Patent Publication Number: US-10770824-B2

Title: Connector with connector position assurance

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     A system and method are described for providing improved connector and terminal position assurance. This invention relates especially to electrical connectors and connector position assurance, and also to connector systems that may have a terminal, a female connector, and a male connector. The invention further relates to methods for connecting using the improved connector position assurance of the present invention. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Numerous connector systems have been developed, and especially relating to electrical connectors. It is common to have male and female connector portions. Various locking mechanisms have been devised to secure connectors in a connected position. These may include generally, the use of a latch member. Latch securing methods have been previously investigated, including sliding latch securing mechanisms. However, it is believed that hinged options so far have not been available to practically and reliably secure a latch, especially where a latch stop is attached to a connector housing such that it may pivot into the connector to secure a latch. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is intended to provide improved connector and terminal position assurance that may be used to secure engagement between a first and second connector and a wire terminal with a connector main body, respectively. A latch stop mechanism on a first connector may be used to selectively limit movement of a latch and an attached latch lock after the latch lock has been engaged to secure the first connector to the second connector. The latch stop mechanism may be attached to the connector housing and have a series of hinges that allow a latch stop to pivot into place, preferably locking with a latch, limiting movement of the latch and latch lock. 
     The latch and latch lock are thereby secured by the latch stop in a position engaging the latch lock with the second connector. This serves to provide improved connector position assurance. 
     The invention is described in further detail in the drawings and the detailed description below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a female connector according to the present invention, with a latch stop mechanism, and connector position assurance and a terminal position assurance attached to the top and bottom of the female connector housing, respectively. 
         FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , and 2 c    are an exploded view of a terminal, female connector, and male connector, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a male connector connected to a female connector according to the present invention, with a latch stop mechanism engaged with the latch. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a female connector of the present invention with a latch stop mechanism, and a connector position assurance and a terminal position assurance attached to the top and bottom of the female connector housing, respectively. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the upper portion of a female connector of the present invention with a latch stop mechanism connected to the female connector housing. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of a female connector of the present invention with a latch stop mechanism, and a connector position assurance and a terminal position assurance attached to the top and bottom of the female connector housing, respectively. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a female connector with an exposed latch and a terminal position assurance of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a longitudinal sectional view of a terminal inserted into a connecter of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9 a , 9 b , and 9 c    are side views of the top portion of a connector of the present invention with a latch stop mechanism illustrated before, during, and after engaging with the latch. 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of a male connector of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , 11 d , and 11 e    are an exploded view of a wire terminal, female connector, reinforcement tabs, male connector, and male pins. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the female connector from the rear side with a terminal position assurance attached to the bottom of the main body. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the female connector from the front side with a terminal position assurance attached to the bottom of the main body. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a terminal position assurance according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the “duck-head” shaped portion comprising TPA lock  36  and terminal blocking feature  124  of a terminal position assurance of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of a terminal position assurance connected to the main body. 
         FIG. 17  is a rear view of a terminal position assurance connected to the main body when the TPA is in an unengaged position. 
         FIGS. 18 a  and 18 b    are side views of the connector and terminal position assurance of an embodiment of the present invention before and after engaging with a surface of the main body. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the connector and the engaged terminal position assurance with a servicing tool that allows the lock to disengage. 
         FIG. 20  is a rear view of a portion of the connector as viewed axially down two terminal cavities with the engaged terminal position assurance. 
         FIGS. 21 a , 21 b , 21 c , and 21 d    are longitudinal sectional views of the connector, wire terminal, and terminal position assurance: engaged without the wire terminal, just before engaging, during engaging, and fully engaged. 
         FIG. 22  is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector with terminal position assurance fully engaged. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the female connector with terminal position assurance fully engaged, mated with the male connector. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a female connector of the present invention with a latch stop mechanism from the rear side. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a female connector of the present invention with a latch stop mechanism from the front side. 
         FIG. 26  is a rear view of top portion of a female connector of the present invention with a latch stop mechanism. 
         FIG. 27  is a front section view of the upper portion of a female connector of the present invention with a latch stop mechanism. 
         FIG. 28  is a longitudinal section view of the top portion of a female connector of the present invention with a latch stop mechanism. 
         FIGS. 29 a , 29 b , and 29 c    are perspective views of a female connector, male connector, and latch stop mechanism of the present invention before engaging, during engaging, and after engaging. 
         FIG. 30  is a longitudinal section view of female connector, male connector, and latch stop mechanism of the present invention when the latch stop mechanism is prematurely engaged. 
         FIG. 31  is a longitudinal section view of female connector and male connector of the present invention during premature installation of the latch stop mechanism. 
         FIG. 32  is a longitudinal section view of female connector, male connector, and latch stop mechanism of the present invention after proper installation. 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of two-pin variant of the present invention from the front side of a female connector. 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a two-pin variant of the present invention from the rear side of a female connector. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention offers an improved connector position assurance mechanism. A connector system according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . A female connector is shown having a front  44  and rear  42 . This particular variant has four wires  7 . The improved connector position assurance of the present invention is provided by a latch stop mechanism  10  that may be attached to the top of the connector. A terminal position assurance (“TPA”)  30  may be provided on the bottom of the connector. 
     One embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2 b    comprises a connector housing  80 , a latch  50  adjoining the connector housing, and a latch stop mechanism  10  adjoining the connector housing. This is a two-wire, (two-pin) variant, with the wire terminal  3  shown in  FIG. 2 a   . A wire  7  passes through the wire crimp  4 . The conductor passes through the core crimp  6 . A terminal lock  8  comprises an inclined surface that may deflect as it passes the terminal lock catch  86 , shown in  FIG. 8 , in the connector housing. When connected, the terminal lock  8  is secured by the terminal lock catch  86 . 
     Connectors that may be used in the present invention include various types of connectors, but especially male and female connectors having housings. For a connector housing, the front of the housing may be considered the portion of the housing nearest the surface that mates with another connector. 
