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 .