Abstract: System includes a first object having an energy-assisted bonding (EAB) mechanism along a surface of the first object. The EAB mechanism includes a heat-activatable adhesive layer and a carbon-filled (CF) sheet material. The CF sheet material is electrically conductive for resistive heating. A control sub-system is configured to control a coupling actuator to drive an actuator body toward the first object, wherein the actuator body and the first object engage each other. The coupling actuator is configured to apply pressure to the EAB mechanism along the surface of the first object. The control sub-system is also configured to control the power source to apply a current through the CF sheet material of the EAB mechanism to provide thermal energy through resistive heating that activates the adhesive layer along the interface.

Abstract: System includes a first object having an energy-assisted bonding (EAB) mechanism along a surface of the first object. The EAB mechanism includes a heat-activatable adhesive layer and a carbon-filled (CF) sheet material. The CF sheet material is electrically conductive for resistive heating. A control sub-system is configured to control a coupling actuator to drive an actuator body toward the first object, wherein the actuator body and the first object engage each other. The coupling actuator is configured to apply pressure to the EAB mechanism along the surface of the first object. The control sub-system is also configured to control the power source to apply a current through the CF sheet material of the EAB mechanism to provide thermal energy through resistive heating that activates the adhesive layer along the interface.

Abstract: The present electrical connector assembly includes an outer shell capable of receiving at least one electrical contact module. The outer shell works in cooperation with an improved contact module retaining device which secures the electrical contact module within the shell. The combination of the outer shell with the contact module retaining device protects the critical elements of the retaining device from exterior environments, does not interfere with insertion of the module into the shell, and provides for a precise alignment of the module during and after insertion of the module into the shell. In particular, the outer shell is comprised of two half shells which are open during attachment of a contact module retaining device to each of the half shells. The two half shells are joined to form a connector housing after attachment of the module retaining device.

Abstract: A modular connector includes a set of pairs of modular inserts configured to mate with each other to convey electrical signals or power in a structure such as a vehicle. Each pair of modular inserts are coupled to their respective wiring lines and supported by their respective structures. One of each pair of modular inserts is supported by a receptacle shell, while the other is supported by a plug shell. The modular inserts are characterized with removable characterized buttons for cooperation respectively with characterizations slots provided in the receptacle shell and plug shell. The characterization scheme ensures that incorrect modular inserts are not loaded onto the wrong position of the receptacle shell and plug shell. The shields of the wiring lines are grounded to grounding contacts provided in the corresponding modular inserts. The receptacle shell is coupled to a grounding shell supported by the vehicle with the corresponding grounding contacts contacting the grounding shell for grounding.