Patent Publication Number: US-2023132665-A1

Title: Vibration resistant connector cap

Description:
Vehicles and other machines that comprise an engine, or other power source, utilize wiring to convey electrical and data signals, for example. Wiring is often bundled together in a wiring harness that can be conveniently routed in and around the various components of the vehicle or machine. A wiring harness can be made of bundled wires that can meet another set of one or more wires, or meet a component of the machine, to be joined by wiring connectors or couplers to electrically couple the two sets of wires or wires to the component. Often, connectors/couplers comprise some type of releasable fastener that may hold two couplers together during use to mitigate them coming apart. Further, during use, the connections may be subject to vibration and sudden shock from the movement of the engine and/or the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     One or more techniques and systems are described herein for a vibration protection device, such as a to mitigate vibration and/or shock that wiring connections may be subjected to during use. Such a device can be used to at least partially enclose a connection between two couplers (e.g., electrical connectors from a wiring harness and a component connector block) in a vehicle, for example, used to couple a wiring harness to a connection on a vehicle component. The protection device can house comprise two sections that form a hollow body to house the coupled connectors, and apply a compressive force to mitigate vibration between the electrical couplings between the connectors. 
     In one implementation of a vibration mitigation device, a shell can comprise two at least partially selectably separable sections forming a hollow body shaped to operably fit around a combination of a wiring connector coupled with a connector block in an engagement that mitigates movement of the wiring connector with respect to the connector block. The shell body can comprise a first shell section that operably covers at least a first portion of the connector block and a portion of the wiring coupler. The first shell section can comprise a first latch assembly that selectably latches onto at least a portion of the connector block, to operably fixedly engage the first latch assembly with the connector block or a portion of the component; and a second latch assembly. The shell body can further comprise a second shell section that operably covers at least a second portion of the coupled connector block wiring coupler to allow for selectably disposing the coupled wiring coupler and connector block inside the body. Here, the second shell section can comprise a third latch assembly that selectably engages the second latch assembly to operably, fixedly hold the coupled connector block and wiring coupler together in electrical engagement. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  are component diagrams illustrating an example vehicle, and portions thereof, where one or more portions of one or more systems described herein may be implemented. 
         FIGS.  2 A,  2 B,  2 C,  2 D,  2 E and  2 F  are component diagrams illustrating various views of one implementation of a vibration mitigating connector cap, as described herein. 
         FIGS.  3 A,  3 B,  3 C, and  3 D  are component diagrams illustrating various views of one implementation of at least a portion of the vibration mitigating connector cap, as described herein. 
         FIGS.  4 A,  4 B,  4 C, and  4 D  are component diagrams illustrating various views of one implementation of at least another portion of the vibration mitigating connector cap, as described herein. 
         FIGS.  5 A,  5 B, and  5 C  are component diagrams illustrating various views of the vibration mitigating connector cap as an example implementation, as described herein. 
         FIGS.  6 A,  6 B, and  6 C  are component diagrams illustrating various views of an alternate vibration mitigating connector cap as an example implementation, as described herein. 
         FIG.  7    is a component diagram illustrating a view of the vibration mitigating connector cap as an example implementation, as described herein. 
         FIG.  8    is a component diagram illustrating a view of the alternate vibration mitigating connector cap as an example implementation, as described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter. 
     A vibration mitigation device can be devised that can be operably coupled with a wiring connector used in a vehicle. For example, the vibration mitigation device can provide protection to wiring and wiring connector in a vehicle from vibration and shock during use, from paint intrusion during painting, and from contaminants and physical damage during vehicle operation. Further, the device described herein can be configured to hold connectors together firmly such that vibration or shock encountered during use may not affect the connection between connection pins and connection sockets (e.g., or similar connections). 
