Compatible pin adapter plate

Abstract

The connector assembly includes a housing and a terminal assembly contained within the housing. The terminal assembly includes an adapter plate and one or more terminals. The adapter plate includes a plurality of slots and is configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. The one or more terminals are positionable within the plurality of slots of the adapter plate. The one or more terminals include a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate and one or more pins extending outwardly from a second side of the adapter plate opposite the first side. The one or more terminals are positionable in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration and in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 339,872, filed May 9, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] background This application relates generally to wire electrical connector assemblies, and more particularly to terminals for mounting to a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0003] An automobile may include numerous wires for connecting various electrical components. These wires are typically coupled into a wire harness that utilizes electrical connectors to allow an operator to quickly and easily electrically connect components (e.g., form wired connections with male and female connector assemblies) during assembly of the automobile. Each component may have a different number of wires to be inserted into corresponding cavities in one or more multi-tipped connectors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] overview One exemplary aspect relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a housing and a terminal assembly housed within the housing. The terminal assembly includes an adapter plate and one or more terminals. The adapter plate includes a plurality of slots and is configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. The one or more terminals are positionable within the plurality of slots of the adapter plate. The one or more terminals include a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate and one or more pins extending outwardly from a second side of the adapter plate opposite the first side. The one or more terminals are positionable in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration and in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration.

[0005] In some aspects, the adapter plate is configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration based on an electrical load threshold of the connector assembly.

[0006] In some aspects, the terminal assemblies are selectively coupled between a connected position and a non-connected position, the terminal assemblies abutting an inner wall of the housing when the terminal assemblies are in the connected position.

[0007] In some aspects, the adapter plate is configured to fix the one or more terminals in a rigid orientation to prevent rotational movement of the one or more terminals within the adapter plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the connector assembly includes a printed circuit board housed within the housing opposite the terminal assembly. The printed circuit board includes one or more openings disposed therein. The one or more pins are coupled to the printed circuit board through the one or more openings to allow energy flow from the blade through the one or more pins to the printed circuit board. The terminal assembly is housed within a first side of the housing and the printed circuit board is housed within a second side of the housing. The first side is opposite the second side. The one or more pins are spaced apart a first distance. The one or more openings are spaced apart a first distance. The one or more pins and the one or more openings are aligned along a contact surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the one or more terminals include at least one of a first terminal having a single pin, a second terminal having four pins, or a third terminal having eight pins.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more slots are arranged in a grid.

[0011] Another exemplary aspect relates to a terminal assembly for a connector assembly. The terminal assembly includes an adapter plate and one or more terminals. The adapter plate includes a plurality of slots and is configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. The one or more terminals are positionable within the plurality of slots of the adapter plate. The one or more terminals are positionable in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration and in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration.

[0012] In some aspects, the adapter plate is configured to secure the one or more terminals in a rigid configuration to prevent rotational movement of the one or more terminals within the adapter plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connector assembly includes a printed circuit board contained within the housing opposite the terminal assemblies and including one or more openings disposed therein. The one or more pins are coupled to the printed circuit board through the one or more openings to allow energy flow from the blade through the one or more pins to the printed circuit board. The one or more openings are spaced apart a first distance, and the one or more pins are spaced apart a first distance. The one or more pins and the one or more openings are aligned along a contact surface.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connector assembly includes a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate and one or more pins extending outwardly from a second side of the adapter plate opposite the first side.

[0015] In some aspects, the terminal assemblies are selectively coupled between a connected position and a non-connected position, the terminal assemblies abutting an inner wall of the housing when the terminal assemblies are in the connected position.

[0016] In some aspects, the adapter plate is configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration based on an electrical load threshold of the connector assembly.

[0017] Another exemplary aspect relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a housing, a terminal assembly, and a printed circuit board. The terminal assembly is housed within the housing. The terminal assembly includes an adapter plate and one or more terminals. The adapter plate is configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. The one or more terminals are received within the adapter plate. The one or more terminals include a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate and one or more pins extending outwardly from a second side of the adapter plate opposite the first side. The printed circuit board is housed within the housing opposite the terminal assembly and includes one or more openings disposed therein. The one or more pins are spaced apart a first distance. The one or more openings are spaced apart a first distance.

