Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Peter John Straub

Richard Darrell Kirkwood

Michael James Boehm

A temperature sensing element packaged in a protected basket by a single insert molding operation. This design does not obstruct the air flow perpendicular to the thermistor thickness, and thus provides enhanced response time.

Insert molded open air thermal probe with a protective basket

The present invention generally includes a thermal sensor assembly for a vehicle application including an insert molded part having a thermistor/wire sub-assembly and terminal that are assembled with a 'F' crimp and resistance welded that are insert molded to a pre-mold or connector that has a shut-off plate seal on the terminal's insulation crimp. The invention provides a more robust package that is resistant to vibration, insulates the terminals from shorting and permits further handling of the sub-assembly without damage to the terminals. Further, the thermistor can be very small and a very small wire can be used to connect the terminal to the thermistor element. Because a smaller thermistor can be utilized, a much smaller probe tip can be design into the thermal sensor assembly. The insert molded part can either be a preform for press-fit applications or a male sensor connector for applications requiring a metal housing. The pre-molded plastic protects the terminals from short circuiting to the sensor shell or other terminal.

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Warren, OH, United States of America

Peter John Straub