USA Harness, which specializes in trailer harnesses and electronic control systems, says it recently was granted a patent for its new USA-PLUS Modular Connection System.
The new patent supersedes a previous patent the company held for an earlier iteration of the system, and improves on its O-ring-style seal and secondary lock pin design.
The new USA-PLUS Modular Connection System features a design variation that increases the engagement integrity between the system’s integral O-ring and the corresponding groove of its mated connection. A unique lock pin of contrasting color helps inspectors identify complete connection mating. The lock pin assures precision alignment of all components and a firm, complete, watertight union that employs dielectric grease as a sealing agent and a barrier to moisture, dirt and corrosion, USA Harness maintained.
The company’s USA-PLUS sealed systems are easy for OEMs to assemble and use the same connections throughout. All of the connectors are made of a durable virgin vinyl molding compound. Even novice assembly workers can make flawless connections quickly and repeatedly, because the system’s keyed pin orientation guides a precision interface every time. Harness ends can be constructed to mate with any incandescent or LED lamp from any major manufacturer.
“Since its 1996 introduction, the USA-PLUS Sealed Modular Wiring Harness System has been considered the gold standard for its engineered durability, sealing efficacy and operational robustness,” said Brett Miller, vice president of engineering for USA Harness. “Laboratory testing of the USA-PLUS Modular Connection System demonstrates that it can stand up to at least three times the cyclical testing standards recommended by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).”
Salt spray exposure tests following American Section of the International Association for Testing and Materials (ASTM) B117 standards, showed the system remained fully operational and unimpeded after three times the testing exposure period recommended by SAE, the company claimed. The testing was performed by an independent lab and was terminated prior to any indication of system failure.
The USA-PLUS system is offered in a variety of styles that accommodate most modular plug-together applications. The USA family of connectors includes 2-way, 4-way, 6-way and 7-way configurations. A 10-way system also was developed for use in demanding military applications and for electrical systems with auxiliary circuitry. All harness systems with the USA-PLUS Modular Connection System come with a five-year warranty.
“People say we have the lowest warranty claims rate in the industry,” Miller said. “And with the introduction of our new patented USA-PLUS Modular Connection System, those claim rates are about to drop even further.”