     That is, for example, a first connector can comprise electrical couplers (e.g., pins, buttons, plates, wire, etc.), and second connector can comprise complementary electrical couplers, such that when the first and second connectors are engaged they complete an electrical coupling between them. In current and prior coupler connections, the complementary connectors are releasably connected for maintenance, etc., such that the connection cannot be firmly engaged. In these existing connectors, vibration during use can cause the electrical couplers to vibrate or rubbing against each other resulting in undesired wear and damage. The vibration mitigation device described herein can mitigate this potential damage by holding the connectors and couplers together more firmly after engagement, and potentially dissipate vibration and shock. Additionally, the device described herein can provide for protection from contaminants and physical damage to the connection and coupling, and thermal protection during use. 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  are component diagram illustrating an example implementation of an example use of the vibration mitigation device described herein. In this example, an agricultural or construction vehicle  150 , such as a tractor, hauler, or the like, can be powered by an engine  152 . In this example, the engine  152  may utilize certain wiring systems  154 , wiring, wiring harnesses, wiring connectors/couplers, etc., for use in electrical and communication coupling, for example. In this example, a wiring system  154  can comprise one or more wiring connectors, which are coupled together and/or connect wiring to a vehicle component. As an example, a wiring harness can comprise a connector that is operably connected to an air throttle or an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve (e.g., or other components) to provide sensor data and/or control signals. 
     As one example, as illustrated in  FIG.  1 B , an engine component  102  (e.g., throttle body, EGR valve, one or more sensors, etc.) can be disposed on the engine  152  and coupled to the wiring system  154  (e.g., to transmit and/or receive data signals). In this example, the engine component  102  can comprise a wiring harness connector  104 , which is configured to be coupled to (e.g., electrically, communicatively) the wiring system  154 . Further, in this example, a wiring harness connector  106  can be coupled with the wiring system  154 , and be configured to engage with the component connector housing  104 , such as a connector block. In this way, in this example, the engine component  102  can be electrically coupled with the wiring system  154 . 
       FIGS.  2 A,  2 B,  2 C,  2 D,  2 E and  2 F  are component diagrams illustrating various views of one or more portions of an example vibration mitigation device  200 , such as a connector cap.  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D  show the vibration mitigation device  200  in a separated configuration (e.g., exploded view), and  FIGS.  2 E and  2 F  show the vibration mitigation device  200  in a coupled configuration.  FIG.  2 A  shows the example device  200  from a top, front perspective view;  FIG.  2 B  from a front view;  FIG.  2 C  from a rear view;  FIG.  2 D  from a first side view (the second side is similar in reverse);  FIG.  2 E  from a front, top perspective view; and  FIG.  2 F  from a rear, perspective view. In this example implementation, the vibration mitigation device  200  can comprise a shell  240 , that is made up of a first shell section 202  (e.g., upper shell) and a second shell section  204  (e.g., lower shell). The first shell section  202  and second shell section  204  can be selectably, fixedly coupled to each other using a coupled connector latch assembly  206 ,  206 ′, which can be disposed on opposing sides of the vibration mitigation device  200 . That is, for example, when the upper (first) and lower (second) shells  202 ,  204  are joined together around a target, assembled wiring connector-component connector/connector block, they can form a protective shell  240  that is joined in a fixed engagement using the coupled connector latch assembly  206 ,  206 ′, and, in some implementations described below, a hinge. 
     As further described below, in some implementations, when coupled together, the respective shell sections  202 ,  204  can form a hollow body  234  that is configured to receive a combined wiring connector and component connector (e.g.,  104 ,  106  of  FIG.  1 ,  658 ,  662    of  FIG.  6 A ), and operably hold them together to mitigate vibration, for example. As an example, the hollow body  234  can be configured to receive a target wiring connector and component connector that are operably coupled, engaged or otherwise joined together, such as a wiring connector that is coupled with and EGR valve, or connector coupled with a vacuum sensor, etc. That is, in different implementations, the hollow body  234  may be formed to appropriately receive the target connectors when connected, such that the target connection is held firmly to mitigate vibration between the respective connectors. As such, for example, different hollow bodies  234  may comprise different shapes and/or sizes that are configured to accommodate their target connectors. 
     Further, in some implementations, the example vibration mitigation device  200  can comprise a guide channel  234 , which may be formed by one or more ribs (described below) disposed on an outer surface of the device  200 . As an example, a type of tie-down strap (e.g., zip-tie, strap, clamp, elastic-polymer band, etc.) can be operably placed in the guide channel  234  after the upper shell  202  and lower shell  204  are coupled together around the engaged wiring coupler and component coupler. In this way, a biasing force can be applied around the periphery of the device  200  to help hold it in place during operation. That is, for example, vibration, shock, and general vehicle movement may provide for dislodging of the coupled connector latch assembly  206 ,  206 ′. In this example, the tie-down can apply an inwardly directed biasing force to help keep the top and bottom shells  202 ,  204  in place, and mitigated uncoupling. 
