Patent Publication Number: US-10763625-B2

Title: Connector with electrical contact for shield termination device

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is generally related to shielding for conductors. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electrical cables are used in aircraft and other applications to provide information from one component to another component. For example, sensors, controllers, and other devices of an airplane may each send and receive data using one or more electrical cables. The electrical cables may be grouped using a wire harness. 
     To prevent or reduce effects of electromagnetic interference, an electrical cable may be connected to a shield. As an illustrative example, in some implementations, a shield may isolate an electrical cable from effects of lightning or other electromagnetic signals that can damage aircraft equipment. A group of shields can be connected to a shield termination platform that “terminates” multiple connector shields (e.g., by connecting the group of shields to one or more components). 
     In some circumstances, a shield component may become loose, reducing effectiveness of the shield. As an example, a mechanical connection between a shield termination platform and one or more other components may loosen. In this circumstance, the shield may not function properly, which can result in components being exposed to electromagnetic interference. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a particular example, an apparatus includes a wire harness including a primary conductor and a shield conductor configured to electromagnetically shield the primary conductor. The apparatus further includes a first connector coupled to the wire harness. The first connector includes a shield termination device electrically connected to the shield conductor. The first connector further includes a connector body defining a plurality of openings to receive a first plurality of electrical contacts. The first plurality of electrical contacts is configured to mate with a second plurality of electrical contacts of a second connector. A first electrical contact of the first plurality of electrical contacts is positioned in a first opening of the connector body and is electrically connected to the primary conductor. A second electrical contact of the first plurality of electrical contacts is positioned in a second opening of the connector body and is electrically connected to the shield termination device. 
     In another particular example, an apparatus includes a primary conductor, a shield conductor configured to electromagnetically shield the primary conductor, and a first connector coupled to the primary conductor. The first connector includes a shield termination device electrically connected to the shield conductor. The first connector further includes a connector body defining a plurality of openings to receive a first plurality of electrical contacts. The first plurality of electrical contacts is configured to mate with a second plurality of electrical contacts of a second connector. The first connector further includes a first electrical contact of the first plurality of electrical contacts positioned in a first opening of the connector body and electrically connected to the primary conductor. The first connector further includes a second electrical contact of the first plurality of electrical contacts positioned in a second opening of the connector body and electrically connected to the shield termination device. 
     In another particular example, a method includes connecting a wire harness to a first connector that includes a plurality of electrical contacts configured to mate with a second plurality of electrical contacts of a second connector. The wire harness includes a primary conductor and a shield conductor that is attached to the primary conductor and to a shield termination device. The method further includes connecting a first electrical contact of the plurality of electrical contacts to the primary conductor. The method further includes connecting a second electrical contact of the plurality of electrical contacts to the shield termination device. 
     In another particular example, a method includes aligning a first plurality of electrical contacts of a first connector with a second plurality of electrical contacts of a second connector. The method further includes forming a first connection between a first electrical contact of the first plurality of electrical contacts and a corresponding first electrical contact of the second plurality of electrical contacts. The first electrical contact is coupled to a first primary conductor of a first wire harness, and the corresponding first electrical contact is coupled to a second primary conductor of a second wire harness. The method further includes forming a second connection between a second electrical contact of the first plurality of electrical contacts and a corresponding second electrical contact of the second plurality of electrical contacts. The second electrical contact is coupled to a first shield of the first primary conductor, and the corresponding second electrical contact is coupled to a second shield of the second primary conductor. Forming the second connection provides a first current path from a first shield termination device to a second shield termination device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a diagram that illustrates aspects of an example of a connector including a contact coupled to a shield of a conductor. 
