Grounding Connector Assembly for Single-Fastener Multi-Wire Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grounding electrical connectors require multiple eyelets and fasteners for multi-wire grounding, making installation and removal cumbersome, especially in crowded spaces like vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A grounding electrical connector assembly with a single fastener attached to the grounding structure, featuring a connector subassembly and a terminal subassembly that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, providing liquid-tight sealing and supporting different terminal sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple eyelets and fasteners are used for multi-wire grounding, then grounding reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple grounding terminals into a single integrated housing structure that accepts multiple wires simultaneously. The housing contains multiple terminals arranged to receive wires from different directions, allowing multi-wire grounding through one unified component rather than multiple separate eyelets and fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding connector housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, electrical connection pathways for multiple wires, mechanical fastening through a single fastener, and organizational arrangement for wire routing. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized components.
2Reliability
If multiple eyelets and fasteners are used for multi-wire grounding, then grounding reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple grounding terminals into a single integrated housing structure that accepts multiple wires simultaneously. The housing contains multiple terminals arranged to receive wires from different directions, allowing multi-wire grounding through one unified component rather than multiple separate eyelets and fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is pre-configured with multiple terminals and wire routing paths before installation. Wires can be pre-attached to the housing or inserted into designated terminal locations, allowing for streamlined installation where a single fastener secures the entire multi-wire grounding assembly in one action rather than requiring sequential fastening of multiple components.
3Productivity
If housing with multiple terminals is used, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing incorporates self-retaining features such as snap-fit terminals, spring-loaded contacts, or friction-fit wire securing mechanisms that automatically hold wires in place without requiring additional fasteners or tools. The single fastener integrates with these self-service features to provide both secure attachment and wire retention through the housing structure itself.
4Reliability
If wires are attached to terminals during housing installation, then grounding reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates in crowded spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the grounding system into modular components: the housing with integrated terminals can be installed and secured independently, while wire attachment can occur separately either before or after housing installation. This segmentation allows wires to be pre-attached to the housing in accessible areas, then the pre-assembled unit is installed as a complete package, avoiding the need to manipulate wires in cramped spaces during final installation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient multi-wire grounding with a single fastener, simplifying installation and removal processes, and ensuring reliable electrical connections while maintaining a compact and sealed design.
Implementation Method 1
the terminal subassembly including a radial seal in the gap that is compressed against the retention arm by the body when the terminal subassembly is assembled to the connector subassembly
Data Source
AI summary
A grounding electrical connector assembly may have a connector subassembly and a terminal subassembly. The connector subassembly may include a connector housing having a body defining a terminal cavity therein and a ground bar, secured to the connector housing, having electrical contacts extending into the terminal cavity and a portion that secures to grounding structure. The terminal subassembly may include a terminal housing having a main body defining terminal cavities extending therethrough that each receive one of a plurality of terminals, the main body telescopically slidable into and releasably secured to the terminal cavity.