[0018] In some aspects, the adapter plate includes one or more slots. The one or more terminals are disposed within the one or more slots. The one or more terminals are positionable in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide a first configuration and positionable in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide a second configuration.

[0019] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements and in which:

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a detailed view of a connector assembly according to one exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a terminal assembly of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 according to one exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a terminal assembly mounted within a housing of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of a terminal mounted on an adapter plate of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 according to one exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5 is a perspective view of a terminal mounted on an adapter plate of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view of a terminal mounted on an adapter plate of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] 7A-7C are diagrams of various examples of adapter plates, according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Detailed Description Before turning to the figures which show in detail the exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings, and it is also to be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0023] With general reference to the figures, various exemplary aspects disclosed herein relate to a connector assembly that may include a housing, a terminal assembly, and a printed circuit board (PCB). The terminal assembly may be housed within the housing and includes an adapter plate and one or more terminals, the one or more terminals being received within the adapter plate. The terminals may include a first end extending outwardly from a first end of the adapter plate and a second end extending outwardly from a second end of the adapter plate. The PCB may be housed within the housing opposite the terminal assembly and includes one or more openings disposed therein. The second ends of the terminals are coupled to the PCB through the one or more openings. The one or more openings are spaced apart a first distance, and the second ends of the one or more terminals are spaced apart a second distance. The first distance is equal to the second distance.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a connector assembly 100 is shown according to one exemplary embodiment. The connector assembly 100 may be configured for use in an automotive application, where the connector assembly 100 allows for the flow of energy. In other embodiments, the connector assembly 100 is configured for use in applications other than automotive applications. Although not shown, the connector assembly 100 may include both male and female portions, where the male and female portions mate with each other to complete a circuit. The connector assembly 100 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 may be configured to hold the components of the connector assembly 100 therein. In some embodiments, the housing 110 may hold additional components other than those shown in FIG. 1, such as additional wiring, insulators, or any other components. The housing 110 may have a substantially similar geometric shape to the components disposed within the housing 110. According to one exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 may be a substantially rectangular housing. In other embodiments, the housing 110 may take on any alternative geometric configuration (e.g., circular, frustoconical, prismatic, and / or combinations thereof).

[0025] With further reference to FIG. 1 , the connector assembly 100 may include a terminal assembly 120. The terminal assembly 120 may be disposed within a housing 110, with the terminal assembly 120 received through a first end 112 of the housing 110. The terminal assembly 120 may be configured to transfer a flow of energy to a printed circuit board (PCB) 125, through the PCB 125, or via the PCB 125 to a load. In other examples, the terminal assembly 120 may be configured to transfer the flow of energy to one of more electrical connections, which may be electrically coupled to one or more systems (e.g., vehicle systems, etc.). The terminal assembly 120 may include one or more terminals, shown as terminals 130, and an adapter plate 140. The terminals 130 may be fixedly coupled within the adapter plate 140 (e.g., the adapter plate 140 may be at least partially formed around the terminals 130, the terminals 130 may have an interference fit within the adapter plate 140, etc.). In other aspects, terminals 130 may be selectively coupled within adapter plate 140. In such aspects, terminals 130 may have a loose engagement within adapter plate 140 that allows a user to engage or disengage terminals 130 from adapter plate 140.

[0026] Terminal assembly 120 may be selectively coupled between a connected position and a non-connected position. When terminal assembly 120 is in the connected position, terminal assembly 120 may abut an inner wall of housing 110. Thus, when terminal assembly 120 is in the non-connected position, terminal assembly 120 may not abut an inner wall of housing 110. As discussed in further detail herein, when terminal assembly 120 is in the connected position, one or more pins (e.g., pin 196) may be received within one or more openings (e.g., openings 150) formed in a printed circuit board (e.g., PCB 125).