       FIGS.  3 A-D  illustrate one example implementation of the first shell section or upper shell  202 .  FIG.  3 A  show a top, front perspective view;  3 B a front, bottom perspective view;  3 C a rear bottom perspective view; and  3 D a side view. In this example implementation, the upper shell  202  can comprise an upper shell body, that is formed (e.g., sized and shaped) to operably fit over (e.g., and enclose in a complementary manner) a top or upper portion of a coupled wiring connector and component connector. That is, for example, an inner portion  326  is configured in size and shape to enclose a first portion of the wiring connector and component connector when they are appropriately, operably (e.g., when used in typical operation) connected. 
     In this implementation, the example upper (first) shell  202  can comprise one or more component (first) latch assemblies  310 ,  310 ′ (e.g., a first latch assembly). In this example, a first component latch assembly  310  can be disposed on a first side, and a second component latch assembly  310 ′ can be disposed on a second side. However, it is anticipated that in other configurations there may be merely one, or three or more, depending on the configuration, shape, and size of the component to which the shell  202  is engaging. The one or more component latch assembly arms (first latch assembly)  310 ,  310 ′ can be configured (e.g., in shape, size, conformity, etc.) to operably engage in a fixed engagement with a portion of a target component (e.g., of a vehicle on which the component is disposed). That is, for example, respective component latch assemblies  310 ,  310 ′ can comprise a component latch  312 ,  312 ′ that operably engages with a complementary latch or similar portion of the target component to hold the upper shell  202  in place when installed. For example, the respective component latch assemblies  310 ,  310 ′ can be formed from a semi-rigid (e.g., semi-flexible) material, such as a polymer, resin, combination, or similar material, that allows the assemblies  310 ,  310 ′ to deflect or deform such that it fits around the target component latch during installation, and return to its original position upon proper installation, allowing the component latch  312 ,  312 ′ to provide a stop against the portion (e.g., latch) of the component, to mitigate removal. 
     As described above, the example vibration mitigation device  200  can comprise a guide channel  236 . In this implementation, the upper shell  202  can comprise an upper guide channel  316 , which comprise the upper portion of the guide channel  236 . As illustrated, for example, the upper guide channel  316  can be comprised of an area of the surface that is defined by a pair of ridges, walls, or ribs that run on either side of the channel  316 . In other implementations, the channel  316  can comprise a cut-out portion in the surface of the upper shell  202  that forms a channel disposed below the surface of the upper shell  202 . As illustrated, for example, the upper channel  316  can comprise ridges disposed on respective side walls  318 ,  318 ′ and a top wall  320 . In this example, the ridges can be used to operably mitigate movement of a tie-down outside of the channel  316 , thereby keeping the tie-down in a desired location for appropriately holding the device  200  in place during use. 
     In some implementations, an internal portion  326  of the upper shell  202  can comprise upper tensioning ribs  336 . As an example, the upper tensioning ribs  336  can be made up of one or more ribs that project inwardly from an interior wall  328  portion of a rear wall  324 . In some implementations, the one or more upper tensioning ribs  336  can form a taper (e.g., narrow down) from a first end to a second end (e.g., from their top end to their bottom end). That is, for example, the internal portion  326  of the upper shell  202  comprises an open end and a closed end. In this implementation, the one or more upper tensioning ribs  336  can be tapered from the closed end toward the open end of the internal portion  326 . In this way, for example, when the upper shell  202  is operably disposed on (e.g., slid onto/over) the combined component connector housing  104  and wiring harness connector  106 , the taper of the tensioning ribs  336  can provide a biasing force against the coupled connectors. As an example, the biasing force provided by the tensioning ribs  336  can create a tension between the shell and the connectors (e.g., as a compressive force) that stabilizes the connector coupling during operation (e.g., helps hold in place against each other), and can help mitigate vibration between the connectors. In this way, the force of the coupling between the connectors can be increased, and operational movement between the connectors, with respect to each other, can be mitigated. 