     The present invention may employ a latch  50  with a latch lock  54  to engage two connectors. A typical latch of the present invention may be seen in  FIG. 7 , and comprises a connection such as a hinge  52  to the connector housing. One or more beams  56  may extend from a hinge or hinges  52 , supporting a latch lock  54 . It is not necessary that the latch has a latch hinge, especially if the beam is sufficiently long and attached to the housing so that it may sufficiently deflect to engage or disengage the latch lock  54 . The latch lock  54  may be rigidly attached to the latch beam  56 , or it may be positioned so that it is not directly on the beam  56 , but is supported by the beam  56  so that when the beam moves upward, the latch lock  54  also moves upward. 
     The latch  50  of the present invention may also include a latch stop contact surface  66  to interact with the latch stop surface  68 . The latch  50  may also have a cavity  62 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , to facilitate movement of the latch stop arm  22  toward the latch stop contact surface  66 . When the latch stop mechanism  10  is not engaged, the latch cavity  62  provides space into which the latch  50  may be depressed, allowing the connectors to be engaged or disengaged. Protrusions on either side of the cavity can provide overstress protection for the latch. As shown in  FIG. 5 , a latch overstress protection surface  58  on the latch and a latch overstress protection surface  88  on the female connector housing limit upward movement of the latch  50 . Additional overstress protection surfaces may limit downward movement of the latch. A catch surface  64  may be included on the latch  50  to secure the locking surface of latch stop lock  26 . 
     In the present invention, it is preferred that one connector have a latch lock  54  that may be engaged with a corresponding latch securing surface on the second connector. For example, a latch lock  54  may be depressed, deflecting the latch beam  56 . A housing of a second connector may slide over the latch lock until a latch securing surface of the second connector housing is in position. The latch lock  54  may then be raised into contact with the latch securing surface. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the latch lock  54  may be positioned in a latch lock window  53  in the second connector housing. One or more sides of the latch window may serve as a latch securing surface. 
     The improved connector position assurance of the present invention operates to ensure that the latch lock  54  remains engaged with the latch securing surface. This is accomplished by employing a latch stop mechanism  10  that limits movement of the latch  50  and attached latch lock  54 . A latch stop mechanism  10  conveniently is attached to the connector housing in such a way that it may be manipulated to limit movement of the latch. 
     The latch stop mechanism  10  of the present invention may have a series of hinges and sections with a latch stop attached to a distal section. Preferably, the latch stop mechanism  10  has a proximal hinge  12 , a distal hinge  16 , a proximal section  14  between the proximal hinge  12  and the distal hinge  16 , a distal section  18  situated on a side of the distal hinge opposite the proximal section, and a latch stop disposed on the distal section. 
     It is preferred that sections  14  and  18  of the present invention are structural members sufficiently rigid to support a latch stop arm  22  and work in concert with the hinges  12  and  16 . The sections may be planar or of any other suitable shape or construction. 
     The term “hinge” is intended to mean a moveable joint. The hinge of the present invention allows members of the latch stop mechanism  10  to pivot around a portion of the connector housing. Preferably, movement is in one plane, so that the latch stop surface  68  remains in alignment as it moves toward the latch cavity  62  and arrives at the latch stop contact surface  66  of the latch. The hinges of the present invention serve to pivotably join two members, each member on an opposite side of the hinge. Accordingly, each hinge has two sides, each side corresponding to a member joined by the hinge. 
     In a preferred embodiment, one or more hinges of the latch stop mechanism  10  may be a live hinge. It is preferred that the latch stop mechanism  10  have at least two live hinges. 
     By bending the hinges of the latch stop mechanism  10 , it is possible to position the latch stop arm  22  toward the latch cavity  62 , and ultimately position the latch stop surface  68  against the latch stop contact surface  66  of the latch, so that the latch  50  cannot be deflected downward. 
     The latch stop mechanism  10  may comprise a latch stop arm  22  extending outward from the distal section  18  of the latch stop mechanism  10 . The latch stop arm  22  may have a latch stop surface  68  and may also have a locking surface  28  to lock the latch stop surface into place. The term “latch stop” includes the latch stop surface  68  and the structure on which this surface is disposed. For example, the latch stop may include an arm, a wedge, or both. The latch stop may have one or more inclined surfaces, especially on or about the latch stop arm  22 . Preferably, there is a wedge  24  projecting from the distal section  18  of the latch stop mechanism  10 . The wedge  24  may be inserted into the latch cavity  62 . The wedge  24  may assist pushing the lower surface of the latch  50  upward, and ultimately facilitate contact between the latch stop surface  68  and latch stop contact surface  66  of the latch. 
     When the latch stop contact surface  66  contacts the latch stop surface  68 , movement of the latch  50  is limited. Thus, the latch lock  54  may not be disengaged from the latch lock window  53  unless the latch stop surface  68  is removed from the latch cavity  62 . Further, in a preferred embodiment, the latch stop surface  68  may not be removed from the latch cavity  62  so long as the latch stop locking surface  28  remains in contact with a latch stop catch surface  64 . Both the latch stop lock  26  on the latch stop and the latch stop catch surface  64  on the latch  50  may comprise inclined planes. An inclined plane on either the catch or lock surfaces may help guide the lock into place. Preferably, the latch stop lock  26  is disposed on the latch stop arm  22 . The lock may have an inclined plane that guides the locking surface  28  toward the catch surface  64 . The catch may have a corresponding inclined plane and corresponding catch surface. 
     The portion of the latch stop arm  22  that enters the latch cavity  62  may be shaped to facilitate entry into the latch cavity. The distal portion of the latch stop arm  22  may be rounded. Edges may feature chamfers. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a latch stop comprises a latch stop arm  22  and a latch stop wedge  24 . The latch stop is centered on a distal section that is part of a hinged frame with two proximal hinges, two proximal sections, and two distal hinges. One result of this hinged frame is an opening through which the latch  50  may protrude when the latch stop mechanism  10  is bent and the latch stop is positioned against the latch stop contact surface  66 . 
       FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , and 2 c    illustrate one such preferred embodiment. The wire terminal  3  of  FIG. 2 a    is inserted into the wire cavities of the female connector  2  in  FIG. 2 b   . A terminal  3  that is inserted and locked into a connector housing is shown in  FIG. 8 , with the terminal lock  8  in contact with terminal lock catch  86 . When the terminal  3  is in place, a terminal position assurance catch  96  on the terminal is exposed and in position so that it may secure the terminal position assurance lock  36 . 
