Patent Publication Number: US-11664608-B2

Title: Electrical assembly and method

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to electrical assemblies, including electrical assemblies that may, for example, be used in connection with planar conductors. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This background description is set forth below for the purpose of providing context only. Therefore, any aspect of this background description, to the extent that it does not otherwise qualify as prior art, is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the instant disclosure. 
     Some electrical assemblies may be relatively complex to use and/or assemble. For example, connecting portions of an electrical assembly with some conductors may involve a complex process and may include many different steps and components. Some electrical assemblies may not be configured for use with generally planar conductors. 
     There is a desire for solutions/options that minimize or eliminate one or more challenges or shortcomings of electrical assemblies. The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate examples of the present field and is not a disavowal of scope. 
     SUMMARY 
     In embodiments, an electrical assembly may include a terminal having a terminal body, a first wing extending from the terminal body, and/or a second wing extending from the terminal body. An electrical assembly may include a conductor in electrical contact with the first wing. The conductor may include a conductive layer and/or an insulative layer. An inner surface of the first wing and/or an outer surface of the first wing may be in direct contact with the conductive layer of the conductor. 
     With embodiments, a method of assembling an electrical assembly may include disposing an insulative layer of a conductor in contact with a body of a terminal, bending a first wing of the terminal such that an inner surface of the first wing is in contact with a conductive layer of the conductor, disposing the conductive layer of the conductor in contact with an outer surface of the first wing, and/or bending a second wing of the terminal such that an inner surface of the second wing is in contact with the insulative layer of the conductor. 
     The foregoing and other potential aspects, features, details, utilities, and/or advantages of examples/embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of various aspects may be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and are not restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a top view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a side view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a front view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a rear view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 A  is a side view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line  6 B- 6 B of  FIG.  6 A  that generally illustrates portions of an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of embodiments of an electrical assembly and a die according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a front view generally illustrating portions of embodiments of an electrical assembly and a die according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of embodiments of an electrical assembly and a die according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of embodiments of an electrical assembly and a die according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of embodiments of an electrical assembly and a die according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of embodiments of an electrical assembly and a die according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of embodiments of an electrical assembly and a die according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is a flowchart generally illustrating an embodiment of a method of assembling an electrical assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments and/or examples, it will be understood that they do not limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG.  1   , an electrical assembly  20  may include a terminal  28 , which may include a terminal body  30 , a first wing  40 , a second wing  50 , and/or a connector portion  60 . The connector portion  60  may extend from a first end  46  of the terminal  28 . The first wing  40  and/or the second wing  50  may extend from the terminal body  30 , such as from a second end  48  of the terminal  28  that may be opposite the first end  46 . The connector portion  60  may be electrically connected with the terminal body  30 , the first wing  40 , and/or the second wing  50 . The first wing  40  and the second wing  50  may be configured to facilitate a connection of the terminal  28  with a conductor  80  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  4   ). The terminal  28  may, for example and without limitation, be formed as a monolithic (e.g., single, unitary, one-piece) component and/or may be formed (e.g., stamped/bent) from a planar piece of material (e.g., a metal sheet). 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 A,  2 B,  3 A, and  3 B , a terminal body  30  may connect (e.g., mechanically and/or electrically) the first wing  40  and/or the second wing  50  with the connector portion  60 . The terminal body  30  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the terminal body  30  may be substantially planar. The terminal body  30  may extend substantially in an X-direction and a Y-direction. The terminal body  30  may include a first segment  32  and/or a second segment  34 . The first segment  32  and/or the second segment  34  may extend substantially in a Z-direction from the terminal body  30  (e.g., substantially perpendicular from the terminal body  30 ). The first segment  32  may include a length  32 L and/or the second segment  34  may include a length  34 L (see, e.g.,  FIG.  3 B ). The first segment length  32 L may be shorter than the second segment length  34 L. For example and without limitation, the second segment length  34 L may be about twice as long (or more or less) as first segment length  32 L. The first wing  40  may extend from (and/or be connected to) the first segment  32 . The second wing  50  may extend from (and/or be connected to) the second segment  34 . For example and without, the first wing  40  may extend from a lower height (e.g., lower position relative to a Z-direction) than the second wing  50 . 
