and the universal connector retainer are press-fitted together.

[0011] In certain embodiments of the electrical connection, the barb projection and the universal connector retainer are permanently connected to each other.

[0012] In certain embodiments of the electrical connection, the universal connector mount has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the cavity is formed on the first surface, and the corresponding mounting interface is formed on the second surface.

[0013] In another embodiment, an electrical interconnection assembly for a vehicle comprises a barbed projection having a proximal end configured for attachment to the vehicle, the projection including a distal end including outwardly extending barbs; an electrical connector configured to interconnect a first electrical wire and a second electrical wire of the vehicle, the electrical connector having a selected mounting interface;and a plurality of universal connector mounts, each universal connector mount in the plurality having a body formed with a cavity of the same design configured to receive the distal end of the barbed projection in an interference fit connection, a first universal connector mount in the plurality having a first corresponding mounting interface of a first design and a second universal connector mount in the plurality having a second corresponding mounting interface of a second design different from the first design, one of the first corresponding mounting interface and the second corresponding mounting interface being configured for releasable connection to the selected mounting interface of the electrical connector.;

[0014] In certain embodiments of the assembly, the barbs are configured to penetrate the body of a selected universal connector mount to create an interference fit therebetween.

[0015] In certain embodiments of the assembly, the barbs are configured to penetrate the body of a selected universal connector bracket to permanently interconnect the barbed projection and the universal connector bracket.

[0016] In certain embodiments of the assembly, each universal connector mount has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the cavity is formed on the first surface, and each respective corresponding mounting interface is formed on the second surface.

[0017] In certain embodiments of the assembly, the selected mounting interface of the electrical connector is selected from a group of regulated mounting interfaces, and the universal connector bracket is selected from a group of universal connector brackets, each universal connector bracket in the group is formed with the cavity, and each regulated mounting interface is provided on a corresponding universal connector bracket within the group.

[0018] In certain embodiments of the assembly, the selected mounting interface is a clip slot and each corresponding mounting interface is a retaining clip.

[0019] In certain embodiments of the assembly, a third universal connector bracket in the plurality has a third corresponding mounting interface of a third design, a fourth universal connector bracket in the plurality has a fourth corresponding mounting interface of a fourth design, and the first design, the second design, the third design, and the fourth design are different from each other.

[0020] In another embodiment, a method of mounting an electrical connection on a vehicle is provided. The method includes attaching a protrusion to the vehicle; providing an electrical connector with a selected mounting interface; selecting a universal connector mount having a body formed with a cavity and a corresponding mounting interface, the universal connector mount being selected based on compatibility of the corresponding mounting interface with the selected mounting interface; securing the universal connector mount to the vehicle by press-fitting the protrusion into the cavity; and releasably connecting the electrical connector to the universal connector mount by engaging the selected mounting interface with the corresponding mounting interface.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises connecting a first electrical line and a second electrical line to the electrical connector.

[0022] In certain embodiments of the method, the projection is provided with a barb, and securing the universal connector bracket to the vehicle by pressing the projection into the cavity comprises penetrating the body of the universal connector bracket with the projection.

[0023] In certain embodiments of the method, the selected mounting interface is a clip slot and the corresponding mounting interface is a retaining clip.

[0024] In certain embodiments of the method, the universal connector mount is selected from a plurality of universal connector mounts, wherein in each universal connector mount in the plurality, the cavity is formed with a similar design configured to receive the projection in an interference fit connection, wherein a first universal connector mount in the plurality has a first corresponding mounting interface of a first design and a second universal connector mount in the plurality has a second corresponding mounting interface of a second design different from the first design, wherein either the first corresponding mounting interface or the second corresponding mounting interface is configured for releasable connection to the selected mounting interface of the electrical connector.