     The male connector  1  in  FIG. 2 c    is positioned so that the male connector housing  81  slides over portions of the female connector housing  80 . A latch lock disposed on a latch beam may be depressed enabling the top wall  51  of the male connector housing to pass over the latch beams and latch lock on the female connector. When in position, the latch lock may pass through the latch lock window  53 . The latch stop mechanism  10  may be contacted with the latch, limiting movement of the latch lock and securing it in place. Terminal position assurance  30  may be pivoted until lit locks with a catch on the terminal  3 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the structure of the terminal position assurance  30 . Terminal position assurance hinge  32  is attached to the lower portion of the female connector housing. A terminal position assurance beam  34  is connected to the hinge  32  allowing the beam to pivot relative to the connector housing. A terminal position assurance lock  36  is positioned to contact a corresponding terminal position assurance catch on the wire terminal  96 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the connector position assurance of the present invention as used in a mated female and male connector system. Male connector housing  81  has been positioned over the female connector housing  80 . The latch lock  54  is engaged with the latch lock window  53 . The latch stop mechanism  10  has been bent using two sets of hinges, positioning the latch stop arm  22  in the latch cavity  62 . 
       FIG. 4  shows further details of the latch stop mechanism  10  of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This view shows that the live hinges and the members they connect are continuous. The live hinges connect rigid members, all of which are made of the same injection molded material. At the position of the live hinge, there is a thinned or cut portion allowing the rigid members to bend along the hinge line. A proximal live hinge  12  is disposed on the top of the female connector housing. It is connected to the proximal section  14 , which serves to extend the pivot point of the distal hinge  16 . The position of the proximal hinge  12  on the connector housing near the top of the latch  50 , and the length of the proximal and distal sections are optimized to allow the latch stop surface to contact the latch without the latch stop mechanism interfering with other structures of the connector housing or the wire terminal. The distal section serves to support the latch stop, which in this embodiment, includes the latch stop arm  22  and latch stop wedge  24 . 
     Front views in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  further illustrate the latch stop mechanism of a preferred embodiment where the latch stop mechanism  10  comprises a hinged frame with an opening to accommodate latch  50 . In  FIG. 6 , the anti-scooping feature  38  of the terminal position assurance is shown. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention without the latch stop mechanism  10 . In addition to more clearly showing the structures of the latch,  FIG. 7  also shows keying feature  82  and polarization feature  84 . These structures on the connector housing serve to align the female connector with the male connector. Corresponding features on the male connector housing are shown in  FIG. 10 , which depicts a polarization feature slot  57  and a keying slot  83 . Also illustrated are the reinforcing tab  55 , locating pin  59 , and male connector anti-scooping feature  63 .  FIG. 10  additionally shows the pin  85  that may be inserted into the terminal. The male connector housing in  FIG. 10  is a four-pin variant. The present invention may be applied to connectors of various types and sizes, including a suitable number of pins. 
       FIGS. 9 a , 9 b , and 9 c    demonstrate operation of the connector position assurance method of the present invention. A latch stop mechanism  10  initially extends away from the connector housing. The latch stop mechanism is moved by bending a proximal hinge and bending a distal hinge of a latch stop mechanism. The invention is not limited to a particular order of bending the hinges. As the hinges bend, the latch stop moves toward the latch and latch cavity. As the hinges bend further, the latch stop contacts the latch, more particularly the latch stop surface  68  comes into contact with the latch stop contact surface  66 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the latch stop is wedged against the latch stop contact surface  66 . This does not necessarily mean that a wedge  24  is in contact with the latch stop contact surface  24 . The latch stop locking surface  28  on the latch stop lock  26  locks with the latch stop catch surface  64 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, a female connector, a terminal, latch, and latch stop are provided. The female connector is aligned with the male connector. The latch on the female connector is deflected and a latch lock on the female connector is engaged with a latch window on the male connector. A coupling surface on the latch lock is contacted with a latch securing surface on the latch window, causing the male and female connectors to be coupled. 
     The terms “coupled” and “coupling” as used herein are not limited to their technical definition in the electrical arts. Rather these terms are used according their general meaning in the way two objects, such as railroad cars, may be mechanically coupled. Thus, the male connector and female connector are coupled by the latch lock passing through the latch window, 
     The operation of the latch stop mechanism, as shown in  FIG. 9 c    prevents downward movement of the latch and latch lock, maintaining the latch lock in a coupled position. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be included as falling within the scope of the invention. 
     The present invention offers an improved terminal position assurance (TPA) mechanism. The connector system according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as one of the components in  FIG. 11 b   , comprising a main body  80  and a terminal position assurance  30 . The rear of female connector  42  has one or more recesses for receiving wire terminal  3  that contains a terminal main body  9 , shown in  FIG. 11 a   . Male pins  161  shown in  FIG. 11 e    connect through the side opposite to that of the female connector  2  insertion side. 
     One embodiment of the invention is a particular variant with six wires (six-pin)  7 . The main body of the connector system according to the present invention may comprise a latch lock  54 , latch beam  56 , terminal cavities  100 , and a bottom terminal cavity wall  104 . The TPA  30  of the present invention may also be utilized with a main body  80  that does not have the latch and latch lock  54  system described above. A TPA  30  connects to the main body  80  through at least one, but possibly more than one, TPA hinge  32 . The illustrated variant depicts a live hinge with two attachment points. However, other embodiments of the present invention may comprise various types or arrangements of hinges. The invention is not constrained to the illustrated attachment points directly below the entrance to the terminal cavities  100 . 
     A TPA  30  according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 14 . The TPA  30  comprises six portions: (1) TPA hinge  32 , (2) TPA main body  146 , (3) terminal blocking base  136 , (4) terminal blocking feature  124 , (5) TPA lock  36 , and (6) terminal support surface  148 . As illustrated in this embodiment, the terminal support surface  148  may be in-plane, or substantially in-plane with the bottom terminal cavity wall  104  when the TPA is fully engaged. 
