Method of forming a squib connector socket assembly having shorting clip for automotive air bags
AssigneeThomas & Betts International, Inc.
InventorBradford K. Gauker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A squib connector socket assembly for automotive air bags includes a shorting clip assembly. The squib connector socket assembly holds a pair of igniter pins of a squib assembly which are connectable to a pair of terminals in a squib connector which plugs into the socket assembly. To prevent accidental firing when the squib connector is removed, the igniter pins are shorted by a shorting clip having a pair of resilient, bowed beams which are independently biassed into contact with the pins. The shorting clip is fixedly retained within a plastic socket insert. The socket insert and squib assembly are assembled within a metal socket which is roll crimped about the insert and squib assembly to form an inseparable, integral squib connector socket assembly.
Claims8
A method of forming a squib connector socket assembly for an automotive air bag, comprising:
- fixing a resilient, electrically conductive shorting clip into a plastic socket insert, the socket insert having a bottom wall having two openings therein, the shorting clip configured for biassing contact with two igniter pins of a squib assembly;
- inserting the two igniter pins of the squib assembly into the two openings of the plastic socket insert with the shorting clip biassed into electrical contact with the igniter pins;
- inserting the plastic socket insert and the squib assembly into a metal inflator socket having an exterior tubular configuration and opposed open ends;
- and
- crimping the inflator socket about the socket insert and the squib assembly to form an integral assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.