Delphi Expands Flexible Beam Connector Product Line to Simplify Assembly, Create Value Automakers

Delphi Flexible Beam Technology makes use of a single piece of plastic instead of the conventional two-piece connections. This action simplifies the wiring harness build process without sacrificing performance by minimizing complexity, assembly time and cost while retaining industry leading terminal retention force comparable to standard two-piece designs.

The reason we are able to eliminate the secondary piece of plastic is because our patented technology made it obsolete, said Brenton Smith, director, global product line management, Delphi Connection Systems. The main functions of the secondary piece were to assure terminal retention and position. Our Flexible Beam Technology instead uses a rigid lock to provide terminal primary retention and then a patented at-line ring out process verifies terminal position.

Delphi Flexible Beam Connectors meet ISO and USCAR electrical, mechanical and environmental performance criteria. The technology delivers a ten percent improvement in wiring harness first-time quality and 28 percent mass reduction over traditional designs with the lowest terminal-to-terminal mating force in its class. It can be applied to new or existing compatible terminal systems and can be designed to meet specific customer requirements and applications.