     TPA main body  146  connects the hinge to other features of the TPA. It may also contain the location of servicing/forming holes  40 . Servicing/forming holes  40  may facilitate manufacturing of the TPA lock  36 , and serve as an access hole for servicing tool  160  to make contact with TPA locking retention contact surface  130  as shown in  FIG. 19 . A rotational upward force may cause the TPA locking retention contact surface to disengage from TPA lock contact surface  102  to completely disengage the TPA  30 . 
     Together, the TPA lock  36  and terminal blocking feature  124  may comprise a feature approximately in the shape of a “duck-head.” TPA lock  36  represents the “bill” and comprises three surfaces: (1) TPA locking insertion contact surface  132 , (2) TPA locking offset surface  142  as shown in  FIG. 15 , and (3) TPA locking retention surface  130 . In this particular embodiment, the TPA locking retention contact surface  130  is set at a slight back angle such that the angle between the TPA locking retention contact surface  130  and TPA locking offset surface  142  is acute. Other variations may have differing degrees of angle, but no larger than 90 degrees. TPA locking offset surface  142  may be substantially parallel to the terminal blocking base rear surface  140 . TPA locking insertion contact surface  132  forms an obtuse angle with TPA locking offset surface  142 . TPA locking insertion contact surface  132  angle may act as a guide when engaging TPA  30 . 
     Terminal blocking feature  124  is shaped as the head portion of the “duck-head” shape and comprises additional terminal blocking offset surface  144 , at least one TPA cavity guide  122 , improper terminal detection surface  120 , and TPA anti-stubbing feature  126 . TPA cavity guides  122  are angled in between 30 and 60 degrees to serve as a guide feature should the operator close the TPA in a skewed direction. The improper terminal detection surface  120  forms an obtuse angle with the additional terminal blocking offset surface  144 . More generally, this feature may also be referred to as a terminal blocking offset surface  144 . The degree is such that when the TPA  30  contacts the terminal main body  9  a flush surface-to-surface contact is made as shown in  FIG. 21 b   . TPA anti-stubbing feature  126  forms an obtuse angle with additional terminal blocking surface  134 . The obtuse angle is designed such that it is able to catch the back side of terminal main body  9  as shown in  FIG. 21 c   . In some embodiments of the present invention, the deepest angle without sacrificing integrity of strength due to material is preferable to allow increased room for error in installing wire  7 . In this embodiment, six terminal blocking features  124  and two TPA locks  36  are shown in-line, with the TPA locks on either end. The number of blocking features may correspond to the number of wires. The present invention need not be limited to this particular arrangement or number of blocking features  124  or TPA locks  36 . In particular, the TPA lock  36  does not necessarily need to be located outside of terminal blocking features  124 . 
     Terminal blocking base  136  comprises a transverse upraised portion that projects upward from the TPA main body surface In this particular embodiment, the terminal blocking features  124  project from the terminal blocking base top surface  138 , and the TPA locks  36  project from the terminal blocking base rear surface  140 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , terminal blocking base  136  comprises a terminal blocking base top surface  138  (which includes the surfaces shown in between each terminal blocking feature  124 ), a terminal blocking base rear surface  140 , and at least one additional terminal blocking surface  134 . The terminal blocking base  136  may function to improve the structural integrity of the TPA  30 . 
       FIG. 16  is a front view of TPA  30  with the TPA hinge  32  connecting TPA to the main body  80 . Terminal blocking feature  124  is shown which comprises TPA cavity guides  122 , improper terminal detection surface  120 , TPA anti-stubbing feature  126 , and additional terminal blocking offset surface  144 . TPA locking insertion contact surface  132  of the TPA lock  36  is shown from the front in  FIG. 16  while TPA locking retention contact surface  130  is shown from the rear view in  FIG. 17  through the servicing/forming holes  40 . The improper terminal detection surface  120  may share two edges with TPA cavity guides  122 , one edge with TPA anti-stubbing feature  126 , and one edge with additional terminal blocking offset surface  144 . Terminal blocking base top surface  138  may be parallel, or substantially parallel, to the terminal support surface  148 . In this particular embodiment, terminal blocking base rear surface  140  is normal, or substantially normal, to the TPA main body  146  and is the surface from which TPA lock  36  projects. 
     The rear view of the TPA  30  in  FIG. 17  shows two additional features: void cores  128  and anti-scooping feature  38 . Void cores may be material saving features, or features employed in manufacturing to facilitate injection molding, for example by helping maintain uniform wall thickness. 
       FIGS. 18 a  and 18 b    are side views of the TPA  30  and main body  80 , of a disengaged and engaged TPA lock  36 , respectively. Illustrated is the rear of female connector  42  and front of female connector  44 . In this specific embodiment, the TPA hinge  32  is located in the bottom left of the main body. The TPA main body  146  connects the hinge to the TPA lock  36 , terminal blocking feature  124 , and terminal support surface  148 . The terminal blocking base rear surface  140  and additional terminal blocking surface  134  form part of the terminal blocking base  136 . 
     TPA engagement guide  116  is a non-sharp corner surface that makes contact with TPA locking insertion contact surface  132  during the engagement process. TPA engagement guide  116  can be a fillet or chamfer edge, and may serve to minimize the likelihood of shearing. TPA locking insertion contact surface  132  generates reaction force during TPA lock  36  engagement until enough force has been applied by an operator to surpass interaction between TPA locking insertion contact surface  132  and TPA engagement guide  116 . 
     Connector blocking surface  106  may be substantially parallel to terminal blocking base rear surface  140  when TPA is fully engaged. When the wire terminal  3  is fully installed, connector blocking surface  106  may make flush contact with terminal blocking base rear surface  140  if the operator attempts to pull out the wire terminal  3 , generating a reaction force that serves to ensure retention of the wire terminal. Terminal support surface  148  illustrated in  FIG. 18 b    may be in-plane, or substantially in-plane with the bottom terminal cavity wall  104 . 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a TPA  30  fully installed with wires  7 . The main body  80  is connected to the TPA main body  146  at TPA hinge  32 . The servicing/forming holes  40  allow servicing tool  160  to make contact with TPA locking retention contact surface  130 . An applied upwards rotational force may be applied to disengage the TPA lock. In this particular embodiment, void cores  128  are on the outer edges of the TPA&#39;s bottom side. Terminal blocking base rear surface  140  may contact the main body  80  if operator attempts to pull out wire  7 . 