[0027] The terminal assembly 120 may include any configuration of terminals 130. The configuration of terminals 130 in the adapter plate 140 may be based on an electrical load threshold. The electrical load threshold may be a maximum load threshold for the application. In other aspects, the electrical load threshold may be a percentage of the electrical load threshold (e.g., 10%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 80%, 90%, etc.). For example, the terminal assembly 120 may include configurations of different sized terminals 130 (e.g., maximum load terminals, etc.), with each terminal 130 configured to receive a respective gauge wire. In another example, the terminal assembly 120 may include another configuration of different sized terminals 130. As can be appreciated, the terminal assembly 120 may include any number of configurations, with each configuration including a different number, orientation, and / or size of terminals 130.

[0028] As an example, the smaller terminals 130 may support lower gauge wires and the larger terminals 130 may support higher gauge wires. In other examples, the smaller and larger terminals may include maximum load thresholds and the wire gauges may be coupled to the terminals 130 accordingly. The terminals 130 may be fabricated from a conductive material (e.g., copper, gold, aluminum, etc.) and thus transmit the flow of energy through the conductive material. In other aspects, the terminals 130 may be fabricated from any material capable of allowing the flow of energy therethrough.

[0029] The adapter plate 140 may be disposed around the terminals 130 and further insulate the terminals 130 from one another. Additionally, the adapter plate 140 may be configured to securely hold the terminals 130 therein (e.g., prevent rotational movement of the terminals 130, etc.). By way of example, the terminals 130 may protrude from both ends of the adapter plate 140. In other embodiments, the terminals 130 may protrude from one end of the adapter plate 140. In yet other embodiments, the terminals 130 may not protrude from the adapter plate 140. As discussed in more detail herein, the terminals 130 and the adapter plate 140 may cooperatively define the terminal assembly 120. When disposed within the housing 110, the adapter plate 140 may be disposed against the housing inner surface 160. The housing inner surface 160 may be disposed along an inner periphery of the housing 110 or may be a pre-set distance for the adapter plate 140 to be disposed against.

[0030] The connector assembly 100 may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) 125. The PCB 125 may be at least partially housed within the housing 110, and the PCB 125 may be housed through an opposite end of the terminal assembly 120. In other embodiments, the PCB 124 may be housed through the same end as the terminal assembly 120. The PCB 125 may be configured to receive the terminal assembly 120. More specifically, the PCB 125 includes one or more PCB openings or slots, shown as openings 150, which are configured to receive the terminals 130. That is, the terminals 130 may be configured to receive pins (e.g., pins 196 of FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 3, in cooperation with the PCB 125 of FIG. 1, wire connections may be coupled to the terminals 130 (e.g., via solder, fasteners, etc.) to enable the flow of electrical energy from the terminals 130 to the PCB 125. Thus, electrical energy will also flow from the PCB 125 to the respective vehicle systems. As can be appreciated, the connector assemblies described herein may be used in other applications besides vehicle systems (e.g., industrial applications, home applications, individual component applications, etc.). The openings 150 may be arranged in a grid similar to the one or more cavities of the adapter plate 140. Thus, each of the openings 150 may be aligned with each of the one or more cavities such that each opening defines a respective alignment axis along which each of the one or more cavities is aligned.

[0031] The PCB 125 may include one or more layers of both insulating and conductive materials that provide a controlled electrical connection to the terminals 130. In other embodiments, the PCB 125 may include one layer of insulating or conductive material. The PCB 125 may include aperture distances, shown as a first distance 162 and a second distance 164. The first distance 162 and the second distance 164 may define both vertical and horizontal distances between the apertures 150. By way of example, the first distance 162 may be equal or substantially equivalent to the second distance 164, such that the PCB 125 may include a substantially uniform aperture structure. In other embodiments, the first distance 162 may be substantially different from the second distance 164.

[0032] According to one exemplary embodiment, the first distance 162 and the second distance 164 may be 6.3 millimeters. In other embodiments, the first distance 162 and the second distance 164 may be greater than or less than 6.3 millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the aperture size and pitch of the apertures 150 are always consistent in any PCB 125 to form a universal PCB 125. Although the PCB 125 is shown as being in an 8×5 aperture configuration, the PCB 125 may include any configuration sufficient for the application (e.g., 4×6, 7×7, etc.).

