Importance

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Abstract

A terminal position assurance system is provided for an electrical connector which is adapted to mate with another mateable connecting device. The connector includes a housing having a forward mating end and a rearward terminating end and at least one terminal-receiving cavity extending in a direction between the ends. The forward mating end has an opening for receiving the mateable connecting device. A terminal is insertable into the cavity from the rearward terminating end of the housing. A primary locking arm is provided on the housing in the cavity for movement between a first position when the terminal is fully inserted into the cavity and a second position of incomplete insertion of the terminal. A TPA device is at least partially positioned within the opening at the forward mating end of the housing and includes a passage therethrough for the mateable connecting device. The TPA device is movably between a first position allowing movement of the locking arm and insertion of the terminal and a second position blocking movement of the lock arm away from its first position with the terminal fully inserted. The primary locking arm in its second position blocks movement of the TPA device from its first position to its second position.

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First Claim