       FIG. 20  is a close-up, rear view of the female connector  2 . The viewer is looking along the longitudinal direction down the length of the terminal cavities  100  which do not have wire terminals  3  in this view, but the TPA  30  is fully engaged. This particular embodiment depicts one terminal blocking feature  124  with a TPA lock  36  on the left and a terminal blocking feature  124  on the right. Terminal blocking base rear surface  140  (which is a part of the terminal blocking base  136  in this embodiment) extends across both terminal cavities  100  and is below terminal blocking features  124 . In this particular embodiment, the TPA lock  36  projects from the terminal blocking base rear surface  140  on the left terminal cavity  100 . The terminal blocking features  124  illustrated are a subset of the ones from  FIGS. 14 and 15 . Illustrated are the improper terminal detection surfaces  120 , TPA cavity guides  122 , additional terminal blocking offset surface  144 , TPA locking insertion contact surface  132 , and TPA locking retention contact surface  130 . The angles between the aforementioned surfaces of this particular embodiment can be more clearly seen in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . The last two surfaces (TPA locking retention contact surface  130  and TPA locking insertion contact surface  132 ) may form part of the TPA lock  36 . This illustration also shows full contact between TPA locking retention surface  130  and TPA lock contact surface  102  when the TPA is fully engaged. TPA lock contact surface  102  may be a portion of the bottom terminal cavity wall  104 . 
       FIGS. 21 a , 21 b , 21 c , and 21 d    are longitudinal sectional views of the TPA engagement process relative to the location of wire  7 . In  FIG. 21 a   , the TPA  30  is fully engaged without the wire terminal, and prevents improper installation by having TPA locking offset surface  142  contact terminal main body front contact surface  166 . This prevents terminal main body  9  from further traveling into the terminal cavity  100 . The TPA remains fully engaged through TPA locking retention contact surface  130  contacting TPA lock contact surface  102 . In this particular embodiment there is a back angle in TPA locking retention contact surface in order to improve lock holding performance. The shown angle does not constrain the present invention as it may be designed at a variety of angles, including horizontal. 
     Connector blocking surface  106  does not contact terminal blocking base rear surface  140  when the wire  7  is pushing the TPA lock  36  into the terminal cavity  100 . 
       FIG. 21 b    depicts the improper terminal detection surface  120  contacting terminal main body bottom surface  164  when an operator attempts to prematurely install the TPA  30 . The angled surface of the improper terminal detection surface  120  allows a surface-to-surface contact with the terminal main body  9  in order to prevent deformation, for example on the top of the TPA blocking feature  124 . A surface-to-surface contact according to this embodiment of the present invention provides a harder stop as compared to various surface-to-point or surface-to-edge contacts. The embodiment shown characterizes the angle of the improper terminal detection surface  120  such that the improper terminal detection surface  120  makes a flush contact with terminal main body bottom surface  164 . There may be variations of the angle due to factors such as distance to TPA hinge  32  and height of the terminal blocking feature  124 . 
     Also shown are the TPA engagement guide  116  that may contact TPA locking insertion contact surface  132 . TPA lock contact surface  102 , servicing/forming holes  40 , void core  128 , female connector  2  are illustrated. 
       FIG. 21 c    illustrates TPA engagement when the wire terminal is almost fully installed. The obtuse angle of the anti-stubbing feature  126  with respect to the additional terminal blocking surface  134  allows a room for error in wire  7  installation. When the anti-stubbing feature  126  contacts terminal main body rear surface  162 , a reaction force helps drive the wire  7  fully into the terminal cavity. The obtuse angle is designed such that it is able to catch the back side of the terminal main body  9 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the deepest angle without sacrificing integrity of strength due to material amount is preferable to allow increased room for error in installing wire  7 . During the installation process, TPA locking insertion contact surface  132  may contact TPA engagement guide  116 . 
       FIG. 21 d    illustrates TPA fully properly engaged with fully installed wire  7 . TPA locking retention contact surface  130  makes contact with TPA lock contact surface  102  of the main body  80 . If the operator attempts to pull wire  7  out of the female connector  2 , terminal main body rear surface  162  will contact additional terminal blocking surface  134 . Terminal blocking base  140  could also contact connector blocking surface  106 . Both of these surface-to-surface contacts provide sufficient reaction forces to prevent wire terminal disengagement. Furthermore, a torque applied to wire  7  could cause terminal main body  9  to contact anti-stubbing feature  126 , which would also prevent wire terminal disengagement. Terminal support surface  134  is located on the bottom terminal cavity wall  104  and may be in line with TPA lock contact surface  102 . While in its proper state, terminal main body  9  may not contact terminal support surface  148 , the two may contact during an imperfect wire terminal installation. In this embodiment of the present invention, improper terminal detection surface  120  does not contact wire terminal  3  when TPA  30  is fully installed. 
       FIG. 22  depicts a sectional view such that the TPA hinge  32  and TPA main body  146  are shown connecting TPA  30  to the main body  80 . The TPA is fully installed with the TPA lock  36  contacting the TPA lock contact surface  102  as shown in  FIG. 21 d   . Terminal blocking feature  124  projects from the terminal blocking base  136  in this embodiment. Terminal support surface  148  may be substantially in-plane with TPA lock contact surface  102 . In this view, terminal cavity  100  is empty as a wire terminal is not shown in this view. 
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view of wire  7 , main body  80 , TPA  30 , and male connector  1  fully installed. The TPA is installed after at least a partial installation of wire  7 . The female connector  2  mates into male connector  1  and engages through the latch lock  54 . This particular embodiment of female and male connector engagement is not unique to the TPA  30 , and other embodiments may be used according to the novel TPA of the present invention. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be included as falling within the scope of the invention. 
     An example of the present invention is a connector terminal position assurance comprising: 
     (a) a terminal position assurance (“TPA”) lock comprising: 
     a TPA locking insertion contact surface; and 
     a TPA locking offset surface; and 
     (b) a terminal blocking feature comprising: 
     a TPA cavity guide; an improper terminal detection surface; and a TPA anti-stubbing feature. 