[0025] In certain embodiments of the method, a third universal connector bracket in the plurality has a third corresponding mounting interface of a third design, a fourth universal connector bracket in the plurality has a fourth corresponding mounting interface of a fourth design that is different, and the first design, the second design, the third design, and the fourth design are different from each other. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present specification will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like elements: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle having an electrical connection according to exemplary embodiments; Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrical connection of Fig. 1 according to exemplary embodiments; Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a projection of the electrical connection of Fig. 2 according to exemplary embodiments; Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a universal connector bracket from the electrical connection of Fig. 2 according to exemplary embodiments; Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an electrical connector from the electrical connection of Fig. 2 according to exemplary embodiments; Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the electrical connection of Fig. 2 according to exemplary embodiments; Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the electrical connection of Fig. 2 according to exemplary embodiments; Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of another universal connector bracket from the electrical connection of Fig. 2 according to exemplary embodiments; Figs. 9-12 are perspective views of various mounting interfaces for use in the universal connector bracket and / or electrical connector of Fig. 2i according to exemplary embodiments; Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of an assembly for the electrical connection of Fig. 2 according to exemplary embodiments; and Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for assembling an electrical connection to a vehicle, according to certain embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the application and uses of the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theories presented in the preceding introduction, description, or the following detailed description.As used herein, the term “module” refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control unit or component, processing logic and / or processor device, individually or in any combination, including without limitation: application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (common, dedicated or group) and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0028] Embodiments of the present description may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. Such block components may be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of the present description may utilize various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, or the like, capable of performing a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control units.Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present description may be used in connection with any number of automated driving systems, including cruise control systems, automated driver assistance systems, and autonomous driving systems, and that the vehicle system described herein represents merely one exemplary embodiment of the present description.

[0029] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) are not described in detail here. Furthermore, the connecting lines depicted in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the present description.

[0030] The embodiments presented herein enable electrical connectors to be mounted on vehicles with both a press-fit and a releasable connection. In certain embodiments, a universal connector retainer includes a first end configured to be permanently attached to a vehicle component, such as a barbed protrusion. The universal connector retainer includes a second end configured for a releasable connection to the electrical connector. The universal connector retainer and / or the electrical connector may be selected for use with each other.

[0031] In Fig. 1, certain features of a vehicle 10 are illustrated in functional block diagram form. In certain examples, the vehicle 10 comprises an automobile. In various examples, the vehicle 10 may be any type of automobile, such as a sedan, station wagon, truck, or sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may have two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD). The vehicle 10 may also include any one or a combination of a number of different types of engines, such as an internal combustion engine powered by gasoline or diesel, a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) engine (i.e., using a mixture of gasoline and alcohol), an engine using a gaseous compound (e.g., hydrogen and / or natural gas), an internal combustion / electric motor hybrid engine (i.e.,, as in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)), and an electric motor.

[0032] As in Fig. 1, the example vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, four wheels 16, and an electronic control system 18. The body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and substantially encloses the other components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may together form a frame. The wheels 16 are each rotatably connected to the chassis 12 near a corner of the body 14.

[0033] In the Fig. 1, the vehicle 10 includes an actuator assembly 20, a battery (or DC power supply) 22, and a power converter assembly (e.g., an inverter or power inverter assembly) 24. The actuator assembly 20 may include an electric motor / generator (or motor) 26 and / or an internal combustion engine 28.

[0034] As in Fig. 1, the electric motor 26 and the internal combustion engine 28 are integrated such that one or both are mechanically connected to at least some of the wheels 16 via one or more drive shafts 29.

[0035] The vehicle 10 further includes a thermal management system 30 having a radiator 32 and coolant circulation hoses 34. The radiator 32 may be attached to an exterior portion of the frame. The coolant circulation hoses 34 may provide a plurality of cooling channels containing a cooling liquid (i.e., a coolant) such as water and / or ethylene glycol (i.e., "antifreeze"). The coolant circulation hoses 34 may be connected to the internal combustion engine 28 and / or the inverter 24. In certain embodiments, these components control the temperature of the battery 22, the inverter 24, and the motor 26 for optimal performance.