         FIG. 1B  is a diagram that illustrates aspects of an example of a connector with a wire having a first end that is connected to a mechanical band and a second end that is connected to a tab. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram that illustrates aspects of the connector of  FIG. 1A  and a second connector. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram that illustrates additional aspects of the connector of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart of an example of a method of fabricating a connector that includes a contact coupled to a shield of a conductor. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart of an example of a method of connecting components using a connector that includes a contact coupled to a shield of a conductor. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart of an example of a life cycle of a vehicle including a connector including a contact coupled to a shield of a conductor. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating aspects of an example of a computing system that includes a connector having a contact coupled to a shield of a conductor. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating aspects of an illustrative implementation of an aircraft that includes a connector having a contact coupled to a shield of a conductor. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In a particular implementation, a wire harness is coupled to a connector having an electrical contact (e.g., a pin or a receptacle configured to receive a pin). The electrical contact is coupled (e.g., via a wire, such as a pigtail wire) to a shield termination device. Upon coupling the connector to another connector, the shield termination device is electrically coupled (e.g., via the wire and the electrical contact) to another shield termination of the other connector. As a result, if a mechanical connection between the shield termination device and another component is loosened, “shield-to-shield continuity” is maintained via the wire and the electrical contact. 
     Alternatively or in addition, in a particular example, the wire is coupled to a mechanical band. A plurality of shield conductors are connected to the mechanical band. As a result, the wire is electrically connected to the plurality of shield conductors at a first end of the wire. In a particular example, a second end of the wire is connected to the electrical contact (e.g., a pin or a socket configured to receive a pin). In another example, the second end of the wire is connected to a tab (instead of to the electrical contact). Connecting the wire to the tab instead of to an electrical contact may increase a number of electrical contacts available for other purposes, which may be beneficial in applications with low availability of pins or sockets. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , an illustrative example of an apparatus is depicted and generally designated  100 . In a particular illustrative example, the apparatus  100  is integrated within an electrical system of a vehicle, such as within an electrical system of an aircraft, as an illustrative example. 
     The apparatus  100  includes a wire harness  102  including a plurality of conductors, such as a plurality of primary conductors  104 . To illustrate, FIG. depicts that the plurality of primary conductors includes a primary conductor  106 . In various implementations, the plurality of primary conductors  104  include coaxial wires, twisted pair wires, twisted triple wires, single strand wires, optical conductors, or any other conductor configured to transmit a signal. 
     The wire harness  102  further includes a plurality of shields, such as a plurality of shield conductors  108 . The plurality of shield conductors  108  is configured to shield the plurality of primary conductors  104 . In one example, the plurality of shield conductors  108  is configured to shield the plurality of primary conductors  104  from interference from an external source, such as a radio transmitter. Alternatively or in addition, in another example, the plurality of shield conductors  108  is configured to shield the plurality of primary conductors  104  from a source that is internal to a vehicle that includes the apparatus  100 . Alternatively or in addition, in another example, the plurality of shield conductors  108  is configured to shield effects of electromagnetic signals generated by the plurality of primary conductors  104 . 
     To further illustrate,  FIG. 1A  depicts that the plurality of shield conductors  108  includes a shield conductor  110 . The shield conductor  110  is configured to electromagnetically shield the primary conductor  106 . As used herein, shielding the primary conductor  106  includes shielding the primary conductor  106  from electromagnetic signals generated by another component, shielding a component from electromagnetic signals generated by the primary conductor  106 , or a combination thereof. In some examples, the shield conductor  110  includes a wire mesh configured to electromagnetically shield the primary conductor  106  from one or more of a lightning strike, a high-intensity electromagnetic field, an electromagnetic pulse, a radio signal, or another electromagnetic signal. 
     The apparatus  100  further includes a shield termination device  112  (also referred to as a “shield termination platform”). In some implementations, each shield conductor of the plurality of shield conductors  108  (including the shield conductor  110 ) is electrically connected to the shield termination device  112 . For example, in some implementations, the plurality of shield conductors  108  is in contact with or is soldered to the shield termination device  112 . In some implementations, the shield termination device  112  is coupled to one or more other components of a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft) that includes the apparatus  100 , such as to a ground node or other component of the vehicle. 
     The apparatus  100  further includes a first connector  114 . In some implementations, the first connector  114  is coupled to the wire harness  102 . In some examples, the first connector  114  is coupled to the shield termination device  112 . In a particular example, the shield termination device  112  includes a first set of teeth  128  configured to mate with a second set of teeth  130  of the first connector  114  (e.g., to mechanically connect the shield termination device  112  to the first connector  114 , to electrically connect the shield termination device  112  to the first connector  114 , or both). 