     The above described connector terminal position assurance may further comprise: a TPA locking retention contact surface; and an additional terminal blocking offset surface disposed on the terminal blocking feature. 
     Further, the above described connector terminal position assurance may feature the TPA locking retention contact surface wherein it is substantially orthogonal to the TPA locking offset surface. 
     Still further, the above described connector terminal position assurance may feature the TPA locking retention contact surface wherein it is at an angle slightly acute to the TPA locking offset surface. 
     The above described connector terminal position assurance may further comprise at least one TPA cavity guide disposed adjacent to the improper terminal detection surface. 
     The above described connector terminal position assurance may further comprise a terminal blocking feature extending from a terminal blocking base; such that the TPA lock projects substantially orthogonally from the terminal blocking feature; and an additional terminal blocking offset surface is disposed on the terminal blocking feature opposite to the TPA lock. 
     The above described connector terminal position assurance may further comprise the TPA locking retention contact surface disposed on a surface of the terminal blocking base; the TPA locking offset surface disposed on the TPA lock and substantially parallel to the surface of the terminal blocking base; the TPA locking insertion contact surface disposed between the TPA locking offset surface and an additional terminal blocking offset surface disposed on the terminal blocking feature; and the improper terminal detection surface disposed between the additional terminal blocking offset surface and the TPA anti-stubbing feature. 
     The above described connector terminal position assurance may further comprise the improper terminal detection surface angled such that if a terminal is not fully engaged, and the improper terminal detection surface contacts a surface of the terminal, the improper detection surface is flush with the surface of the terminal. 
     The above described connector terminal position assurance of may further comprise a TPA main body connected to a main body of a connector by a hinge, wherein a terminal blocking base is disposed on the TPA main body, and a TPA lock is disposed on the terminal blocking base. 
     The above described connector terminal position assurance may be attached to a main body of a connector, the connector comprising: a connector housing, a latch stop mechanism adjoining the connector housing, and a latch adjoining the connector housing; the latch stop mechanism comprising a proximal hinge, a distal hinge, a proximal section between the proximal hinge and the distal hinge, a distal section situated on a side of the distal hinge opposite the proximal section, and a latch stop disposed on the distal section; and the latch comprising a latch stop contact surface whereby when the latch stop contact surface contacts the latch stop, movement of the latch is limited. 
     Alternatively, an embodiment of a connector terminal position assurance according to the present invention may comprise a terminal position assurance (“TPA”) terminal blocking feature comprising: 
     (a) a terminal blocking base disposed on a portion of the TPA, the terminal blocking base having a rear surface and a top surface; 
     (b) an improper terminal detection surface substantially orthogonal to the terminal blocking base rear surface; and 
     (c) a TPA cavity guide disposed on a side of the improper terminal detection surface. 
     The above described connector terminal position assurance of may further comprise a TPA anti-stubbing feature, and wherein the improper terminal detection surface has a front, a rear, and two sides, with the rear of the terminal detection surface adjoining the terminal blocking base rear surface, and wherein each side of the improper terminal detection surface adjoins a TPA cavity guide angled at between 30 and 60 degrees with the terminal blocking base top surface. 
     The above described connector terminal position assurance of may further comprise multiple terminal blocking features, each projecting from the terminal blocking base in a line across the width of the TPA, and wherein a TPA cavity guide is disposed on more than one side of the improper terminal detection surface. 
     The above described connector terminal position assurance of may further comprise a TPA main body connected to a main body of a connector by a hinge, wherein the terminal blocking base is disposed on the TPA main body, and a TPA lock is disposed on the terminal blocking base. 
     Additionally, the present invention contemplates a method of assuring terminal position for a connector comprising:
         (1) inserting a terminal into the opening of a terminal cavity;   (2) contacting a primary lock with a terminal tang;   (3) locking the primary lock;   (4) applying a force on a terminal position assurance (“TPA”) such that the TPA having a TPA lock pivots around a hinge;   (5) contacting a TPA locking insertion contact surface with a TPA engagement guide;   (6) continuing to exert force on the TPA until a TPA locking surface on the TPA lock contacts a TPA lock contact surface located on a bottom terminal cavity wall.
 
These may be individual steps in order, steps not in a particular order, or not discrete steps but rather elements which when accomplished complete an object of the present invention.
       

     The present invention offers an improved connector position assurance (CPA) mechanism with a proximal hinge  12 , or multiple hinges located close together in-line, such that a latch stop mechanism  10  may rotate approximately 180 degrees around a point of rotation. One embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 24 . Latch stop mechanism  10  comprises a proximal hinge  12 , proximal section  14 , latch stop lock arm  186 , and wedge  24 . 
     Proximal hinge  12  is preferably disposed on the top of the female connector housing  80 , located at the top portion of female connector housing  80  towards the rear of female connector  42 . A proximal hinge  12  connects proximal section  14  to female connector housing  80 . In a preferred embodiment, proximal hinge  12  allows proximal section  14  to rotate 180 degrees around a point of rotation such that proximal section  14  may be oriented adjacent to the rear of female connector  42 . Depending on where the base of proximal hinge  12  is attached to female connector housing  80 , the rotational angle may be more or less. In a preferred embodiment, proximal hinge  12  is a live hinge. 
     Proximal section  14  extends from proximal hinge  12  and serves as a base from which latch stop lock  26  may project. A proximal section  14  may be substantially planar, and preferably has a cut-out or opening to accommodate structures on the female connector housing  80  that would otherwise interfere with engaging the latch stop mechanism  10 , as shown in  FIG. 27 . In this embodiment, proximal section  14  is attached to either side of the top of the connector housing by proximal hinges  12 . The largest portion of the proximal section  14  in this embodiment is a transverse beam on which wedges  24  and latch stop lock arm  186  are disposed. Proximal section  14  may be created from a single piece of material with an absence of material between proximal hinges  12  located at either side of the top portion of the female connector housing  80 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, distal section  18 , shown in in  FIG. 3 , is not required, and may be omitted, as shown  FIG. 24 , due to a modification in the hinge arrangement. Therefore, a proximal section does not imply that a distal section or any other section is required. Similarly, a proximal hinge does not imply that a distal hinge or any other hinge is required. 