[0033] Although the connector assembly 100 is shown as a male end connector, the same configurations and systems described herein may be utilized in a female end connector. In such an example, the female connector may include one or more openings configured to secure the terminals of the male connector.

[0034] 2, a perspective view of the terminal assembly 120 is shown. As shown, the terminals 130 may be at least partially received within an adapter plate 140, and each terminal 130 may include a plurality of pins (e.g., pin 196 in FIG. 4). The adapter plate 140 may include one or more cavities (e.g., slots, etc.). The cavities may be disposed within the adapter plate 140 within which the terminals 130 may be disposed. That is, the terminals 130 may be inserted into the cavities and then bonded thereto via a manufacturing process (e.g., stitching, stamping, molding, etc.). The one or more cavities may be arranged in a grid. That is, the one or more cavities may be arranged along substantially horizontal and vertical planes where the one or more cavities define a grid pattern. In other aspects, the one or more cavities may define alternative structures or may be arranged in a non-uniform configuration. By way of example, the number of cavities may not be equal to the number of terminals 130. For example, some applications may require a small amount of energy, and thus only a few and / or small sized terminals 130 may be disposed within the adapter plate 140. In another example, some applications may require a large amount of energy, and thus a large number and / or large sized terminals 130 may be disposed within the adapter plate 140. According to one exemplary embodiment, the terminal assembly 120 may be customizable for a particular application, with the number and / or size of the terminals 130 being tailored to the application.

[0035] The adapter plate 140 may further be configured to hold the terminals 130 in a particular orientation. For example, the adapter plate 140 may be configured to hold the terminals 130 in a proper orientation (e.g., pitch, etc.) to ensure proper assembly between the terminals 130 and the PCB 125.

[0036] 3, a cross-sectional view of the terminal assembly 120 mounted to the housing 110 is shown. The terminal assembly 120 may be inserted into the housing 110 after the terminals 130 are assembled to the adapter plate 140. In other embodiments, the adapter plate 140 may be inserted into the housing 110 first, and then the terminals are inserted into the adapter plate 140. In yet other embodiments, the terminals 130 may be inserted into the housing 110 first, and then the adapter plate 140 may be inserted around and into the terminals 130. As shown in FIG. 3, the PCB 125 may abut the end of the housing 110 opposite the terminal assembly 120, and the terminal assembly 120 is inserted into the housing 110 and further coupled to the PCB 125.

[0037] To assemble the connector assembly 100, the terminal assembly 120 may be assembled first. The terminal assembly 120 may include a desired and / or required quantity and / or configuration of terminals 130. The PCB 125 may then be received by the housing 110 at one end of the housing 110. The terminal assembly 120 may then be inserted into the housing 110 at the other end of the housing 110, with the terminals 130 being coupled to the openings 150. In another embodiment, the connector assembly 100 may not require the adapter plate 140. In such an embodiment, the terminals 130 may be directly coupled (e.g., stitched, etc.) to the PCB 125.

[0038] 4-6, perspective views of terminals 130 in various configurations are shown. The terminals 130 may include a blade 192 and a pin 196, with the pin 196 disposed opposite the blade 192. In some embodiments, the pin 196 may be disposed proximate to the blade 192. The blade 192 may maintain a USCAR connector mating standard between a male connector and a female connector. The terminals 130 may further include an intermediate portion 194 disposed between the blade 192 and the pin 196. The intermediate portion 194 may be defined as a bus bar, and a flow of energy may flow therethrough. Both the blade 192 and the pin 196 may extend from the intermediate portion 194. According to one exemplary embodiment, the portions 192, 194, 196 may cooperate to define the terminal 130.

[0039] 4, according to one exemplary embodiment, terminal 130a is shown as having a single pin 196. As can be appreciated, terminal 130a may be coupled to adapter plate 140 at any location. For example, in a stance where adapter plate 140 does not have a cavity for terminal 130 having multiple pins, terminal 130a may be attached to provide an electrical connection. In some embodiments, adapter plate 140 may include only single pin terminal 130a.