     In embodiments, the first wing  40  and/or the second wing  50  may extend from the terminal body  30 , such as substantially in the Z-direction and/or at an acute angle relative to a Z-direction, at least in an initial configuration. The first wing  40  may extend from a first side  42  of the terminal body  30  and/or the second wing  50  may extend from a second side  44  of the terminal body  30 . The first side  42  of the terminal body  30  may be opposite the second side  44  of the terminal body  30  (e.g., in a Y-direction). The first wing  40  and/or the second wing  50  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the first wing  40  and/or the second wing  50  may be substantially planar and/or rectangular. The first wing  40  and/or the second wing  50  may, for example, include a conductive, flexible, bendable, and/or metal material (e.g., that may be bent/deformed during one or more crimping/bending operations). For example and without limitation, the first wing  40  and/or the second wing  50  may be configured to bend at or about an end of the first segment  32  and/or an end of the second segment  34 , respectively (e.g., where the first wing  40  and the second wing  50  may connect to the first segment  32  and the second segment  34 , respectively). The first wing  40  and/or the second wing  50  may be configured to bend while the first segment  32  and/or the second segment  34  may remain substantially fixed (e.g., may remain substantially perpendicular to a remainder of the terminal body  30 ). For example and without limitation, the first segment  32  and/or the second segment  34  may remain relatively fixed while the first wing  40  and/or the second wing  50  may be deformed, bent, and/or crimped in one or more of a variety of directions and/or manners. 
     In embodiments, the first wing  40  may include a length  40 L and/or the second wing  50  may include a length  50 L. The second wing length  50 L may be longer than the first wing length  40 L (see, e.g.  FIG.  3 B ). For example and without limitation, the length  50 L of the second wing  50  may be about 25% (or more or less) longer than the length  40 L of the first wing  40 . With embodiments, a combined length of the second segment  34  and the second wing  50  may be longer than a combined length of the first segment  32  and the first wing  40 . For example and without limitation, a combined length of the second segment  34  and the second wing  50  may be about 40% to about 60% longer than a combined length of the first segment  32  and the first wing  40 . 
     With embodiments, a terminal body  30  may include an inner width  30 W 1  (e.g., between inner surfaces of segments  32 ,  34 ) and/or an outer width  30 W 2  (e.g., between outer surfaces of segments  32 ,  34 ). The length  40 L of the first wing  40  may, for example, be about the same as or smaller than the inner width  30 W 1 . The length  50 L of the second wing  50  may, for example, be at least a great as or greater than the inner width W 1  and/or may be substantially the same as the outer width W 2 . 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 A,  2 B,  3 A,  3 B , a connector portion  60  may be disposed proximate a first end  46  of the terminal  28  and/or the first wing  40  and/or the second wing  50  may be disposed proximate a second end  48  of the terminal  28 . The first end  46  of the terminal  28  may be opposite the second end  48  of the terminal  28 . The connector portion  60  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the connector portion  60  may be substantially rectangular and/or may be substantially hollow. The connector portion  60  may be configured to at least partially receive a mating terminal  22  (e.g., a conductive terminal). The connector portion  60  may connect the conductor  80  with a mating terminal  22 , such as to provide an electrical connection between the conductor  80  and one or more of a variety of electrical components (e.g., a circuit board, relays, capacitors, fuses, etc.). The connector portion  60  may include a first wall  62  and/or a second wall  64  (e.g., side walls). The first wall  62  and/or the second wall  64  may be substantially planar; and/or the walls  62 ,  64  may extend from the terminal body  30  substantially in the Z-direction. The connector portion  60  may include a third wall  66  that may extend from the second wall  64  substantially in the Y-direction. The terminal body  30 , the first wall  62 , the second wall  64 , and/or the third side wall  66  may generally form a rectangular prism. 