[0036] The electronic control unit 18 is in operative communication with the actuator unit 20, the high-voltage battery 22, and the inverter 24. Although not shown in detail, the electronic control system 18 includes various sensors and vehicle control modules or electronic control units (ECUs), such as an inverter control module, an engine control unit, and a vehicle control unit, as well as at least one processor and / or memory.

[0037] As shown, wires 40 provide electrical communication between various components. Wires 40 are attached to various locations on vehicle 10 via an electrical connection 100.

[0038] In Fig. 2, an exemplary electrical connection 100 is illustrated. As illustrated, the connection 100 may include the vehicle 10, a protrusion 200, an electrical connector 400, and a universal connector mount 300 that interconnects the protrusion 200 and the electrical connector 400.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the protrusion 200 is located on a bracket 210 that extends laterally in the X-direction from a first end 212 to a second end 218. At the first end 212, the bracket 210 is attached to a component 11 of the vehicle 10. The vehicle component 11 may be a body structure, an engine structure, a door panel, a sheet metal, and / or any suitable vehicle location. A fastener 220, such as a screw, may be used to attach the bracket 210 to the vehicle component 11. In other embodiments, the bracket 210 or the protrusion 200 may be welded or molded onto the vehicle component 11. In certain embodiments, the protrusion 200 may be part of the vehicle component 11. An exemplary protrusion 200 is made of metal or another rigid material.As shown, the bracket 210 includes a shoulder portion 215 that extends away from the vehicle component 11 in the Z direction.

[0040] With reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the projection 200 at the distal or second end 218 of the holder 210 extends longitudinally in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction and to the Y-direction from a proximal end 231 to a distal end 232. As illustrated, the projection 200 may include a central rib 230 extending from the proximal end 231 to the distal end 232. Further, the projection 200 may include wing portions 234 extending away from the rib 230 in the X-direction. As illustrated, barbs 235 are formed on the wing portions 234 and extend from the rib 230 in the X-direction to the tips.

[0041] With reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the universal connector mount 300 includes a body 310 extending in the Z direction from a bottom surface 320 to an upper surface 330. At the bottom 320, the body 310 includes a platform 322 provided with a cavity 325. The cavity 325 extends in the Y direction.

[0042] At the top surface 330, the universal connector bracket 300 includes an engagement or mounting interface or feature 350. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface 350 is a retention clip designed in accordance with United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) standards, i.e., a USCAR retention clip.

[0043] As shown, the universal connector mount 300 includes a neck 340 that connects the platform 322 and the engagement interface 350.

[0044] With reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, the electrical connector 400 interconnects the wires 40 and may be or include a wiring harness. The electrical connector 400 extends in the Y direction from a first end 411 to a second end 412. Each end 411 and 412 may receive adjacent wires 40 for electrical connection. The electrical connector 400 includes a bottom surface 410 and extends in the Z direction to a top surface 430. A mounting interface 450 is formed on or in the bottom surface 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting interface 450 is a USCAR clip slot or cavity configured to engage a USCAR retention clip, such as interface 350 of the universal connector bracket 300.

[0045] While the Fig. 2-5 show that a USCAR retention clip is formed on the universal connector bracket 300 and a USCAR clip slot is formed on the electrical connector 400, it is conceivable that a USCAR retention clip is formed on the electrical connector 400 and a USCAR clip slot is formed on the universal connector bracket 300. In any case, the universal connector bracket 300 and the electrical connector 400 are designed and configured for a detachable connection.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the electrical connection 100 showing the connection of the projection 200, the universal connector bracket 300, and the electrical connector 400. Fig. 7 is a side view of the same assembly 100. With cross reference to the Fig. 2-7, the protrusion 200 is connected to the universal connector retainer 300 by advancing the distal end 232 into the cavity 325 in the Y direction. The barbs 235 of the protrusion 200 contact and then penetrate the body 310 of the universal connector retainer 300. The angled surfaces of the barbs 235 allow forward movement of the protrusion 200 into the cavity 325 but prevent withdrawal of the protrusion 200 from the cavity 325. Consequently, the protrusion 200 can be press-fitted into the cavity 325 of the universal connector retainer 300.

