Electrical connectors – Self aligning contact – Contact mounted in floating nonconductive holder
Patent
1996-12-18
1999-04-13
Abrams, Neil
Electrical connectors
Self aligning contact
Contact mounted in floating nonconductive holder
439571, 296152, H01R 1364
Patent
active
058937684
ABSTRACT:
Vehicle doors generally include a metal door frame connected to an interior trim panel. Electrical connections are made between trim panel electrical connectors, and mating electrical connectors on the door frame. A self-aligning connection system allows one of the connectors to float or aligns with the mating electrical connector by being allowed to move in three directions during assembly. The connection system includes a carriage (46) having a hole, a clip (48), and a base (44). The clip releasably holds one electrical connector (50). The clip (48) is disposable within the carriage (46) so that the clip moves along a first axis and a second axis within the carriage. The base comprises a plate (53) and at least one post (54) extending from the plate. The carriage is placed on the post so that the post extends through the hole. The diameter of the post allows the carriage to be slidably engaged therewith along a third axis. The self-aligning connection system allows the connectors to move in three axises or directions relative to one another. As a result, the connectors self-align with the complementary connectors, and can be mated without the operator'hands on the connectors or seeing the connection.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4800648 (1989-01-01), Nakayama et al.
patent: 4848829 (1989-07-01), Kidd
patent: 5197896 (1993-03-01), Landis et al.
patent: 5385481 (1995-01-01), Kotyuk
patent: 5667398 (1997-09-01), Kidd et al.
Gawron Steven
Koehler Brenda R.
Suwinski Lawrence M.
Topolewski John N.
Abrams Neil
Biggi Brian J.
UT Automotive Dearborn Inc.
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