     In some implementations, the upper shell  202  can comprise one or more upper (second) latch assemblies  330 ,  330 ′, which can be configured to operably engage with the lower shell  204  in a selectably fixed engagement. The upper or second latch assemblies  330 ,  330 ′ can be disposed on opposing sides (e.g. or merely one latch assembly may be disposed on one side), and can respectively comprise an upper latch  332 ,  332 ′. The upper latch  332 ,  332 ′ can be configured to operably engage with a complementary latch portion on the lower shell  204 , to allow for selectable engagement and disengagement from the lower shell  204 . As an example, the upper shell  202  can be formed from a (at least partially) flexible material, such as a polymer-based material, that allows the upper latch  332 ,  332 ′ to flex away from its default (e.g., normal) position during engagement, to subsequently substantially return back to its default position once engaged with the lower shell  204 . 
     In some implementations, as illustrated, the upper (first) shell  202  can comprise one or more support ribs  314 . The support rib(s)  314  can be appropriately disposed at portions of the upper shell  202  that may be subject to defection, torsion, or otherwise be misshapen during installation, removal, and/or use. As an example, as illustrated, support rib(s)  314  can be provided on and around the upper or second latch assembly  310 ,  310 ′ to mitigate damage, provide reinforcement, and improve biasing force back to normal, during installation onto, use on, and removal from the component connector/connector block. That is, for example, the respective upper or second latch assemblies  310 ,  310 ′ may need to be deflected from normal during installation in order to get the component latch  312 ,  312 ′ around the connector, and into position. In this example, support rib(s)  314  can provide additional support (e.g., due to increased thickness and/or direction of rib) in locations where the deflection of the material may occur. 
     As illustrated, in some implementations, the upper shell  202  can comprise a connector latch cover  322  that is configured to operably engage with a portion of the wiring connector to hold the upper shell  202  in place, and/or to cover a latch assembly on the wiring connector, such that it mitigates use of the latch assembly when operably engaged as further described below. Further, the upper shell  202  can comprise one or more upper rear projections  338  that are configured to operably engage with a portion of the component block to hold the upper shell  202  in place. As an example, one or more portions of the upper shell  202  may comprise one or more projections and/or features that are configured to engage one or more portions of the coupled wiring connector and component block to facilitate holding the shell  200  in place during operations. Additionally, in some implementations, as illustrated, the upper shell  202  can comprise a top connector latch cover  334 . In this implementation, the top connector latch cover  334  can be configured to firmly cover and operably hold a wiring connector latch assembly in place, for example, to mitigate uncoupling of the connector from the component block, and to mitigate vibration. 
       FIGS.  4 A,  4 B,  4 C, and  4 D  are component diagrams that illustrate various views of one implementation of a second shell section, or lower shell  204  of a wiring connector protection device  200 . In this implementation, the lower shell  204  can comprise a second shell body  418  that comprises side walls  402 ,  402 ′, and a bottom wall  404 . Internally, the second shell body  418  of the lower shell  204  can comprise a lower interior wall  406 , one or more interior side walls and a front wall  416 . Further, the interior of the second shell body  418  can be configured (e.g., shaped and/or sized) to operably (at least partially) enclose or house a lower portion of a component connector housing (e.g.,  104  of  FIG.  1 B ) coupled with a wiring harness connector (e.g.,  106  of  FIG.  1 B ) in a substantially form fitting manner. In this way, for example, when engaged with the upper shell  202 , the lower shell  204  can help to operably hold the coupled connectors together, protect the coupled connectors from contaminants, and can help to mitigate vibration between the connectors (e.g.,  104  and  106 ). 