[0047] In certain embodiments, after the protrusion 200 is press-fitted into the cavity 325, the protrusion 200 and the universal connector retainer 300 are permanently secured together. As used herein, the term "permanently secured" means that the universal connector retainer 300 and the barbed protrusion 200 cannot be separated without damaging the universal connector retainer 300, and / or that the universal connector retainer 300, if removed, cannot be reattached to the barbed protrusion 200.

[0048] On the other hand, the connection between the universal connector bracket 300 and the electrical connector 400 is detachable without damaging the components. For example, the interface 350 of the universal connector bracket 300 may include a retractable hook 360, and the interface 450 of the electrical connector 400 may include a latch 460 that engage when the interfaces 350 and 450 are connected, e.g., by inserting a retaining clip into a clip slot. The interfaces 350 and 450 may be released by pushing the hook 360 out of engagement with the latch 460 and sliding the universal connector bracket 300 and the electrical connector 400 away from each other. Other connecting, snapping, and releasing devices may also be used.

[0049] Fig. For example, Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a universal connector mount 300 with a different interface 350.

[0050] Fig. 4 and Fig. 8 illustrate two embodiments of interfaces 350 that conform to United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) standards. It is understood herein that interfaces 350 and 450 may be designed according to any of the approved USCAR standard clip slots and retaining clip designs.

[0051] The United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) provides several standardized clip slots and retaining clip designs. USCAR standards include, for example, the 11 mm clip slot 550 from Fig. 9, the 17 mm clip slot 550 of Fig. 10, the 23 mm clip slot 550 of Fig. 11 and the 7 mm clip slot 550 of Fig. 12. Any of these or other constructions may be used to provide a releasable connection between the universal connector bracket 300 and the electrical connector 400.

[0052] The embodiments of the Fig. 1-8 enable the releasable attachment of electrical connectors 400 to a vehicle 10 while utilizing permanent press-fit connections to the vehicle 10. The universal connector bracket 300 is formed with a cavity for receiving and permanently retaining the barbed projection 200. Furthermore, the universal connector bracket 300 is formed with a clip slot or cavity sized to receive the retention clip of the electrical connector 400. Alternatively, the electrical connector 400 is formed with a clip slot or cavity sized to receive the retention clip of the universal connector bracket 300.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the electrical connection 100 for the vehicle 10 includes a barbed projection 200 having a proximal end 231 secured to the vehicle 10. The projection 200 includes a distal end 232 with outwardly directed barbs 235.

[0054] The electrical connection 100 also includes an electrical connector 400 configured to interconnect the first and second electrical wires 40. The electrical connector 400 has a selected mounting interface 450.

[0055] The electrical connection 100 further includes a universal connector mount 300 having a body 310 formed with a cavity 325 and a corresponding mounting interface 350, wherein the distal end 232 of the barbed projection 200 is received within the cavity 325, the barbs 235 penetrating the body 310, and wherein the selected mounting interface 450 of the electrical connector 400 is removably connected to the corresponding mounting interface 350 of the universal connector mount 300.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the electrical connection 100 for the vehicle 10 is provided as an assembly 500. The assembly 500 may, for example, include each component 200, 300, and 400 prior to assembly. Each barbed projection 200 may have a proximal end 231 for attachment to the vehicle 10 and a distal end 232 with outwardly directed barbs 235.

[0057] Furthermore, the assembly 500 may include a plurality of components 300 and 400. For example, a plurality of 399 universal connector brackets 300 and a plurality of 499 electrical connectors 400 may be provided.