     In embodiments, the connector portion  60  may include a first flange or extension  68 A and/or a second flange or extension  68 B. The first flange  68 A and/or the second flange  68 B may be configured to connect with one or more of a variety of electrical components, such as a mating terminal  22  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  2 B ). The first flange  68 A and/or the second flange  68 B may extend in an X-direction, such as from the first wall  62  and/or the third wall  66 . The first flange  68 A and/or the second flange  68 B may include an electrically conductive material. The first flange  68 A and/or the second flange  68 B may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the first flange  68 A and/or the second flange  68 B may be curved, rounded, and/or S-shaped. The first flange  68 A and/or the second flange  68 B may be configured to deform, bend, and/or flex as the connector portion  60  is connected with a mating terminal  22 , which may include one or more of a variety of configurations. For example and without limitation, the flanges  68 A,  68 B may flex towards each other and/or away from each other depending on the mating terminal  22 . 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 A,  2 B, and  4   , the terminal body  30 , the first wing  40 , and/or the second wing  50  may include one or more grooves  70 . The grooves  70  may be disposed on inner surfaces of the terminal body  30 , the first wing  40 , and/or the second wing  50 . The grooves  70  may contact and/or engage a conductor  80 . The grooves  70  may, for example and without limitation, include a first groove  70   1 , a second groove  70   2 , a third groove  70   3 , a fourth groove  70   4 , and/or a fifth groove  70   5 . The grooves  70  may, for example and without limitation, provide an increased friction interface between a conductor  80  and the terminal body  30  and/or the wings  40 ,  50  such as to assist in retention of the conductor  80  relative to the terminal  28  (e.g., the grooves  70  may assist in mechanical connection of the conductor  80  with the terminal  28  to at least some degree). The grooves  70  may limit movement of the conductor  80  in at least one direction (e.g., an X-direction). The grooves  70  may extend generally in the Y-direction and/or Z-direction (e.g., perpendicular to an X-direction). The grooves  70  may be disposed generally perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the conductor  80 , which may be substantially parallel to an X-direction) to at least partially limit movement of the conductor  80  in the X-direction. The one or more grooves  70  may extend along the first wing  40 , to the terminal body  30  (including segments  32 ,  34 ), and to the second wing  50  (e.g., a single groove  70  may extend along some or all of the terminal body  30 , the first wing  40 , and/or the second wing  50 , such as in a continuous manner). Additionally or alternatively, a groove  70  may include separate portions, such as in each of the terminal body  30 , the first wing  40 , and/or the second wing  50 . The grooves  70  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the grooves  70  may be generally rectangular. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , an electrical assembly  20  may include a conductor  80 . The terminal  28  may be configured to at least partially retain the conductor  80  (e.g., limit movement in at least one direction). The terminal  28  may provide an electrical connection between the conductor  80  and the connector portion  60 . For example and without limitation, the conductor  80  may be electrically connected with the connector portion  60  (and/or a mating terminal  22  connected thereto) via the terminal body  30  and/or the first wing  40 . With some embodiments, the second wing  50  may not electrically connect with the conductor  80 , and/or the second wing  50  may be configured to mechanically retain the conductor  80 . The conductor  80  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the conductor  80  may be substantially planar, and/or may be disposed, at least in part, in parallel contact (e.g., mechanical and/or electrical contact) with the terminal body  30 . In embodiments, such as generally shown in  FIG.  5   , the conductor  80  may be substantially flat such that when connected with the terminal body  30 , the first wing  40 , and/or the second wing  50 , the conductor  80 , the terminal body  30 , the first wing  40 , and/or the second wing  50  may be substantially parallel. The conductor  80  may include a first layer/portion  90  (e.g., an inner conductive layer) and/or a second layer/portion  92  (e.g., an outer insulative layer). 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , a conductor  80  may include a first connection portion  82 , a second connection portion  84 , and/or a body  86 . The first connection portion  82  may be connected to and/or disposed at an end of the body  86 . The second connection portion  84  may be connected to and/or extend from an end of the first connection portion  82 . The first connection portion  82  may be disposed at least partially between the body  86  and/or the second connection portion  84 . The first connection portion  82  may be configured for electrical and/or mechanical connection with the terminal body  30  and/or the first wing  40 . The second connection portion  84  may be configured for electrical connection with the first wing  40  and/or mechanical connection with the second wing  50 . The first connection portion  82  and the second connection portion  84  may move with respect to each other. For example and without limitation, the second connection portion  84  may rotate and/or or pivot about 180 degrees relative to the first connection portion  82 . The second connection portion  84  may be configured to bend such that the first connection portion  82  and/or the second connection portion  84  overlap in the Z-direction and/or are substantially antiparallel in an assembled/crimped configuration (see, e.g.,  FIG.  5   ). 