Bi-directional CPA member to prevent unmating of multiple connectors

• Main Authors: DAUGHERTY JAMES D, MCCALL MARK D
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 04.12.2012
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; CURRENT COLLECTORS; ELECTRICITY; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; LINE CONNECTORS; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS

A ganged electrical connection system includes a plurality of first connectors matable to a plurality of second connectors along mating axes, and a connector position assurance (CPA) member. The CPA member includes a plurality of tabs and a plurality of release fingers. The plurality of first connectors include a plurality of lock arms and the plurality of second connectors include a plurality of inclined ramps. The plurality of tabs receive the plurality of lock arms and the plurality of inclined ramps deflectingly engage said plurality of release fingers to allow movement of the CPA member in to a position of the CPA member, that when disposed in the position, keeps the plurality of second connectors from unmating from the plurality of coupled first connectors. Methods of fabricating an electrical connection system and a ganged electrical connection system that include the CPA member are also presented.