[0058] In the plurality 499 of electrical connectors 400, each electrical connector 400 is configured to interconnect electrical wires of the vehicle 10. Each electrical connector 400 has a selected mounting interface 450. Each selected mounting interface 450 of the electrical connectors 400 is selected from a group of regulated mounting interfaces, such as USCAR interfaces. For example, a first electrical connector 401 in the plurality 499 has a first selected mounting interface 450 of a first embodiment, a second electrical connector 402 in the plurality 499 has a second selected mounting interface 450 of a second embodiment, a third electrical connector 403 in the plurality 499 has a third selected mounting interface 450 of a third embodiment, and a fourth electrical connector 404 in the plurality 499 has a fourth selected mounting interface 450 of a fourth embodiment.The selected mounting interfaces 450 of the electrical connectors 401, 402, 403, and 404 are different from one another. For example, each of the selected mounting interfaces 450 may correspond to one of the clip slots 550 of the . Fig. 9-12 or with one of the clip slots 550 of the Fig. 9-12 correspond and fit together, ie be a retaining clip.

[0059] In the plurality 399 of universal connector mounts 300, each universal connector mount 300 includes a body 310 formed with a cavity 325 of similar design configured to receive the distal end of the barb 200 in an interference fit connection.A first universal connector bracket 301 in the plurality 399 has a first corresponding mounting interface 350 of a first design, a second universal connector bracket 302 in the plurality 399 has a second corresponding mounting interface 350 of a second design different from the first design, a third universal connector bracket 303 in the plurality 399 has a third corresponding mounting interface 350 of a third design different from the first design and the second design, and a fourth universal connector bracket 304 in the plurality 399 has a fourth corresponding mounting interface 350 of a fourth design different from the first design, the second design, and the third design.In exemplary embodiments, the corresponding mounting interface of one of the universal connector brackets 301, 302, 303, and 304 is configured for releasable connection to the selected mounting interface 450 of the selected electrical connector 400. For example, each of the corresponding mounting interfaces 350 may correspond to one of the clip slots 550 of the . Fig. 9-12 or with one of the clip slots 550 of the Fig. 9-12 correspond and fit together, ie be a retaining clip.

[0060] In Fig. 14 illustrates a flowchart of a method 900 for assembling an electrical connection to a vehicle. As illustrated, the method 900 includes, at operation 905, attaching a protrusion 200 to the vehicle 10. Attaching the protrusion 200 to the vehicle 10 may include molding the protrusion 200 and / or mounting the protrusion 200 to the vehicle 10.

[0061] Further, in operation 915, the method 900 may include providing an electrical connector 400 having a selected mounting interface 450. In certain embodiments, the electrical connector 400 may be selected from a plurality 499 of electrical connectors of various configurations. In other embodiments, the electrical connector 400 may be preselected and / or present and installed in the vehicle 10 to interconnect the wires 40 therein.

[0062] The method 900 may continue in operation 925 with the selection of a universal connector bracket 300 with a corresponding mounting interface 350. The selection of the universal connector bracket 300 may be based on compatibility of the corresponding mounting interface 350 with the selected mounting interface 450. In certain embodiments, the universal connector bracket 300 is selected from a batch 399 of universal connector brackets 300.

[0063] As shown, method 900 may include attaching universal connector bracket 300 to vehicle 10 in operation 935. Operation 935 may include press-fitting protrusion 200 into cavity 325. Press-fitting protrusion 200 into cavity 325 may include penetrating body 310 of universal connector bracket 300 with protrusion 200.

[0064] Further, at operation 945, method 900 may include releasably connecting electrical connector 400 to universal connector mount 300. For example, operation 945 may include mating selected mounting interface 450 with corresponding mounting interface 350.

[0065] The method 900 may also include connecting a first electrical wire 40 and a second electrical wire 40 to the electrical connector 400 in operation 955. As mentioned above, in certain embodiments, the wires 40 may already be connected to each other at the electrical connector 400.

[0066] While Fig. 14 shows a sequential order of operations, it should be noted that the method 900 is not limited to such a sequential order and that the operations may be performed in any suitable logical order.