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG.  4   , a conductor  80  may include a first layer  90  and/or a second layer  92 . The first layer  90  may be configured as a conductor layer and/or may include one or more of a variety of electrically conductive materials. The second layer  92  may be configured as an insulator layer and/or may include one or more of a variety of electrically insulating materials. The first layer  90  may be disposed substantially parallel with the second layer  92 . The first layer  90  may be disposed substantially along a middle portion of the conductor  80  and/or the second layer  92 . The first layer  90  may include a width  90 W and/or the second layer  92  may include a width  92 W. The first layer width  90 W may be less than the second layer width  92 W such that the first layer  90  may not extend beyond the second layer  92  in a Y-direction. For example and without limitation, the first layer  90  may be configured such that it will not contact the first segment  32  and/or the second segment  34  of the terminal body  30  in some or most circumstances. The first layer  90  (e.g., the conductive layer) may be configured to be in electrical and/or direct contact with the first wing  40  from a Z-direction (e.g., may move generally vertically downward into contact with the first wing  40 ). 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG.  4   , a first connection portion  82  and/or a second connection portion  84  may include exposed portions of the first layer  90  (e.g., the conductive layer). For example and without limitation, the first layer  90  may not be exposed throughout the body  86  of the conductor  80  (e.g., may be enclosed by the second layer  92 ). The first layer  90  (e.g., the conductive layer) may be exposed along a surface of the first connection portion  82  and/or the second connection portion  84 , such as to electrically connect with the terminal  28 . For example and without limitation, the second layer  92  may be stripped partially (e.g., a top portion/half or a bottom portion/half) or entirely away from the first layer  90  in the first connection portion  82  and/or the second connection portion  84 . 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  5 ,  6 A, and  6 B , an electrical assembly  20  may include a conductor  80  mechanically retained relative to a terminal  28  via the first wing  40 , the second wing  50 , and/or the terminal body  30 . A first surface  82 A of the first connection portion  82  may be in contact with the terminal body  30 . The first surface  82 A may comprise portions of the second layer  92 , which may include electrically insulating material, so the first surface  82 A may be in contact with the terminal body  30  without providing an electrical connection between the terminal body  30  and the conductor  80  (e.g., the contact/connection may be mechanical and not electrical). The first surface  82 A of the first connection portion  82  may be in contact with the one or more grooves  70  of the terminal  28 , such as to facilitate mechanically retaining the conductor  80  relative to the terminal  28 . 
     With embodiments, a second surface  82 B of the first connection portion  82  may be in contact (e.g., electrical and/or direct contact) with the inner surface  40 A of the first wing  40 , which may include one or more grooves  70  and/or portions thereof. The second surface  82 B may comprise portions of the first layer  90 , which may include electrically conductive material, and/or contact between the second surface  82 B and the inner surface  40 A may provide an electrical connection between the conductor  80  and the terminal  28 . 
     In embodiments, a first surface  84 A of the second connection portion  84  may be in contact with the inner surface  50 A of the second wing  50 . The first surface  84 A may, for example, include electrically insulating material (e.g., of the second layer  92 ), and/or contact between the first surface  84 A and the inner surface  50 A may not provide an electrical connection between the terminal  28  and the conductor  80 . The first surface  84 A of the second connection portion  84  may contact one or more grooves  70  of the inner surface  50 A of the second wing  50 , such as to facilitate mechanically retaining the conductor  80  relative to the terminal body  30 , the first wing  40 , and/or the second wing  50 . 
     With embodiments, a second surface  84 B of the second connection portion  84  may be in contact (e.g., electrical and/or direct contact) with an outer surface  40 B of the first wing  40 . The second surface  84 B may, for example, include electrically conductive material (e.g., of the first layer  90 ), and/or the contact between the second surface  84 B and the outer surface  40 B may provide an electrical connection between the terminal  28  and the conductor  80 . An outer surface  50 B of the second wing  50  may, at least in some circumstances, not be in contact with the conductor  80 . 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG.  6 B , a first connection portion  82  may be disposed substantially between (e.g., in the Z-direction) a terminal body  30  and a first wing  40 . The first wing  40  may be disposed substantially between (e.g., in the Z-direction) the first connection portion  82  and the second connection portion  84 . The second connection portion  84  may be disposed substantially between (e.g., in the Z-direction) the first wing  40  and the second wing  50 . The first connection portion  82 , the second connection portion  84 , and/or the first wing  40  may be disposed substantially between (e.g., in the Z-direction) the terminal body  30  and the second wing  50 . For example and without limitation, portions of the terminal body  30 , the first connection portion  82 , the first wing  40 , the second connection portion  84 , and the second wing  50  may overlap in the Z-direction and/or may be disposed in an overlapping configuration that may, for example, include five layers. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG.  6 B , in an assembled (e.g., connected, crimped, etc.) configuration, portions of the first layer  90  may be pressed and/or disposed at least partially into the first wing  40 . For example and without limitation, the distance between the first layer  90  in the first connection portion  82  and the first layer  90  in the second connection portion  84  may be less than a thickness of the first wing  40  in some assembled configurations. Additionally or alternatively, the conductor  80  (e.g., the first layer  90  and/or the second layer  92 ) may be deformed, at least to some degree, during and/or as a result of bending/crimping the wings  40 ,  50 . 