[0040] 5 and 6, according to one exemplary embodiment, the terminal 130 is shown having a plurality of pins 196, shown as terminal 130a and terminal 130b. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows terminal 130a having four pins 196, and FIG. 6 shows terminal 130b having six pins 196. The terminals 130a, 130b may include a substantially similar profile to the terminal 130 shown in FIG. 4. The terminal 130 may include a plurality of pins 196 (e.g., pins, etc.) extending from the middle portion 194. The terminals 130b, 130c may include any number of pins 196. That is, the terminals 130b, 130c may include any number of pins 196 that support the blade 192, and the number of pins 196 should not exceed the amount of the opening 150. The pins 196 may be spaced apart from one another. More specifically, the pins 196 may be spaced apart by a third distance 180 and a fourth distance 190. The third distance 180 may be equal or substantially equal to the fourth distance 190. In other embodiments, the third distance 180 may be substantially different from the fourth distance. As can be appreciated, the first distance 162, the second distance 164, the third distance 180, and the fourth distance 190 may be substantially similar to one another, such that attachment of the terminal assembly 120 to the PCB 125 ensures a proper connection. For example, the terminal assembly 120 may be oriented in any direction, but the pins 196 will most likely engage the openings 150 as long as the terminal assembly 120 remains substantially parallel to the PCB 125 during assembly.

[0041] The adapter plate 140 may include any combination of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c that align the pins 196 with the openings 150. For example, each of the openings 150 may be spaced apart by a distance substantially equivalent to the distance between the pins 196 to allow engagement of the pins 196 within the PCB 125. Additionally or alternatively, each pin 196 may define a pin axis. Each pin axis may extend through a respective opening 150 when the adapter plate 140 is assembled. Although the terminal assemblies 120 are shown using the same PCB 125, it is understood that the PCB 125 may be manufactured for a particular application. Thus, the PCB 125 may have any geometric configuration that may be designed for a particular application. In such an example, the adapter plate 140 may include any number and / or combination of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c within the geometric configuration of the PCB 125.

[0042] According to one exemplary embodiment, the terminal assembly 120 may include any combination of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c to form the terminal assembly 120. That is, the adapter plate 140 may include terminals 130a, 130b, 130c in any combination and / or orientation such that the adapter plate 140 may be defined as a universal adapter plate. In other embodiments, the terminal assembly 120 may include any combination of terminals other than terminals 130a, 130b, 130c. For example, with reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, the terminal assembly 120 may have a variety of different combinations of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c depending on a particular application or design need. However, according to the systems and methods described herein, the adapter plate 140 may be relatively easily configurable to accommodate different design needs without the need to mass-produce each separately designed connector.

[0043] As an example, the terminal assembly 120 may have any combination of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c for a particular application (e.g., based on a power threshold, etc.). The number and / or size of the terminals 130a, 130b, 130c may be substantially equivalent to the number and / or size of the openings in the female connector. As can be understood, the terminal assembly 120 may be manufactured based on design criteria from the female connector. In one example, the terminal assembly 120 may include a small number of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c. In another example, the terminal assembly 120 may include a large number of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c. In yet another example, the terminal assembly 120 may include any combination of terminals 130a, 130b, 130c to meet the power threshold of the female connector in a substantially similar arrangement to the geometric configuration of the PCB 125.

[0044] While the description may discuss a particular order of method steps, the order of steps may differ from that outlined. Also, two or more steps may occur simultaneously or with partial concurrence. Such variations are dependent on the software and hardware systems selected and the designer's choices. All such variations are within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, software implementations may be realized using standard programming techniques using rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection, processing, comparison, and decision steps.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common accepted usage by those skilled in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow the description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to precise numerical ranges provided. Thus, these terms should be interpreted to indicate that insubstantial or insignificant modifications or variations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0046] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (nor is such terminology intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily exceptional or best examples).

