Electrical/Electronic Architecture

Delphi's new electrical grounding system offers easy, one-step preassembly of multiple wiring harnesses to one centrally located grounding base. While most systems today are limited by the number of parts you can preassemble, this simple, manual process allows the assembly of multiple components (limited only by the length of the grounding bolt). It has the added flexibility of allowing preassembly either at the wiring harness plant or vehicle assembly line.

The system features an innovative ring terminal design that allows the assembly of several stacked terminals onto one grounding bolt. The terminals are secured into position utilizing their unique locking and anti-rotation latches. These design features help to ensure integrity of the preassembled harnesses and to optimize the electrical and mechanical interfaces.

Delphi's grounding system provides simplicity and flexibility. The terminal has one standard base design with four different crimp sizes offered. This allows unmatched flexibility in the build sequence, since all assemblies use the one, common ring design. The terminal's simple design allows production with high-speed stamping processes, which helps improve manufacturing cost compared to traditional systems.

Delphi's unique ring terminal design allows easy preassembly to one, common grounding base

Benefits

• Improves buildability and system integrity
• No chassis modification necessary for OEMs
• Simple design can be produced with high-speed stamping processes
• Assembly without additional tools required
• Common terminal design
• Four crimp sizes available
• Flexible assembly allows 1 to 5 terminals per standard bolt (bolt length determines the limit)
• Anti-rotation: between terminal-to-bolt and terminal-to-terminal
• Packaging comparable to conventional systems

Typical Applications

The system is designed for automotive and commercial vehicle interiors and industrial applications, whenever multiple grounding points are required.

The assembly sequence is flexible, because the ring terminal has a standard, common base design

One-ring terminal on grounding bolt

Two-ring terminals – typical locked position

Three-ring terminals – typical locked positions

Four-ring terminals – locked into typical 135° and 45° positions