     With embodiments, an electrical assembly  20  may include a terminal  28  that may include a terminal body  30 , a first wing  40 , a second wing  50 , and/or a connector portion  60 , and/or the electrical assembly  20  may include a conductor  80 . Assembling/connecting the terminal  28  with a conductor  80  may be conducted, at least in part, via a bending die. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A- 12   , a bending die  120  may include an upper portion  120 A and/or a lower portion  120 B. The lower portion  120 B may, for example, be configured to contact an outer surface  30 A of the terminal body  30 . The upper portion  120 A may be configured to contact the first wing  40  and/or the second wing  50 . The upper portion  120 A and the lower portion  120 B may be configured to move relative to each other during assembly of an electrical assembly  20 . For example and without limitation, the lower portion  120 B may be relatively fixed and the upper portion  120 A may move toward the lower portion  120 B. The lower portion  120 B may be configured to at least partially retain the electrical assembly  20  during assembly (e.g., bending, crimping, and/or deformation). The lower portion  120 B may include a first protrusion  122  and/or a second protrusion  124  that may extend substantially in the X-direction and/or the Z-direction. The first protrusion  122  and/or the second protrusion  124  may be configured to at least partially limit movement of the electrical assembly  20  in one or more directions, such as a Y-direction. The first protrusion  122  may contact/engage the terminal body  30  and/or the first segment  32 . The second protrusion  124  may contact/engage the terminal body  30  and/or the second segment  34 . The electrical assembly  20  may be disposed at least partially between (e.g., in a Z-direction) the lower portion  120 B and the upper portion  120 A of the bending die  120 . 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A- 12   , an upper portion  120 A of a bending die  120  may include a first portion  130 , a second portion  132 , a third portion  134 , and/or a fourth portion  136 . The first portion  130 , the second portion  132 , and/or the third portion  134  may be configured to move in the Z-direction, such as independently from each other, during assembly. The first portion  130 , the second portion  132 , and/or the third portion  134  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the first portion  130  may include one or more planar surfaces, and/or may be substantially triangular, such as with a thickness (e.g., in an X-direction) that tapers down toward the lower portion  120 B. The second portion  132  and/or the third portion  134  may, for example and without limitation, be generally rectangular, triangular, and/or may include one or more planar surfaces. The third portion  134  may include a C-shaped profile (e.g., when viewed from a Z-direction) such that the third portion  134  may receive at least part of the second portion  132 . The second portion  132  and the third portion  134  may cooperate and/or be connected, at least in some circumstances, to provide a C-shaped configuration (e.g., when viewed from an X-direction) that may be configured to at least partially receive the terminal  28 . 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A,  9 , and  10   , the first portion  130  may move in the Z-direction from an initial/raised position toward the terminal  28  and/or the lower portion  120 B, such as to limit movement of the conductor  80  while portions of the terminal  28  are bent. For example and without limitation, the first portion  130  may be configured to substantially prevent the conductor  80  (e.g., the second connection portion  84 ) from overlapping in a Z-direction with the first wing  40 , the second wing  50 , the second portion  132 , and/or the third portion  134 , such as to prevent unintended crimping of the second connection portion  84 . As generally shown in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , the second portion  132  may include a first bending surface  140 , and/or the third portion  134  may include a second bending surface  142 . The bending surfaces  140 ,  142  may be angled (e.g., with respect to the Z-axis) such that upper portion  120 A of the bending die  120  bends/deforms/crimps the first wing  40  and/or the second wing  50  as the upper portion  120 A of the bending die  120  moves in the Z-direction. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12   , the fourth portion  136  of the bending die  120  may be configured as a spacer and/or guide. The fourth portion  136  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the fourth portion  136  may be substantially triangular, curved, and/or rounded. The fourth portion  136  may be disposed in one or more of a variety of locations relative to the electrical assembly  20 . The fourth portion  136  may facilitate keeping the conductor  80  separate from the connector portion  60 . Additionally or alternatively, the fourth portion  136  may move in a X-direction, a Y-direction, and/or a Z-direction to at least partially limit movement of the conductor  80 , such as during bending/crimping. