Systems and methods for maintaining orientation of an electrical connector during an assembly process
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorEerik J. Helmick
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A connector support assembly is configured to securely retain a mating connector during an assembling process of an electrical connector. The connector support assembly includes a universal base, and a plurality of inserts configured to be interchangeably retained by the universal base. Each of the inserts includes a base connection interface that is configured to be retained by the universal base, and at least one shell connection interface. The shell connection interface(s) of at least two of the inserts are configured to retain different sized shells of different mating connectors.
Claims20
A connector support assembly configured to securely retain a mating connector during an assembling process of an electrical connector, the connector support assembly comprising:
- a universal base;
- a plurality of inserts configured to be interchangeably retained by the universal base, wherein each of the plurality of inserts includes (a) a base connection interface configured to be retained by the universal base, and (b) at least one shell connection interface, wherein the at least one shell connection interface of at least two of the plurality of inserts are configured to retain different sized shells of different mating connectors.
A system for assembling an electrical connector, the system comprising:
- a mating connector;
- and
- a connector support assembly that retains the mating connector during an assembling process of the electrical connector, the connector support assembly including:
- a universal base;
- and
- an insert interchangeably retained by the universal base, wherein the insert includes (a) a base connection interface, and (b) at least one shell connection interface, wherein the at least one shell connection interface differs in one or both of size or shape from at least one other insert, wherein the mating connector is firmly secured on or in the at least one shell connection interface.
A method for assembling an electrical connector, the method comprising:
- interchangeably securing an insert within an insert channel of a universal base to provide a connector support assembly that is configured to retain a mating connector during an assembling process of the electrical connector, wherein the insert includes (a) a base connection interface, and (b) at least one shell connection interface, wherein the at least one shell connection interface differs in one or both of size or shape from at least other insert;
- and
- firmly securing a mating connector on or in the at least one shell connection interface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.