[0047] The terms "coupled," "connected," and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent, etc.) or movable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved by the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed with one another as a single, unitary piece, or by the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0048] References herein to the location of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," "between," etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0049] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the connector assemblies shown in the exemplary embodiments are exemplary only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in size, dimensions, configuration, shape and proportions of various elements, parameter values, attachment methods, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the described subject matter. For example, an element illustrated as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the components elements and / or assemblies described herein may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred exemplary embodiment and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure or the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Housing; A terminal assembly contained within the housing, an adapter plate including a plurality of slots configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration; one or more terminals positionable within the plurality of slots of the adapter plate, a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate; and one or more pins extending outwardly from a second side of the adapter plate opposite the first side One or more terminals, including A terminal assembly including Including, the one or more terminals are positionable in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration and positionable in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration. Connector assembly.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the adapter plate is configurable in the first configuration and the second configuration based on an electrical load threshold of the connector assembly.

3. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the terminal assemblies are selectively coupled between a connected position and a non-connected position, and wherein the terminal assemblies abut an inner wall of the housing when the terminal assemblies are in the connected position.

4. 10. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the adapter plate is configured to fix the one or more terminals in a rigid orientation to prevent rotational movement of the one or more terminals within the adapter plate.

5. a printed circuit board received within the housing opposite the terminal assembly and including one or more openings disposed therein; Further comprising: the one or more pins are coupled to the printed circuit board through the one or more openings to allow energy to flow from the blade through the one or more pins to the printed circuit board.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1.

6. 6. The connector assembly of claim 5, wherein the terminal assembly is housed within a first side of the housing and the printed circuit board is housed within a second side of the housing, the first side being opposite the second side.

7. 6. The connector assembly of claim 5, wherein the one or more pins are spaced apart a first distance and the one or more openings are spaced apart by the first distance.

8. The connector assembly of claim 5 , wherein the one or more pins and the one or more openings are aligned along a contact surface.

9. 10. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more terminals include at least one of a first terminal having a single pin, a second terminal having four pins, or a third terminal having eight pins.

10. The connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the one or more slots are arranged in a grid.

11. an adapter plate including a plurality of slots configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration; one or more terminals positionable within the plurality of slots of the adapter plate; A terminal assembly for a connector assembly, comprising: the one or more terminals are positionable in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration and positionable in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration. Terminal assembly for connector assembly.

12. 12. The terminal assembly of claim 11, wherein the adapter plate is configured to fix the one or more terminals in a rigid orientation to prevent rotational movement of the one or more terminals within the adapter plate.

13. The connector assembly includes: a printed circuit board received within the housing opposite the terminal assembly and including one or more openings disposed therein; Including, the one or more pins are coupled to the printed circuit board through the one or more openings to allow energy to flow from the blade through the one or more pins to the printed circuit board. The terminal assembly of claim 11.

14. 14. The terminal assembly of claim 13, wherein the one or more openings are spaced apart a first distance and the one or more pins are spaced apart the first distance.

15. The terminal assembly of claim 13 , wherein the one or more pins and the one or more openings are aligned along a contact surface.

16. a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate; and one or more pins extending outwardly from a second side of the adapter plate opposite the first side The terminal assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

17. 12. The terminal assembly of claim 11, wherein the terminal assembly is selectively coupled between a connected position and a non-connected position, and wherein the terminal assembly abuts an inner wall of the housing when the terminal assembly is in the connected position.

18. The terminal assembly of claim 11 , wherein the adapter plate is configurable in the first configuration and the second configuration based on an electrical load threshold of the connector assembly.

19. Housing and A terminal assembly contained within the housing, an adapter plate configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration; one or more terminals received within the adapter plate, a blade extending from a first side of the adapter plate; and one or more pins extending outwardly from a second side of the adapter plate opposite the first side One or more terminals, including a terminal assembly including: a printed circuit board received within the housing opposite the terminal assembly and including one or more openings disposed therein; Including, the one or more pins are spaced a first distance apart and the one or more openings are spaced a first distance apart; Connector assembly.

20. 20. A connector assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the adapter plate includes one or more slots, the one or more terminals are positionable within the one or more slots, and the one or more terminals are positionable in a first subset of the plurality of slots to provide the first configuration and in a second subset of the plurality of slots to provide the second configuration.

Images