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG.  13   , a method  100  of assembling an electrical assembly  20  may include providing a terminal  28  and a conductor  80  (step  102 ). The conductor  80  may include a first connection portion  82 , a second connection portion  84 , and/or a body  86 . The method  100  of assembling the electrical assembly  20  may include disposing the conductor  80  at least partially in the terminal  28  and/or in contact with terminal body  30  (step  104 ). For example, the first connection portion  82  of the conductor  80  may be disposed substantially between (e.g., in a Y-direction) a first segment  32  of the terminal body  30  and a second segment  34  of the body  30  such that the first connection portion  82  is substantially parallel and/or in contact with the terminal body  30 . The second connection portion  84  may, at least initially, be disposed at least partially between (e.g., in an X-direction) the connector portion  60  and the wings  40 ,  50  as the first connection portion  82  is connected with the first wing  40 . 
     With embodiments, prior to disposing the conductor  80  in contact with the terminal  28 , the fourth portion  136  of the bending die  120  may be moved from an initial position (e.g., to the side of the terminal  28  and/or the lower portion  120 B) to a first assembly position. The first assembly position of the fourth portion  136 , the fourth portion  136  may be disposed at least partially between the connector portion  60  and the wings  40 ,  50 , and/or in contact with the terminal body  30 , the first wall  62 , the second wall  64 , and/or the third wall  66  (e.g., the fourth portion  136  may be disposed in a substantially vertical orientation such as shown in  FIG.  8   ). The fourth portion  136  may move in an X-direction, a Y-direction, and/or Z-direction in moving from the initial position to the first assembly position. In some circumstances, the fourth portion  136  may, for example, move substantially only in a Y-direction from the initial position to the first assembly position. 
     In embodiments, in the first assembly position, the fourth portion  136  may be configured to guide movement (e.g. bending) of the second connection portion  84  of the conductor  80  in the Z-direction and/or away from the terminal body  30  as the conductor  80  is disposed in contact with the terminal body  30  and/or as the first portion  130  is moved toward the terminal  28 . For example and without limitation, after and/or as part of disposing the conductor  80  in contact with the terminal body  30 , the first portion  130  of the bending die  120  may be moved toward the terminal body  30 , such as until the first portion  130  contacts the terminal  28  and/or the conductor  80 . The first portion  130  may, for example, help ensure that the first connection portion  82  abuts the terminal body  30 . The first portion  130  of the bending die  120  may be in contact with the second surface  84 B of the second connection portion  84 , and/or the fourth portion  136  of the bending die  120  may be in contact with the first surface  84 A of the second connection portion  84 . With embodiments, such as generally shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the wings  40 ,  50  may generally extend at acute angles relative to the Z-direction as the first connection portion  82  is inserted between the first wing  40  and the second wing  50  and/or between the first segment  32  and the second segment  34 . 
     In embodiments, a method  100  of assembling an electrical assembly  20  may include bending the first wing  40  (e.g., crimping, folding, rotating, etc. via the second portion  132  of the bending die  120 ) such that the first wing  40  is in electrical and/or mechanical contact with the first connection portion  82  (e.g., an inner/conductor layer  90  of the conductor  80 ) (step  106 ). Bending the first wing  40  may include bending the first wing  40  generally about 90 degrees such that an inner surface  40 A of the first wing  40  contacts the first connection portion  82  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  10   ). When the second portion  132  of the bending die  120  moves towards the terminal  28  in the Z-direction, the first bending surface  140  (e.g., an angled/ramped surface) may contact the outer surface  40 B of the first wing  40 . Contact between the first wing  40  and the first bending surface  140  may bend the first wing  40  such that the first wing  40  bends to substantially parallel with the terminal body  30  and/or the first connection portion  82  of the conductor  80 . Once the first wing  40  is in contact with the conductor  80  and/or substantially parallel with the conductor  80 , the first portion  130  and/or the second portion  132  of the bending die  120  may move away from the terminal  28  and/or may no longer be in contact with the terminal  28  and/or the conductor  80 . For example and without limitation, the first portion  130  and the second portion  132  may move in a Z-direction away from the terminal  28 . 