     In some implementations, the apparatus  100  further includes an electrical coupler  140 . In some examples, the electrical coupler  140  is coupled to or included in the shield termination device  112 . In some examples, the electrical coupler  140  is configured to secure the first set of teeth  128  to the second set of teeth  130  by keeping the first set of teeth  128  engaged with the second set of teeth, such as by screwing a ring or disc over the first set of teeth  128  and the second set of teeth  130  (after the first set of teeth  128  is connected to the second set of teeth  130 ). 
     The first connector  114  further includes a connector body  116 . The connector body  116  defines a plurality of openings to receive a first plurality of electrical contacts configured to mate with a second plurality of electrical contacts of a second connector. As an example,  FIG. 1A  depicts that the plurality of openings includes a first opening  118  and a second opening  122 . A first electrical contact  120  is positioned in the first opening  118 , and a second electrical contact  124  is positioned in the second opening  122 . To further illustrate, in some implementations, the connector body  116  has an insert arrangement configuration, where the plurality of openings of the connector body  116  are formed in an insert device that holds each contact of the plurality of electrical contacts of the connector body  116 . The insert arrangement configuration may comply with one or more connector specifications that specify a number, arrangement, or type of contacts of the connector body  116 . 
     At least one electrical contact of the connector body  116  is coupled to a primary conductor of the plurality of primary conductors  104 . For example, the first electrical contact  120  is electrically connected to the primary conductor  106 . In some implementations, each primary conductor of the plurality of primary conductors  104  is electrically connected to a respective electrical contact positioned in a corresponding opening of the connector body  116 . 
     The second electrical contact  124  is electrically connected to the shield termination device  112 . For example, in  FIG. 1A , the apparatus  100  includes a wire  126  (illustrated with crosshatching) coupled to the second electrical contact  124  and to the shield termination device  112 . In a particular example, the wire  126  electrically couples the second electrical contact  124  to each shield conductor of the plurality of shield conductors  108  via the shield termination device  112 . 
     The wire  126  may have one or more characteristics selected to enable the wire  126  to discharge current from each shield conductor of the plurality of shield conductors  108 . For example, in some implementations, the wire  126  has one or more of a size (e.g., gauge) or a material selected to enable the wire  126  to conduct current from each shield conductor of the plurality of shield conductors  108 . In a particular example, the wire  126  and the second electrical contact  124  have sizes selected to provide a single current path for all shield conductors of the wire harness  102 . 
     In some implementations, the wire  126  has a current carrying capacity that is selected based on current carrying capacities of shield conductors of the plurality of shield conductors  108 . In a particular example, each shield conductor of the plurality of shield conductors  108  is associated with a current carrying capacity of N amperes (where N is a positive number), and the current carrying capacity of the wire  126  is greater than or equal to N*M amperes (where M is a positive integer indicating a number of shield conductors of the plurality of shield conductors  108 ). 
     Although the example of  FIG. 1A  illustrates a single wire  126  coupled to the shield termination device  112  and to the second electrical contact  124 , in other implementations, one or more other wires or devices are coupled to the shield termination device  112  and to the second electrical contact  124  (alternatively or in addition to the wire  126 ). For example, in some implementations, multiple wires  126  are coupled to the shield termination device  112  and to the second electrical contact  124  (e.g., to increase an effective current carrying capacity of a path from the shield termination device  112  to the second electrical contact  124 ). Alternatively or in addition, multiple electrical contacts of the first connector  114  may be coupled to one or more wires  126  (e.g., to increase an effective current carrying capacity of a path from the shield termination device  112  through the first connector  114  and to a second connector). 
     The example of  FIG. 1A  also illustrates that in some implementations the apparatus  100  includes a mechanical band  142 . In a particular example, each of the plurality of shield conductors  108  is connected to the mechanical band  142 . For example, in some implementations, the plurality of shield conductors  108  are wrapped underneath and are coupled to the mechanical band  142 . In the example of  FIG. 1A , a first end of the wire  126  is coupled to the mechanical band  142 , and a second end of the wire  126  is coupled to second electrical contact  124 . In an alternative example, the second end of the wire  126  is coupled to a tab, as described with reference to  FIG. 1B . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B , another illustrative example of an apparatus is depicted and generally designated  150 . Certain features of the apparatus  150  may be as described with reference to the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1A . 