     Wedge  24  may project from proximal section  14  at approximately a right angle from a location preferably at or nearly at the distal end of the proximal section  14 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the wedge  24  may project from a different location than the latch stop lock arm  186 , and may be a different structure than latch stop lock arm  186 , as shown in  FIG. 24 . However, in another embodiment of the present invention, wedge  24  may be located on or be a part of latch stop lock arm  186  as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 . One function of wedge  24  is to prevent latch beam  56  from substantially deflecting as can be seen in  FIG. 32 . Wedge  24  may have a latch stop surface  68  that is flat and rectangular. Latch stop surface  68  may contact latch stop contact surface  66  when latch stop mechanism  10  is installed, as shown in  FIG. 32 . The wedge  24  may also serve to maintain a gap between latch stop contact surface  66  and latch stop interference surface  188 . It is not a requirement of the present invention that wedge  24  comprise one or more inclined surfaces. Rather, wedge  24  may have at least two surfaces, such that one surface of the wedge  24  may contact latch stop contact surface  66  while a second surface of wedge  24  may contact latch stop interference surface  188 . Two surfaces of wedge  24  are separated by a distance determined by the gap between latch stop contact surface  66  and latch stop interference surface  188  such that latch lock  54  remains in latch lock window  53  as shown in  FIG. 32 . 
     In  FIG. 24 , two wedges  24  are shown in an embodiment with wedge anti-stubbing features  184  that are semi-circle shaped protrusions. A wedge anti-stubbing feature  184  may be located on the portion of the wedge  24  opposite the location from which wedge  24  projects from proximal section  14 . Other embodiments of the present invention may comprise a different number of wedges  24  as well as different shape profiles for wedge anti-stubbing feature  184 . For example, a wedge with a fillet or chamfered anti-stubbing feature is also possible. A non-flat surface, such as a curved surface, of anti-stubbing feature  184  helps guide wedge  24  into latch cavity  62 , especially if wedge anti-stubbing feature  184  improperly contacts a surface on the rear of female connector  42 . The shape of wedge  24  in this embodiment is a rectangular prism with rounded edges. However, wedge  24  may also comprise a protrusion with a single inclined plane, or convex surface, or concave surface; or two inclined planes, convex surfaces, concave surfaces, or both a concave and a convex surface. 
       FIG. 25  shows latch stop lock  26  projecting from or nearly from the distal portion of proximal section  14 . Latch stop lock  26  is located in between two wedges  24 . In this embodiment, latch stop lock  26  is connected to proximal section  14  via latch stop lock arm  186  instead of latch stop arm  22  as shown in a different embodiment,  FIG. 4 . In a previous embodiment, latch stop arm  26  is connected to wedge  24  via latch stop arm  22 . However, in this embodiment shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , latch stop lock arm  186  does not connect latch stop lock  26  to wedge  24 . One function of latch stop lock arm  186  is to help engage latch stop lock  26  with latch stop catch  190 . As shown in  FIG. 26 , the flexure surface  180  disposed on the inner surface of the curved portion of latch stop lock arm  186  allows latch stop lock arm  186  to slightly bend. A gap exists between wedges  24  and latch stop lock  26  in this variant to aid in slight deflection of latch stop lock arm  186  during engagement. It is possible to connect latch stop lock  26  and wedge  24 , as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , in a different embodiment. No gaps exist between wedge  24  and latch stop lock  26  in the variants shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 . 
     Female connector  2  has latch beam  56  that is connected to female connector housing  80  via hinge  52 . Thus, latch  50  and latch beam  56  adjoin female connector housing  80 . The hinge allows latch beam  56  to move. Latch lock  54  and latch  50  are disposed on latch beam  56  and may move with the latch beam  56  relative to the hinge  52 . In an alternative embodiment, a hinge is not required, for example, movement is accomplished by allowing latch beam  56  to deflect such that the latch lock  54  and latch  50  may move upward or downward. Movement of latch beam  56  is constrained in the upwards direction by latch overstress protection surface on female connector housing  88  as shown on  FIG. 27 . Latch overstress protection surface on latch  58  is disposed on the connector housing and positioned so that it corresponds with the latch overstress protection surface on female connector housing  88 . Thus, when sufficient force is applied, the latch beam  56  along with latch lock  54  and latch  50  move upward until coming into contact with latch overstress protection surface on female connector housing  88 , preventing further upward movement. In a preferred embodiment, there is a corresponding latch overstress protection surface on latch  58  for each latch overstress protection surface on female connector housing  88 . In a preferred embodiment, there may be one or more sets of corresponding latch overstress protection surface on latch  58  and latch overstress protection surfaces on female connector housing  88 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 27 , latch overstress protection surfaces on female connector housing  88  may be disposed on projections located on the upper portion of a female connector housing  80 . More particularly, these projections may be located on opposing sides of the top portion of the female connector housing  80 , with the projections facing inwards and overhanging the inside of the connector body. Preferably, the projections overhang above a latch cavity  62 . Latch overstress protection surfaces on female connector housing  88  may be inclined surfaces located on the underside of overhanging projections from opposing sides of the top portion of the female connector housing  80 . 
     Latch overstress protection surface on latch  58  may be located on projections from the latch  50 . In  FIG. 27 , latch overstress protection surface on latch  58  are located on projections extending outward from the sides of the latch  50 . These projections are situated beneath corresponding, overhanging projections from opposing sides of the top of the female connector housing  80 , such that latch overstress protection surface on latch  58  face corresponding latch overstress protection surfaces on female connector housing  88 . The space between latch overstress protection surface on latch  58  and corresponding latch overstress protection surfaces on female connector housing  88  are designed according to the present invention such that movement of the latch  50  and latch beam  56  are limited. 
     Latch stop catch  190 , as shown in  FIG. 28 , is disposed on latch interference surface  188  of female connector  2  at or near the rear of female connector  42 . Latch stop catch  190  comprise a latch stop catch incline surface  192  projecting upward from latch interference surface  188 , a flat horizontal surface at the top of latch stop catch incline surface  192 , and latch stop catch surface  64  which is substantially normal to latch interference surface  188 . Latch stop catch  190  allows latch stop lock  26  to securely engage a fixed structure disposed on female connector housing  80 . 
