Connection assurance bracket system

Abstract

A connection assurance bracket system (,) which is interfaced between mutually interconnectable first and second connectors (,) to provide assurance of the connection therebetween and eliminate relative motion therebetween. A connection assurance bracket (,) has a flattened horseshoe-shaped base (,) defining a rectangular cut-out (,), wherein a cantilever beam (,) projects normally therefrom. The first connector includes a pump-handle lock (,) for engaging a ramped boss (,) of the second connector. The pump-handle lock features a beam seat (,) for receiving a distal end portion (,) of the cantilever beam, wherein the distal end (,) thereof has a lip (,). The first connector further includes left and right rear guide tabs (,) which abut opposing left and right end walls (,) of the cut-out, as well as left and right forward guide tabs (,) for respectively engaging left and right tab collets (,) of the second connector. In operation, the first connector is mounted onto the connection assurance bracket so as to be at a prestaged position, wherein the left and right rear guide tabs abut the left and right end walls and the distal end portion of the cantilever beam is fully seated in the beam seat of the pump-handle lock. As the second connector approaches the first connector, the left and right forward guide tabs guidably enter into the left and right tab collets. Thereafter, as engagement force is further applied the pump-handle lock is forced to surmount the ramped boss with a snap action, whereupon the lip immediately projects forward, and free from, the pump-handle lock, whereat the first and second connectors are mutually fully engaged and are slidable in unison with respect to the connection assurance bracket.