     In the example of  FIG. 1B , the apparatus  150  includes a tab  152 . In  FIG. 1B , a first end of the wire  126  is coupled to the mechanical band  142  (e.g., as described with reference to the example of  FIG. 1A ). In the example of  FIG. 1B , a second end of the wire  126  is coupled to a tab  152  (instead of to the second electrical contact  124 ). In some implementations, a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the tab  152  is connected to the first connector  114  (e.g., via soldering, crimping, or press fitting, as illustrative examples), and a second surface (e.g., a top surface) of the tab  152  is connected to the second end of the wire  126  (e.g., via soldering, crimping, or press fitting, as illustrative examples). 
     In some implementations, aspects of either the apparatus  100  or the apparatus  150  may be selected based on availability of electrical contacts of the first connector  114 . For example, the particular application is associated with unused (or “spare”) electrical contacts of the first connector  114 , then one or more electrical contacts of the first connector  114  may be coupled to the wire  126 , for example as described with reference to  FIG. 1A . Alternatively, if the particular application does not leave any unused (or “extra”) electrical contacts of the first connector  114 , then the wire  126  may be coupled to the tab  152 , as described with reference to  FIG. 1B  (e.g., to “conserve” electrical contacts of the first connector  114 ). 
     One or more aspects of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  enable the plurality of shield conductors  108  to shield the plurality of primary conductors  104  in the presence of a malfunction. For example, in some circumstances, the shield termination device  112  may become mechanically or electrically separated from the first connector  114 , such as due to loosening of the electrical coupler  140  or if the first set of teeth  128  is separated from the second set of teeth  130 . In this case, the wire  126  provides an electrical connection from the plurality of shield conductors  108  (and the shield termination device  112 ) to the second electrical contact  124  or to the tab  152 , maintaining shielding of the plurality of shield conductors  108 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates aspects of a system that includes the apparatus  100  and an apparatus  200 . The apparatus  200  includes many of the same features and components as the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1A . For example, in some implementations, the apparatus  200  includes a second connector  214  that corresponds to the first connector  114 . As additional examples, in some implementations, the apparatus  200  includes a third electrical contact  224  corresponding to the second electrical contact  124  and also includes a second shield termination device  212  corresponding to the shield termination device  112 .  FIG. 2  also depicts that the apparatus  200  includes a second wire  226  coupled to the third electrical contact  224  and to the second shield termination device  212 . Further, it is noted that in  FIG. 2  the wires  126 ,  226  may be coupled to tabs (e.g., as described with reference to the tab  152  of  FIG. 1B ) instead of being coupled to electrical contacts. 
     The second shield termination device  212  is electrically connected to the second connector  214 . For example, the second wire  226  electrically connects the second shield termination device  212  to the third electrical contact  224  of the second connector  214 . Alternatively or in addition, in some implementations, the second shield termination device  212  is in contact with the second connector  214 , such as using sets of teeth, as described with reference to the sets of teeth  128 ,  130  of  FIG. 1A , using a tab arrangement, using one or more other techniques, or a combination thereof. 
     In some implementations, the first connector  114  is configured to attach to the second connector  214 . To illustrate, in some examples, the first connector  114  is configured to screw to the second connector  214 . Alternatively or in addition, in some implementations, the first connector  114  is configured to attached to the second connector  214  using one or more other techniques, such as by plugging the second connector  214  into the first connector  114  (or vice versa). 
     Upon attaching the first connector  114  to the second connector  214 , the second electrical contact  124  provides a current path from the shield termination device  112  to the second shield termination device  212 . In some examples, the current path includes the plurality of shield conductors  108 , the shield termination device  112 , the wire  126 , the second electrical contact  124 , the third electrical contact  224 , the second wire  226 , the second shield termination device  212 , and a plurality of shield conductors of the apparatus  200 . 
     To further illustrate,  FIG. 2  depicts an example in which electrical contacts of the first connector  114  include “pins.” In this example, the first plurality of electrical contacts of the first connector  114  (e.g., the electrical contacts  120 ,  124 ) include a plurality of pins, and a second plurality of electrical contacts of the second connector  214  (e.g., the third electrical contact  224  and a fourth electrical contact  220 ) include a plurality of receptacles configured to connect to the plurality of pins. In an alternative implementation, the first plurality of electrical contacts include a plurality of receptacles, and the second plurality of electrical contacts include a plurality of pins configured to connect to the plurality of receptacles. 