     Steps of engagement of the present invention are shown in  FIGS. 29 a , 29 b , and 29 c   . Female connector  2  engages with male connector  1  by fitting within male connector housing  81 . Latch lock  54  fits into latch lock window  53  as shown in  FIG. 29 c   .  FIG. 31  depicts female connector  2  and male connector  1  when latch beam  56  is deflected to fit female connector housing  80  into male connector housing  81 . Deflection of latch beam  56  may occur due to interference between latch lock  54  and a portion of the top wall of male connector  181 , which results in a downward force applied to a latch beam  56 . During this step, anti-stubbing feature  184  of wedge  24 , and latch  50  physically interfere to prevent premature installation of latch stop mechanism  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the interference allows detection of half mate condition between male connector  1  and female connector  2 . Half mate refers to the in-between stages of mating: after mating starts, but before mating completion, in which male connector  1  and female connector  2  are not fully engaged. Once female connector  2  and male connector  1  are fully engaged as shown in  FIG. 29 b   , latch stop mechanism  10  can properly engage as shown in  FIG. 29 c   . Proximal hinge  12  bends allowing proximal section  14  to rotate 180 degrees to be adjacent to rear of female connector  42 . As the user applies axial force on proximal section  14 , latch stop lock incline surface  182  of latch stop lock  26  makes contact with and travels along latch stop catch incline surface  192  of latch stop catch  190 . Flexure surface  180  allows latch stop lock  26  to slightly bend when latch stop lock incline surface  182  and latch stop catch incline surface  192  are in contact. After latch stop lock  26  overcomes latch stop catch  190 , latch stop lock  26  is engaged with latch stop catch  190 , where latch stop locking surface  28  of latch stop lock  26  makes contact with latch stop catch surface  64  of latch stop catch  190 . Contact between stop locking surface  28  and latch stop catch surface  64  occurs between latch beam  56  and portion of female connector housing  80  that houses wires  7 . In this embodiment, latch stop mechanism  10  engages latch stop catch  190  on the top portion of female connector housing  80 , but in a different embodiment this may occur in other sections such as on the bottom side. Once latch stop mechanism  10  is fully engaged, latch stop mechanism  10  prevents unintentional disconnecting of male connector  1  and female connector  2 . 
       FIG. 30  shows latch stop mechanism  10  fully engaged. Latch stop mechanism  10  stays engaged due to latch stop catch surface  64  contacting latch stop locking surface  28 . Latch stop catch surface  64  and latch stop locking surface  28  are substantially normal to latch stop interference surface  188 . In other variants, there could be a smaller angle for latch stop catch surface  64  with respect to latch stop interference surface  188  depending on the force direction of latch stop lock  26 . As shown in  FIG. 30 , if latch stop mechanism  10  is prematurely installed, female connector  2  is unable to fit into male connector  1 . When latch stop mechanism  10  is fully engaged, latch stop surface  68  of wedge  24  may contact latch stop contact surface  66 , which substantially prevents deflection of latch beam  56  as shown in  FIG. 32 . By substantial deflection, it is intended to be understood that the amount of deflection is less than the interference between latch lock  54  and a portion of the top wall of male connector  181  such that female connector  2  and male connector  1  cannot be disengaged. Thus, latch lock  54  may not be disengaged from latch lock window  53  unless latch stop surface  68  is removed from latch cavity  62 . In a preferred embodiment, latch stop surface  68  may not be removed from latch cavity  62  so long as latch stop locking surface  28  remains in contact with latch stop catch surface  64 . In other words, the gap existing between wedge  24  and the bottom wall of the latch cavity  62  is smaller than the needed height to remove latch lock  54  from latch lock window  53 . 
     The present invention may be further understood as a connector with connector position assurance, the connector comprising: a connector housing, a latch stop mechanism adjoining the connector housing, a latch adjoining the connector housing, and one or more terminals; the latch stop mechanism comprising a hinge, a section adjoining the hinge, and a latch stop lock arm disposed on the section, whereby the latch stop lock arm may rotate approximately 180 degrees around a point of rotation; and the latch is disposed on a latch beam, the latch comprising a latch stop contact surface whereby when the latch stop contact surface contacts latch stop surface disposed on the latch stop lock arm, movement of the latch is limited, and wherein when the latch stop contact surface contacts latch stop surface disposed on the latch stop mechanism, a portion of the latch stop mechanism is positioned between the latch beam and one or more terminals. 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention limits movement of the latch when the latch stop contact surface contacts latch stop surface disposed on the latch stop lock arm such that the limitation of movement prevents removing a latch stop surface from a latch cavity so long as a latch stop locking surface remains in contact with a latch stop catch surface. 
     The present invention further includes a method for engaging a first connector having a connector position assurance including a latch stop mechanism to a second connector, the method comprising: fitting a portion of the first connector within a connector housing of the second connector; positioning a latch beam to facilitate fitting a portion of the first connector with the connector housing of the second connector; engaging the first connector with the second connector; rotating a section approximately 180 degrees so that it is positioned adjacent to a rear of one of the connectors; contacting a latch stop incline surface with a latch stop catch; engaging a latch stop lock with the latch stop catch; and fully engaging the latch stop mechanism thereby preventing unintentional disengaging of the first connector from the second connector. 
     The present invention further includes a method wherein the first connector is a male connector and the second connector is a female connector. 
     The present invention further includes a method wherein the latch beam is deflected due to interference between a latch lock and a portion of a top wall of one of the connectors. 
     The present invention further includes a method wherein an anti-stubbing feature disposed on a wedge disposed on the latch stop mechanism, interferes with the latch to prevent full engagement of the latch stop mechanism if the first and second connectors are not fully engaged. 
     The present invention further includes a method wherein interference between the latch stop mechanism and the latch detects a half mate condition between the first and second connectors. 
     The present invention further includes a method comprising: applying axial force on a proximal section; contacting the latch stop lock incline surface with latch stop incline surface; and causing the latch stop lock incline surface to travel along latch stop catch incline surface and bending the latch a stop lock arm when the latch stop lock incline surface contacts the latch stop catch incline surface. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to the construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be included as falling within the scope of the invention.