     Additionally, the lower shell  204  can comprise at least one lower latch assembly  408 ,  408 ′ (e.g., third latch assembly) that is configured to operably engage with the upper latch assembly  330 ,  330 ′ (e.g., a second latch assembly) to selectably, fixedly hold the upper and lower shells  202 ,  204  together. In some implementations, the one or more lower latch assemblies  408 ,  408 ′ can respectively comprise a lower latch  410 ,  410 ′. The lower latch  410 ,  410 ′ can be configured to operably engage with a complementary upper latch  332 ,  332 ′, in a selectably fixed engagement. That is, for example, the lower latch  410 ,  410 ′ can comprise a stop or ridge that can operably receive the upper latch  332 ,  332 ′, such that a ridge portion of the upper latch  332 ,  332 ′ fits over a ridge portion of the lower latch  410 ,  410 ′. In one implementation, the lower latch assembly or third latch assembly  408 ,  408 ′ can comprise a lower latch opening access  412 ,  412 ′ that is configured to receive the upper latch  332 ,  332 ′, such that the upper latch  332 ,  332 ′ can operably engage the lower latch  410 ,  410 ′. In another implementation, the upper latch assembly or second latch assembly  330 ,  330 ′ can comprise a latch opening access that allows a lower latch to flex and engage with a stationary upper latch (e.g., opposite of what is illustrated). 
     It should be appreciated that one or more complementary latch assemblies may be used to operably hold the lower and upper shells together to form the wiring connector protection device. For example, the upper and lower shells may be coupled together by a hinge at one side, and respectively comprise complementary latch assemblies at another side. In this example, the shells can be selectably engaged together by the one latch assembly at the one side, and the hinge at the other. Further, for example, three or more latch assemblies may be used in order to accommodate different sized electrical connectors, configurations, and applications. 
     In some implementations, the vibration mitigation device can comprise two parts that are selectably detachable at least along a first side that divides the device into two shells. In this implementation, the example vibration mitigation device can comprise a first and second shell. In this implementation, the vibration mitigation device can comprise a hinge that couples the two shells along a first side opposing a second side, which comprises complementary latch assemblies. The hinge allows for the two parts to selectably detach at the second side, and remain coupled at the first side. The latch assembly can selectably couples the two parts together at the second side. For example the latch can be unlatched to detach the first and second shells, and relatched to couple them together. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , the example lower shell  204  can comprise one or more lower support ribs  414 . Similarly to the upper support ribs  314  described above, the lower support ribs  414  can be appropriately disposed at portions of the lower shell  204  that may be subject to defection, torsion, impact, or otherwise be misshapen or impacted during installation, removal, and/or use. As an example, as illustrated, support rib(s)  414  can be provided on the portion of the lower shell where the side wall  402 ,  402 ′ meets the bottom wall  404 . In this example, this portion of the second shell body  418  may be subjected to flexion during installation/removal, and/or impact during use. The rib(s)  414  can help mitigate damage, provide reinforcement, and improve biasing force back to normal, during installation onto, use on, and removal from the component connector. That is, for example, the second shell body  418  may need to be deflected from normal during installation in order to get the second shell  204  around the connector, and into position. In this example, the support rib(s)  414  can provide additional support (e.g., due to increased thickness and/or direction of rib) in locations where the deflection of the material may occur. 
     Additionally, the lower shell  204  can comprise a lower guide channel  420 . As an example, the lower guide channel  420  can comprise one or more ridges or raised portions on either side of the channel to act as walls or boundaries to help keep a tie-down in the desired location. As described above, a tie-down (e.g., zip tie, strap, cord, etc.) may be engaged around the vibration mitigation device upon installation around a target connection. In this example, the tie-down can help keep the upper and lower shells together during use, and can also help apply a compression force around the coupled connectors to help mitigate vibration during operation. In this implementation, the lower guide channel  420  can help to keep the tie-down in the desired location on the lower shell, which may be one that provides for a better application of compression to the device. 
     In some implementations, as illustrated, the lower shell, or second shell section  204  can comprise a lower component web locking feature  422 . As described above, with regard to the connector latch cover 322  and upper rear projections  338 , the lower component web locking feature  422  can be configured to operably engage with a portion of the component connector block (e.g., or the wiring connector), to operably hold the lower shell  204  in place during operation. Further, the front wall  416  of the lower component  204  can be configured to engage with a portion of the wiring connector to operably hold the lower shell  204  in place during operation. As an example, the lower shell  204  can comprise one or more other feature or projections that operably couple with one or more portions of the coupled wiring connector and component block to help hold the coupling together during operation. 