[0067] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the description in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description is intended to provide one skilled in the art with a convenient guide for implementing the exemplary embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes in the function and arrangement of elements may be made without departing from the scope of the description as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

[1] Electrical connection assembly for a vehicle (10), comprising: a barbed (235) projection (200) having a proximal end (231) configured for attachment to the vehicle (10), the projection (200) having a distal end (232) with outwardly extending barbs (235); an electrical connector (400) configured to include a first electrical line and a second electrical line of the vehicle (10), wherein the electrical connector (400) has a selected mounting interface (450); and a plurality of universal connector mounts (300), each universal connector mount (300) in the plurality having a body (310) formed with a cavity (325) of the same design configured to receive the distal end (232) of the barbed (235) projection (200) in an interference fit connection, wherein a first universal connector mount (301) in the plurality has a first corresponding mounting interface (350) of a first design and a second universal connector mount (302) in the plurality has a second corresponding mounting interface (350) of a second design different from the first design, wherein either the first corresponding mounting interface (350) or the second corresponding mounting interface (350) is configured for a detachable connection to the selected mounting interface (450) of the electrical connector (400). [2] The assembly of claim 1, wherein the barbs (235) are configured to penetrate the body (310) of a selected universal connector mount (300) to provide the interference fit connection therebetween and permanently interconnect the barbed (235) projection (200) and the universal connector mount (300). [3] The assembly of claim 1, wherein each universal connector mount (300) has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the cavity (325) being formed on the first surface, and each respective corresponding mounting interface (350) being formed on the second surface. [4] The assembly of claim 1, wherein the selected mounting interface (450) of the electrical connector (400) is selected from a group of regulated mounting interfaces and wherein the universal connector bracket (300) is selected from a group of universal connector brackets (300), each universal connector bracket (300) in the group being formed with the cavity (325) and each regulated mounting interface being provided on a respective universal connector bracket (300) within the group. [5] The assembly of claim 1, wherein the selected mounting interface (450) is a clip slot and each respective corresponding mounting interface (350) is a retaining clip. [6] The assembly of claim 1, wherein a third universal connector bracket (303) in the plurality has a third corresponding mounting interface (350) with a third design, wherein a fourth universal connector bracket (304) in the plurality has a fourth corresponding mounting interface (350) with a fourth design that is different, and wherein the first design, the second design, the third design, and the fourth design are different from one another. [7] A method of assembling an electrical connection on a vehicle (10), the method comprising: Attaching a projection (200) to the vehicle (10); Providing an electrical connector (400) having a selected mounting interface (450); Selecting a universal connector mount (300) having a body (310) formed with a cavity (325) and a corresponding mounting interface (350), wherein the universal connector mount (300) is selected based on compatibility of the corresponding mounting interface (350) with the selected mounting interface (450); Attaching the universal connector bracket (300) to the vehicle (10) by pressing the projection (200) into the cavity (325); and releasably connecting the electrical connector (400) to the universal connector holder (300) by engaging the selected mounting interface (450) with the corresponding mounting interface (350). [8] The method of claim 7, wherein the projection (200) includes a barb (235), and wherein securing the universal connector bracket (300) to the vehicle (10) by pressing the projection (200) into the cavity (325) includes penetrating the body (310) of the universal connector bracket (300) with the projection (200). [9] The method of claim 7, wherein the selected mounting interface (450) is a clip slot and the corresponding mounting interface (350) is a retaining clip. [10] The method of claim 7, wherein the universal connector mount (300) is selected from a plurality of universal connector mounts (300), wherein in each universal connector mount (300) in the plurality, the cavity (325) is formed with a similar design configured to receive the projection (200) in a press-fit connection, wherein a first universal connector mount (301) in the plurality has a first corresponding mounting interface (350) of a first design;wherein a second universal connector bracket (302) in the plurality has a second corresponding mounting interface (350) of a second design, wherein a third universal connector bracket (303) in the plurality has a third corresponding mounting interface (350) of a third design, wherein a fourth universal connector bracket (304) in the plurality has a fourth corresponding mounting interface (350) of a fourth design that is different, and wherein the first design, the second design, the third design, and the fourth design are different from one another, and wherein one of the corresponding mounting interfaces (350) is configured for releasable connection to the selected mounting interface (450) of the electrical connector (400);

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