     One or more aspects of  FIG. 2  enable the plurality of shield conductors  108  to shield the plurality of primary conductors  104  from electromagnetic interference. For example, in some circumstances, the shield termination device  112  may become mechanically or electrically separated from the first connector  114 , such as due to loosening of the electrical coupler  140  or if the first set of teeth  128  is separated from the second set of teeth  130 . In this case, the wire  126  provides an electrical connection from the plurality of shield conductors  108  (and the shield termination device  112 ) to the second electrical contact  124 , maintaining shielding of the plurality of shield conductors  108 . 
     As another example, in some circumstances, the second shield termination device  212  may become mechanically or electrically separated from the second connector  214 . In this case, the second wire  226  provides an electrical connection from the second shield termination device  212  to the third electrical contact  224 , maintaining shielding of a plurality of shield conductors coupled to the second connector  214 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts additional illustrative aspects of the apparatus  100 . Although the example of  FIG. 3  is described with reference to the apparatus  100 , it is noted that aspects of  FIG. 3  may be implemented at the apparatus  150  or the apparatus  200  (alternatively or in addition to the apparatus  100 ). 
     In the example of  FIG. 3 , the wire  126  is in contact with the shield termination device  112 . Further, the shield termination device  112  is in contact with the shield conductor  110  that is attached to the primary conductor  106 . In some implementations, the wire  126  is attached to the mechanical band  142 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , aspects of an example of a method of fabricating a connector that includes a contact coupled to a shield of a conductor are depicted and generally designated  400 . In a particular example, the method  400  is performed to fabricate the first connector  114 . In other examples, the method  400  is performed to fabricate another connector, such as the second connector  214 , one or more other connectors, or a combination thereof. 
     The method  400  includes connecting a wire harness to a first connector that includes a plurality of electrical contacts configured to mate with a second plurality of electrical contacts of a second connector, at  402 . In a particular example, connecting the wire harness to the first connector includes mechanically connecting the wire harness to the first connector. For example, in some implementations, the wire harness  102  is connected to the first connector  114  by connecting the first set of teeth  128  to the second set of teeth  130 , as an illustrative example. Alternatively or in addition, in some implementations, the wire harness  102  is connected to the first connector  114  using the electrical coupler  140  (e.g., to secure the first set of teeth  128  to the second set of teeth  130 ). The wire harness includes a primary conductor and a shield conductor that is attached to the primary conductor and to a shield termination device. For example, the wire harness  102  includes the primary conductor  106  and the shield conductor  110  that is attached to the primary conductor  106  and to the shield termination device  112 . 
     The method  400  further includes connecting a first electrical contact of the plurality of electrical contacts to the primary conductor, at  404 . For example, the first electrical contact  120  is connected to the primary conductor  106 , such as by soldering, crimping, or press fitting the first electrical contact  120  to the primary conductor  106 , as illustrative examples. 
     The method  400  further includes connecting a wire to the shield termination device and to a second electrical contact of the plurality of electrical contacts or to a tab, at  406 . In a particular example, the wire  126  connects the second electrical contact  124  to the shield termination device  112 . In a particular example, connecting the second electrical contact  124  to the shield termination device  112  includes attaching (e.g., soldering) the wire  126  to the second electrical contact  124  and to the shield termination device  112 . In some examples, the second electrical contact  124  includes a pin, and attaching the wire  126  includes soldering the wire  126  to the pin. In another example, the second electrical contact  124  includes a receptacle, and attaching the wire  126  includes soldering the wire  126  to the receptacle. In another implementation, the wire  126  is connected to the shield termination device  112  and to the tab  152 , such as described with reference to  FIG. 1B . Connecting the wire  126  to one or both of the shield termination device  112  and the tab  152  may include soldering, crimping, or press fitting the wire  126 , as illustrative examples. 
     A device fabricated in accordance with or more aspects of  FIG. 4  enables shielding in the presence of a malfunction. For example, in some circumstances, the electrical coupler  140  may become mechanically separated. In this case, shield continuity is maintained (e.g., using the wire  126 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , aspects of an example of a method of connecting components using a connector that includes a contact coupled to a shield of a conductor are depicted and generally designated  500 . In a particular example, the method  500  is performed to attach the first connector  114  to the second connector  214 . 
