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FCI Motorized Vehicles has introduced what it bills as the first commercially available range of 11mm sealed squib connectors for SRS (safety restraint solution) applications. Designed for use in challenging environments, such as pedestrian safety and battery cut-off systems within engine compartments, the serviceable Pyrofuse and non-serviceable UC-sealed series from FCI offer high standards of performance, durability, and efficiency for SRS interconnection, according to the company.
The development of the new sealed connectors reflects growing awareness of pedestrian safety within the automotive market, claims FCI. In 2009, pedestrian safety became an integral part of the Euro NCAP rating scheme for new vehicles. As a result, a new generation of SRS systems is emerging, located beyond the vehicle cockpit. Such applications demand connectors that can deliver absolute reliability, whilst withstanding extremes of temperature, humidity, vibration and the potential ingress of moisture and dust.
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For optimum design flexibility, FCI has created a choice of products that can be tailored to individual requirements. Both the Pyrofuse and UC-sealed provide IPx9K rated sealing protection, selective gold plating and a wide -40?C to +85?C operating temperature range. Wire lengths, gauges and types can be customized to meet application-specific demands.
The Pyrofuse series is being positioned as a completely new product design that features a fully serviceable locking system to enable disassembly from the ignitor interface. Other benefits include resistance welded termination, an increasingly popular option for customers looking for superior mechanical and electrical stability over extended lifetimes. Based on FCI’s existing range of squib connectors, the UC-sealed series does not require a retainer assembly, as the connector mates directly to the 11mm initiator. Utilizing UC-type locking legs and crimp technology, it represents an extremely price-competitive choice for harsh environments.
FCI’s new sealed squib connectors are ideally suited to a range of pedestrian safety systems currently being developed and implemented by major OEMs. These include ‘hood lift’ applications, which are particularly relevant to vehicles where hard structures such as the engine block are located in close proximity to the hood. In the event of pedestrian collision, the use of pyrotechnic devices on both sides of the hood allows a softer impact zone to be created, minimizing the risk of serious injury.
Also under active development are windshield airbags, notably to protect pedestrians from the hard areas where the glass meets the ‘A’ pillar. Sealed connectors also meet the rigorous demands of battery cut-off applications within engine compartments. Other potential systems being investigated by OEMs to improve pedestrian safety include front bumper airbags.
