Connector for sensor assembly
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorRonald R. Gustin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A connector for a sensor assembly having sensing element with a non-conductive body including a plurality of spaced conductive contact pads arranged on opposite faces. A plurality of terminal contacts, each of which is in contact with one of the contact pads are supported in overlying relation to the contact pads on carriers. A separable biasing containment bracket is disposed in surrounding relation to the carriers and includes spring elements urging the carriers and terminal contacts toward the contact pads. A retaining band is interposed between the carriers and the spring elements.
Claims20
A connector for a sensor assembly comprising:
- a sensing element having a non-conductive body including a plurality of spaced conductive contact pads arranged thereon;
- a plurality of conductive terminal contacts, each one being in contact with one of said spaced contact pads;
- at least one carrier supporting said terminal contacts in contacting relation to said contact pads;
- a containment bracket surrounding said at least one carrier and said contact pads;
- said bracket including at least one biasing element extending from said bracket toward said at least one carrier urging said at least one carrier toward said contact pads.
A sensor assembly comprising:
- a sensor housing;
- a connector within said housing comprising:
- a sensing element having a non-conductive body including a plurality of spaced conductive contact pads arranged thereon;
- a plurality of conductive terminal contacts, each one being in contact with one of said spaced contact pads;
- at least one carrier supporting said terminal contacts in contacting relation to said contact pads;
- a containment bracket surrounding said at least one carrier and said contact pads;
- said bracket including at least one biasing element extending from said bracket toward said at least one carrier urging said at least one carrier toward said contact pads.
A method of assembly for a sensor assembly having a connector for a sensor assembly, the steps comprising
- providing a sensing element having a non-conductive body including a plurality of spaced conductive contact pads arranged thereon;
- providing a plurality of conductive terminal contacts, for contact with one of said spaced contact pads;
- providing at least one carrier for supporting said terminal contacts in contacting relation to said contact pads;
- providing a containment bracket for surrounding said at least one carrier and said contact pads;
- said bracket including at least one biasing element extending from said bracket and toward said at least one carrier for urging said at least one carrier toward said contact pads;
- attaching said terminal contacts to said at least one carrier;
- positioning said at least one carrier with said terminal contacts in contact with said plurality of spaced contact pads;
- surrounding said spaced contact pads and said at least one carrier with said containment bracket;
- and
- causing said at least one biasing element to urge said at least one carrier toward said spaced contact pads of said sensing element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.