     The method  500  includes aligning a first plurality of electrical contacts of a first connector with a second plurality of electrical contacts of a second connector, at  502 . For example, in some implementations, the electrical contacts  120 ,  124  of the first connector  114  are aligned with the electrical contacts  220 ,  224  of the second connector  214 . 
     The method  500  further includes forming a first connection between a first electrical contact (e.g., the first electrical contact  120 ) of the first plurality of electrical contacts and a corresponding first electrical contact (e.g., the fourth electrical contact  220 ) of the second plurality of electrical contacts, at  504 . The first electrical contact is coupled to a first primary conductor (e.g., the primary conductor  106 ) of a first wire harness (e.g., the wire harness  102 ), and the corresponding first electrical contact is coupled to a second primary conductor of a second wire harness (e.g., a second primary conductor and a second wire harness that are included in the apparatus  200 ). 
     The method  500  further includes forming a second connection between a second electrical contact (e.g., the second electrical contact  124 ) of the first plurality of electrical contacts and a corresponding second electrical contact (e.g., the third electrical contact  224 ) of the second plurality of electrical contacts, at  506 . The second electrical contact coupled to a first shield (e.g., the shield conductor  110 ) of the first primary conductor, and the corresponding second electrical contact coupled to a second shield of the second primary conductor (e.g., a second shield conductor that is included in the apparatus  200 ). Forming the second connection provides a first current path from a first shield termination device (e.g., the shield termination device  112 ) to a second shield termination device (e.g., the second shield termination device  212 ). 
     In some implementations, the method  500  further includes attaching (e.g., screwing) the first connector to the second connector to form a mechanical connection between the first connector and the second connector. For example, in some implementations, the first connector  114  is attached (e.g., screwed) to the second connector  214  to mechanically connect the first connector  114  to the second connector  214 . In some examples, the mechanical connection forms a second current path from the first shield termination device to the second shield termination device. In some examples, the first current path is electrically conductive independently of the mechanical connection (e.g., where the first current path remains electrically conductive in the event that the first connector  114  is separated from the second connector  214 ). In some examples, as long as signals associated with primary conductors remain functional, shield continuity is maintained across the connector pair. 
     A device connected in accordance with or more aspects of  FIG. 5  enables shielding in the presence of a malfunction. For example, in some circumstances, the electrical coupler  140  may become mechanically separated (or “loose”). In this case, shield continuity is maintained (e.g., using the wire  126 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a flowchart of an illustrative example of a life cycle of a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft) including a connector including a contact coupled to a shield of a conductor is depicted and generally designated  600 . The vehicle may include the first connector  114 , the second connector  214 , one or more other connectors, or a combination thereof. 
     During pre-production, the exemplary method  600  includes specification and design of the vehicle, at  602 . During the specification and design of the vehicle, the method  600  includes specifying components, such as the first connector  114 , the shield termination device  112 , and the wire harness  102 . 
     At  604 , the method  600  includes material procurement. For example, the method  600  may include procuring materials (such as materials for the first connector  114 , the shield termination device  112 , and the wire harness  102 ) for the vehicle. 
     During production, the method  600  includes, at  606 , component and subassembly manufacturing and, at  608 , system integration of the vehicle. In some implementations, component and subassembly includes one or more operations of the method  400  of  FIG. 4 , and system integration includes one or more operations of the method  500  of  FIG. 5 . 
     The method  600  includes certification and delivery of the vehicle, at  610 , and placing the vehicle in service, at  612 . In some implementations, service of the vehicle may include operating using electrical connections formed using the connectors  114 ,  214 . 
     While in service, the vehicle may be scheduled for routine maintenance and service (which may also include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and so on). At  614 , the method  600  includes performing maintenance and service on the vehicle. To illustrate, in some examples, performing maintenance and service may include inspecting and servicing a connection between the connectors  114 ,  214 . 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of a block diagram of a computing environment  700  including a computing device  710  (e.g., a general-purpose computing device) configured to support embodiments of computer-implemented methods and computer-executable program instructions (or code) according to the present disclosure. For example, the computing device  710 , or portions thereof, may execute instructions to perform or initiate the functions of a vehicle that includes the first connector  114 , the second connector  214 , or both. 
