Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector body having a terminal cavity and a cantilevered resilient primary terminal locking arm configured to secure a terminal. The terminal defines a terminal release ramp and a locking ridge. The connector assembly also includes a primary lock reinforcement (PLR) device having a cantilevered resilient secondary terminal locking arm that inhibits the PLR device from moving from a pre-staged position to a fully staged position prior to the terminal being inserted into the terminal cavity due to a blocking condition between the secondary terminal locking arm and a cavity wall of the terminal cavity. The secondary terminal locking arm flexes outwardly as the terminal is inserted within the terminal cavity, thereby clearing the blocking condition. The PLR device has a side wall that inhibits outward flexing of the primary terminal locking arm.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly terminal modules configured to contain electrical terminals connected to one or more electrical cables, an inner module frame in which terminal modules are secured, and an outer housing having cantilevered locking arms with primary surfaces and secondary surfaces on inner sides of the locking arms to secure the inner module frame to the female outer housing. Latch surfaces of the inner module frame engage the primary surfaces when the inner module frame is inserted within the female outer housing. The female outer housing receives a header having side walls surrounding mating electrical terminals. The locking arms define ramp features on outer sides of the locking arms that push the locking arms inwardly when the side walls contact the ramp features of the locking arms as the header is inserted within the outer housing. A method of assembling such an electrical connector is also provided.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical terminal having an attachment segment connected to an electrical cable and a separate connection segment configured to mate with a corresponding mating terminal and a connector housing defining an L-shaped terminal cavity having a first cavity section in which the connection segment is disposed and a second cavity section arranged substantially perpendicularly to the first section in which the attachment segment is at partially disposed. The connection segment is movable from a pre-staged position in which the connection segment is electrically disconnected from the attachment segment to a fully staged position in which the connection segment is electrically connected to the attachment segment while attached to the connector housing.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector body having a terminal cavity, a terminal lock configured to secure the terminal within the terminal cavity, and a rigid stop ridge projecting into the terminal cavity. The connector assembly also includes a TPA device moveable from a pre-staged position to a fully staged position deeper within the terminal cavity. The TPA device is inhibited from moving from the pre-staged position prior to the terminal insertion by interference between the TPA device and the stop ridge. The TPA device is inhibited from moving from the pre-staged position as the terminal is inserted into the terminal cavity by interference between the TPA device and the terminal lock. The TPA device is allowed to move from the pre-staged position to the fully staged position after the terminal is fully seated within the terminal cavity and the terminal lock secures the terminal within the terminal cavity.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector body, a male terminal stabilizer disposed within the first connector body that is movable from a pre-staged position to a full staged position, a second connector body, means for retaining the male terminal stabilizer in the pre-staged position until the second connector body is inserted within the first connector body, means for releasing the male terminal stabilizer from the pre-stage position and allow the second connector body to push the male terminal stabilizer to the full staged position, means for returning the male terminal stabilizer from the full staged position to the pre-staged when the second connector body is withdrawn from the first connector body, and means for retaining the male terminal stabilizer in the first connector body as the second connector body is withdrawn from the first connector body.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a connector body defining a terminal cavity in which an electrical terminal is received which has a flexible primary terminal lock arm configured to secure the terminal within the cavity and which has a tab extending from a free end of the primary terminal lock arm. The assembly further includes an independent secondary lock (ISL) defining a window therein, attached to the connector body, and movable from a pre-staged position to a staged position. The tab of the primary terminal lock arm is received within the window when the primary terminal lock arm is in an unflexed condition when the ISL is in the staged position. The tab and window cooperate to inhibit flexing of the primary terminal lock arm when the ISL is in the staged position. Alternatively, the primary terminal lock arm may define the window and the ISL may define the tab.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector body, a male terminal stabilizer disposed within the first connector body that is movable from a pre-staged position to a full staged position, a second connector body, means for retaining the male terminal stabilizer in the pre-staged position until the second connector body is inserted within the first connector body, means for releasing the male terminal stabilizer from the pre-stage position and allow the second connector body to push the male terminal stabilizer to the full staged position, means for returning the male terminal stabilizer from the full staged position to the pre-staged when the second connector body is withdrawn from the first connector body, and means for retaining the male terminal stabilizer in the first connector body as the second connector body is withdrawn from the first connector body.