Wiring harness design in CATIA V5 - 3D modeling Week 2 Challenge

OBJECTIVE: Define the given connectors & Connector clip cad data as Electrical Connector using Electrical Part design Workbench. Define all the necessary properties of Connectors & Clip.

INTRODUCTION: A connector is a device(or more precisely, a mating pair of devices, often a plug and a socket) for connecting together two or more wires, cables, or hoses, allowing electricity or fluid to flow but also allowing easy disconnection and reconnection when necessary.

Mounting Clips are used for supporting conduits. These clips are made of High-Quality Impact Resistant Polyamide. The mounting clips are stackable and are fixed with the help of screws onto the panel or equipment surface.

CONNECTOR DEFINITION:

The following parameters are required to define any connector:

Geometry Parameters: Points & Co-ordinate system (Axis).
Connector connection points: This point is used for the connection of one connector to another connector.
Harness bundle entry point: This point defines where the harness bundle segment point will end when routed to the electrical connector.
Cavity connection point (Optional): This point is used to define the connection of a connector to a connector clip. This only applies to connectors that have the mounting feature for a connector clip.

Connectors 1: Deutsch DT06 - 08SA

1. Import the downloaded step or igs file into the CATIA mechanical part workbench.

2. Define the Bundle Entry Point.

3. Define the Connector Connection Point.

4. Define Connector Connection Axis. Y-Axis should face the other mating part/direction and X-Axis should face the lock.

5. Now switch to the Electrical Part Design Workbench and define the connector using Define Connector Command with Name and No. of Terminals.

6. Define the Bundle Connection Point. Face as Representation, Bundle Entry Point as Point, and Same face as Representation for Initial Condition.

7. Define the Connector Connection Point. Connector Connection Point as Representation, Mating Face as Contact, Y-axis as Coincidence, and X-Axis as Orientation.

Connectors 2: Tyco 174357-2

1. Follow the same steps from 1 to 4 as we did in Connector 1. Define Bundle Entry Point, Connector Connection Point, and Connector Connection Axis (Y-Axis facing mating part/direction & X-Axis facing lock).

2. This connector has Clip/Mounting Cavity. So, define the Clip/Mounting Cavity Point and Clip/Mounting Cavity Axis (Y-Axis facing mating part/direction & X-Axis facing lock).

3. Now we follow the same steps from 5 to 7 as we did in Connector 1. Define as a connector, Bundle Connection Point, and Connector Connection Point).

4. Define the Connector Clip/Mounting Cavity. Connector Clip/Mounting Point as Representation, Mating Face as Contact, Y-axis as Coincidence, and X-Axis as Orientation.

CONNECTOR CLIP Tyco 85229-1:

1. Import the downloaded step or igs file into the CATIA mechanical part workbench.

2. Define the Clip/Mounting Cavity Point and Clip/Mounting Cavity Axis (Y-Axis facing mating part/direction & X-Axis facing lock). The Cavity Axis should be similar to the Connector Cavity Axis for the correct assembly of the parts.

3. Define the Mounting clip as Cavity. Connector Cavity Point as Representation, Mating Face as Contact, Y-axis as Coincidence, and X-Axis as Orientation.

CONNECTOR AND MOUNTING CLIP ASSEMBLY

1. Import both the parts in the Electrical Assembly Design workbench and align them properly.

2. Using the Connect Electrical Devices command First select the Mounting Clip and then Cavity Connection Point will show on the Connector in green color automatically.

3. Select the Highlighted green point and the parts will assemble together automatically in the correct position with respect to the defined Connector Cavity Axis on both parts.