TP2 -

TP2 - Connectors & application technology

Sub-project 2 (SP2) deals with the development of design guidelines for connectors - one of the central components in Wire Harness. Due to the large number of variants and complexity of these components - consisting of contact elements, seals, inserts and housings - specific, automation-friendly specifications are required to enable digital planning and automated processing.

A key starting point is that the assembly of connectors is largely carried out manually today. The first automated solutions have only been established in some areas, such as the insertion of crimp contacts. TP2 aims to systematically reduce this manual part by means of clearly defined design criteria.

In standard version 2, TP2 introduced a series of design guidelines for connectors. These create a basis for structured specifications for dealing with connector types, tolerances, accessibility and geometric requirements. A conscious effort was made to ensure broad applicability and compatibility with existing systems.

With a view to version 3 of the standard, SP2 is shifting its focus to more in-depth topics and further detailing. The planned key areas of work include

• the standardization of modular connector concepts,
• Design guidelines for high-pole connectors,
• Requirements for contact carriers and inserts,
• as well as the geometric and hybrid design of connector inserts for automated processing.

The topic of automated testing processes is also addressed in V3 - e.g. by defining design options for chamber openings, which should enable the use of automated test pins.

TP2 is closely linked to TP1. While TP1 standardizes the Wire Harness as an overall system, TP2 provides the necessary depth in the component area. This coupling creates a coherent interaction between wire harness structure and connection technology.

In addition, members from SP2 - also through their involvement in external committees and industrial projects - contribute new ideas to the SILS. This close feedback with industrial reality ensures that the guidelines developed are not only technically correct, but also economically viable and feasible in terms of production.

TP2 will create the prerequisites for the automated planning, processing and testing of connectors - as key interfaces in the Wire Harness . The sub-project thus makes a decisive contribution to the consistency of automation in wiring harness production.