     In embodiments, the method  100  may include disposing the second connection portion  84  in contact with an outer surface  40 B of the first wing  40  (step  108 ). The second connection portion  84  may be moved (e.g., bent, angled, pulled, stretched, etc.), such as manually and/or with a machine  150  (e.g., via the fourth portion  136  of the bending die  120 ), about an axis that may be substantially parallel with a Y-direction such that the second connection portion  84  is substantially parallel and/or in contact with the outer surface  40 B of the first wing  40  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  13   ). For example and without limitation, the fourth portion  136  of the bending die  120  may move from the first assembly position (see e.g.,  FIGS.  8 - 10   ) substantially in an X-direction away from the first end  46  of the terminal  28  to a second assembly position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  11   ). As the fourth portion  136  moves toward the second assembly position, the fourth portion  136  may bend the conductor  80  (e.g., the second connection portion  84 ) about the axis to an angle of about 180 degrees relative to the first connection portion  82 . The first connection portion  82  and the second connection portion  84  may be disposed in a substantially antiparallel configuration (e.g., may be substantially parallel and extend in substantially opposite X-directions). The first connection portion  82  and the second connection portion  84  may be electrically connected with the first wing  40 , and/or may be electrically connected with the connector portion  60  via the terminal body  30  and/or the first wing  40 . A first layer  90  (e.g., a conductive layer) of the conductor  80  may be in electrical and/or direct contact with the inner surface  40 A of the first wing  40  and/or the outer surface  40 B of the first wing  40 . The first layer  90  may, at least in some circumstances, be at least partially insulated from (e.g., by the second layer  92 ) and/or not in direct contact with the terminal body  30  and/or the second wing  50 . 
     With embodiments, the method  100  may include bending the second wing  50  such that an inner surface  50 A of the second wing  50  is in contact with the second connection portion  84  of the conductor  80  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  12   ) (step  110 ). The second wing  50  may be bent about 90 degrees or more or less, such as via the third portion  134  of the bending die  120 . The second wing  50  may be bent in one or more of a variety of manners (e.g., by hand, by machine  150 , etc.). Bending the second wing  50  may include the third portion  134  of the bending die  120  moving in a Z-direction towards the terminal  28  such that the second bending surface  142  contacts the second wing  50 . The ramped/angled second bending surface  142  may bend the second wing  50  into contact with the conductor  80 , such as without interference from the fourth portion  136  (e.g., in the second assembly position, the fourth portion  136  may be clear from movement of the third portion  134  of the bending die  120 ). The fourth portion  136  of the bending die  120  may retain, at least to some degree, the second connection portion  84  while the third portion  134  of the bending die  120  moves in the Z-direction to bend the second wing  50 . 
     In embodiments, bending the second wing  50  into contact with the second connection portion  84  may provide a mechanical connection between the conductor  80  and the wings  40 ,  50 . For example and without limitation, the second wing  50  may mechanically retain the conductor  80 , and/or the first wing  40  may mechanically retain the conductor  80  and electrically connect the conductor  80  with the connector portion  60 . One or more grooves  70  of terminal  28  (e.g., of the body  30 , the first wing  40 , and/or the second wing  50 ) may engage the conductor  80  to limit relative movement between the terminal  28  and the conductor  80  in at least one direction (e.g., an X-direction). Grooves  70  of the terminal body  30  and/or the second wing  50  may engage the second layer  92  (e.g., an electrical insulating layer) and/or grooves  70  of the first wing  40  may engage the first layer  90  and/or second layer  92 . 
     With embodiments, a bending die  120  may be connected to and/or incorporated with a machine  150  (e.g., a press) that may be configured to actuate the bending die  120  (e.g., automatically), move a terminal  28 , and/or move a conductor  80 , such as to facilitate assembly of an electrical assembly  20  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  7 B ). 
     Various examples/embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the examples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples/embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments. 
     Reference throughout the specification to “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. 
     It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of examples/embodiments. 
     Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of “e.g.” in the specification is to be construed broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For example and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical. 
     While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted. 
     All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.