       FIGS.  5 A,  5 B, and  5 C  are component diagrams that illustrates an example of an implementation  500  of the vibration mitigation device  200  that can be used on coupled electrical/communication connectors. In this example implementation  500 , a vehicle can comprise a vehicle component  560 , such as an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. The component  560  can comprise a component connector  562 , such as a connector block, which comprises connector housing  564 , connector pins  556  (e.g., or other electrical couplers), and a component connector latch assembly  554 . Further, a wiring harness can be electrically/communicatively coupled to the component using a wiring harness connector  558 . In this example, the wiring harness connector  558  can comprise a latch assembly  552  that is complementary to the connector latch assembly  554 , such that the two assemblies  552 ,  554  can be selectably engaged with each other to engage the wiring harness to the component  560 . 
     Further, in this implementation, the component connector block  562  can comprise a component upper latch feature  550 . The component upper latch feature  550  comprises a latch, stop, or other feature that is configured to engage the component first latch (e.g.,  312  of  FIG.  3   ) of the component first latch assembly  310 . Further, in some implementations, a second component upper latch feature  550  can be disposed on the other side of the component connector block  562 , for engaging with another component first latch (e.g.,  312 ′ of  FIG.  3   ) of the component first latch assembly  310 ′. In this way, for example, the upper shell/first shell section can be operably engaged with the component connector block  562  in a selectably fixed arrangement. For example, the vibration protection device  200  can operably hold the wiring harness connector  558  and component connector  562  together firmly, while mitigating vibration at the connection, which can help mitigate damage to connecting pins, etc. Additionally, a tie-down (not shown—e.g., strap, zip-tie, etc.) may be firmly wrapped around the engaged upper and lower shells  502 ,  504 , using the guide channels (e.g.,  236 ,  316 ,  420 ) to provide additional compression to mitigate vibration and improve the firmness of the connection. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5 A ,  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  provide a front and rear perspective view of the device  200  in an operable position, engaged with the coupled wiring connector  558  and the component connector block  562 , of the component  560 . In this implementation, the lower shell  204  can be engaged with the upper shell in a coupled latch assembly  206 ,  206 ′, at the upper and lower latches  310 ,  310 ′,  408 ,  408 ′. In this way, in this example, the engaged upper and lower shells  502 ,  504  can be operably engaged with the component  560 . Further, as illustrated, the wiring harness connector  558  can comprise wiring harness connection points  650 . In this example, the wiring harness connection points  650  can be the location where wires from the wiring harness are connected to the wiring harness connector  558 . 
     Additionally, the upper shell  202  comprises the connector latch cover  322 . The connector latch cover  322  operably engages the wiring harness connector latch assembly  552 , for example, by covering at least a portion of the wiring harness connector latch assembly  552  when operably engaged. As an example, the wiring harness connector latch assembly  552  can comprise a latch disengagement portion that, when activated, allows a user to disengage the wiring harness connector latch assembly  552  from the component housing connector latch assembly  554 , such as to disengage the wiring harness connector  558  from the component connector block  562 . In this implementation, the connector latch cover  322  can be disposed over the wiring harness connector latch assembly  552  to mitigate access to the latch assembly  552 , and/or to mitigate operation of the disengagement portion (e.g., button, latch lever, arm, etc.). 
       FIGS.  6 A,  6 B, and  6 C  are component diagrams illustrating one alternate implementation of an alternate vibration mitigation device  600 . In this implementation, the component upper latch feature  550  comprises a latch, stop, or other feature that is configured to engage a component first latch of the component first latch assembly  610 . Further, in some implementations, the second component upper latch feature  550  can be disposed on the other side of the component connector block  562 , for engaging with another component first latch of the component first latch assembly  610 ′. In this way, for example, the upper shell/first shell section can be operably engaged with the component connector block  562  in a selectably fixed arrangement. For example, the alternate vibration protection device  600  can operably hold the wiring harness connector  558  and component connector  562  together firmly, while mitigating vibration at the connection, which can help mitigate damage to connecting pins, etc. Additionally, a tie-down (not shown—e.g., strap, zip-tie, etc.) may be firmly wrapped around the engaged upper and lower shells  502 ,  504 , using the guide channels (e.g.,  236 ,  316 ,  420 ) to provide additional compression to mitigate vibration and improve the firmness of the connection. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  6 A ,  FIGS.  6 B and  6 C  provide a front and rear perspective view of the alternate device  600  in an operable position, engaged with the coupled wiring connector  558  and the component connector block  562 , of the component  560 . In this implementation, the lower shell  604  can be engaged with the upper shell in a coupled latch assembly (e.g.,  206 ,  206 ′ of  FIG.  2   , at the upper and lower latches  310 ,  310 ′,  408 ,  408 ′ in  FIGS.  3  and  4   ). In this way, in this example, the engaged upper and lower shells  502 ,  504  can be operably engaged with the component  560 . Further, as illustrated, the wiring harness connector  558  can comprise wiring harness connection points  650 . In this example, the wiring harness connection points  650  can be the location where wires from the wiring harness are connected to the wiring harness connector  558 . 
