Importance

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Abstract

An electrical connector assembly comprising includes a housing having a plurality of terminal receiving passages. Each terminal passage has an opening configured to permit an electrical terminal to be inserted into the passage and a deflectable latch for securing the terminal within the passage. A terminal position assurance device (TPA) is matable with the housing for movement between a partially engaged position and a fully engaged position. The TPA defines an overstress features that cooperates with the latches when the TPA is at its preset position to prevent the latches from deflecting beyond a predetermined point as the terminals are inserted into and/or removed from the passages. The overstress features may include wedge members that are insertable into the housing at locations adjacent the latches. The terminal passages may be arranged in adjacent pairs. In this configuration, the housing includes a longitudinal gap extending between the terminal latches of given pair of adjacent passages. Each wedge member is position for insertion into one of the longitudinal gaps. The wedge member has a reduced sized distal portion which mates with the longitudinal gap when the TPA is at its partially engaged position to limit the deflection of the latches as the terminals are inserted into the passages. The wedge member also includes an increased size proximal portion that biases the associated latches inwardly in their respective passages when the TPA is moved to its fully engaged position, thereby locking the terminals into the passages.

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First Claim