     The computing device  710  includes a processor  752 . The processor  752  may communicate with a memory  714  (e.g., a system memory), one or more storage devices  740 , one or more input/output interfaces  750 , a communications interface  726 , or a combination thereof. 
     The memory  714  may include volatile memory devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM) devices), nonvolatile memory devices (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) devices, programmable read-only memory, and flash memory), or both. The memory  714  may include an operating system  732 , which may include a basic/input output system for booting the computing device  710  as well as a full operating system to enable the computing device  710  to interact with users, other programs, and other devices. The memory  714  may include one or more applications  734  which may be executable by the processor  752 . For example, the one or more applications  734  may include instructions executable by the processor  752  to transmit signals between components of the computing device  710 , such as the memory  714 , the one or more storage devices  740 , the one or more input/output interfaces  750 , the communications interface  726 , or a combination thereof. 
     The one or more storage devices  740  may include nonvolatile storage devices, such as magnetic disks, optical disks, or flash memory devices. The one or more storage devices  740  may include both removable and non-removable memory devices. The one or more storage devices  740  may be configured to store an operating system, images of operating systems, applications, and program data. In a particular example, the memory  714 , the one or more storage devices  740 , or both, include tangible computer-readable media. 
     In the example of  FIG. 7 , the computing device  710  includes one or more connectors, such as the second connector  214 . The second connector  214  can be coupled to one or more components or devices, such as one or more components or devices that are external to the computing device  710 . The example of  FIG. 7  illustrates that the second connector  214  is coupled to the first connector  114 .  FIG. 7  also illustrates that the first connector  114  is coupled to the shield conductor  110  via the shield termination device  112 . 
     The processor  752  may communicate with the one or more input/output interfaces  750  to enable the computing device  710  to communicate with one or more input/output devices  770  to facilitate user interaction. The one or more input/output interfaces  750  may include serial interfaces (e.g., universal serial bus (USB) interfaces or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 interfaces), parallel interfaces, display adapters, audio adapters, and other interfaces. The one or more input/output devices  770  may include keyboards, pointing devices, displays, speakers, microphones, touch screens, and other devices. The processor  752  may detect interaction events based on user input received via the one or more input/output interfaces  750 . Additionally, the processor  752  may send a display to a display device via the one or more input/output interfaces  750 . In some implementations, the one or more input/output devices  770  are coupled to the processor  752  via the connectors  114 ,  214 . 
     The processor  752  may communicate with (or send signals to) one or more devices  780  using the communications interface  726 . The communications interface  726  may include one or more wired interfaces (e.g., Ethernet interfaces), one or more wireless interfaces that comply with an IEEE 802.11 communication protocol, other wireless interfaces, optical interfaces, or other network interfaces. The one or more devices  780  may include host computers, servers, workstations, and other computing devices. In some implementations, the one or more devices  780  are coupled to the processor  752  via the connectors  114 ,  214 . 
     Aspects of the disclosure may be described in the context of an example of an aircraft  800  as shown in  FIG. 8 . In some examples, the aircraft  800  corresponds to the vehicle described with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
     The aircraft  800  includes an electrical system  826 . In the example of  FIG. 8 , the electrical system  826  includes the first connector  114 , the shield termination device  112 , and the shield conductor  110 . The first connector  114  includes the first electrical contact  120 , and the shield conductor is configured to shield the primary conductor  106 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the aircraft  800  includes an airframe  818  with a plurality of systems  820  and an interior  822 . Examples of the plurality of systems  820  include one or more of a propulsion system  824 , the electrical system  826 , an environmental system  828 , and a hydraulic system  830 . Any number of other systems may be included. 
     The illustrations of the examples described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various implementations. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other implementations may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other implementations may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, method operations may be performed in a different order than shown in the figures or one or more method operations may be omitted. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. 
     Moreover, although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar results may be substituted for the specific implementations shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various implementations. Combinations of the above implementations, and other implementations not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single implementation for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. Examples described above illustrate, but do not limit, the disclosure. It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. As the following claims reflect, the claimed subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed examples. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.