     With continued reference to the other FIGURES,  FIG.  7    is a component diagram illustrating a cut-away view showing the right side of the vibration mitigation device  200  installed on the coupled wiring connector  558  and component connection block  562 . In this example, the wiring connector  558  is operably engaged with the component connector block  562 , where a portion of the wiring connector  558  is inserted into the connector block housing  554 . Further, to provide for a selectably fixed engagement, the wiring harness connector latch assembly  552  is engaged with the component block latch assembly  554 . Further, as illustrated, the top connector latch cover  322  is disposed over the wiring harness connector latch assembly  552  to mitigate detachment of the coupled latch assemblies  552 ,  554 , by activating a detachment feature (e.g., button, lever, latch) on the connector latch assembly  552 , and to provide a protective cover. Additionally, the lower component web locking feature  422  is operably engaged with a component block lower latch feature  752 . As described above, the lower component web locking feature  422  can be configured to operably engage a feature of the component block  562  to help secure the lower shell  204  to the coupled connector  558  and block  562 . In this implementation, the front wall  416  is engaged with the wiring connector  558 , to provide for improved locking of the shell  200  in place during use. 
     As illustrated, the component connector pins  556  are operably engaged with complementary wiring harness connector pins receptacle  750 . In this way, for example the wiring harness can be electrically/communicatively coupled with the component  660 . Further, the example vibration mitigation device  200  can help to mitigate vibration between the connector  558  and the block  562 , which also reduces vibration between the connector pins  556  and the connector pins receptacles  750 . The connection between the connector pins  556  and the connector pins receptacles  750  can often be a location of damage resulting from excess vibration, due to fretting of the pins, damage to the pins, and damage to the connection points. Therefore, reducing vibration by using the example device  200  can improve the life of and reduce maintenance for the connectors  558 ,  562 . 
     With continued reference to the other FIGURES,  FIG.  8    is a component diagram illustrating a cut-away view showing the right side of the alternate vibration mitigation device  600  installed on the coupled wiring connector  558  and component connection block  562 . In this example, the wiring connector  558  is operably engaged with the component connector block  562 , where a portion of the wiring connector  558  is inserted into the connector block housing  554 . Further, to provide for a selectably fixed engagement, the wiring harness connector latch assembly  552  is engaged with the component block latch assembly  554 . Further, as illustrated, an alternate top connector latch cover  634  is disposed over the wiring harness connector latch assembly  552  to mitigate detachment of the coupled latch assemblies  552 ,  554 , and to provide a protective cover. Additionally, the lower component web locking feature  622  is operably engaged with a component block lower latch feature  852 . As described above, the lower component web locking feature  622  can be configured to operably engage a feature of the component block  562  to help secure the lower shell  604  to the coupled connector  558  and block  562 . In this implementation, the front wall  616  is engaged with the wiring connector  558 , to provide for improved locking of the shell  600  in place during use. 
     As illustrated, the component connector pins  556  are operably engaged with complementary wiring harness connector pins receptacle  750 . In this way, for example the wiring harness can be electrically/communicatively coupled with the component  660 . Further, the example, alternate vibration mitigation device  600  can help to mitigate vibration between the connector  558  and the block  562 , which also reduces vibration between the connector pins  556  and the connector pins receptacles  750 . The connection between the connector pins  556  and the connector pins receptacles  750  can often be a location of damage resulting from excess vibration, due to fretting of the pins, damage to the pins, and damage to the connection points. Therefore, reducing vibration by using the example device  600  can improve the life of and reduce maintenance for the connectors  558 ,  562 . 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Further, At least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims may generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 
     Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” 
     The implementations have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.