Updated product line improves safety and eases integration of thermal management systems
November 2020 — Automotive fastening and assembly solutions provider ARaymond has announced a new generation of VDA Quick Connectors — building on its decade of experience designing and manufacturing quick connectors complying with the VDA standard.
Used for vehicles’ heating and cooling lines, including thermal regulation of battery packs used in electric and hybrid vehicles, the new ARaymond QCs feature an improved design that will meet the challenges of Thermal Management Systems integration and assembly on modern vehicles, and improve overall vehicle safety.
The new VDA LOW-PUSH Quick Connectors have been upgraded to reduce the insertion effort required to achieve connection, and this product line was inspired by the accelerating trend towards hybrid and electric vehicles, which are relying on an increasing number of VDA style connectors with no sign of slowing. ARaymond’s new VDA LOW PUSH QCs are now available globally through the ARaymond network, and ARaymond factories are ready and tooled up to support the new product line.
“We have been working closely with our customers and partners around the globe to design our new VDA LOW PUSH QC line,” said Talha Burak Ocak, Business Development Manager for ARaymond. “We are proud to enable significant improvements in ergonomics and safety compared to existing VDA connectors, solving critical challenges related to integration and assembly of thermal management systems. Enhancing connector ergonomics is critical to ease assembly in complex environments, and the new connectors are an easy and effective solution to meet these challenges.”
Ocak said that as more vehicle subsystems rely on heating and cooling, more fluid lines and more connections must be made with large diameter Quick Connectors, increasing musculoskeletal risk for workers. The improved ergonomic ease of this new line of connectors will mean a healthier work force.
An additional feature of the VDA LOW PUSH QCs is an optional Verifier tab that allows operators or automatic systems to confirm a proper connection has been made. The Verifier only becomes visible when the end piece is correctly inserted into the Quick Connector, and displays a customizable QR code which can be easily detected and read, which will mitigate the risk of misassemblies.
ARaymond also offers its customers customized connectors in a variety of diameters, angles and shapes as needed, and with the possibility to integrate fluid management elements such as valves or sensors.
“The VDA LOW PUSH QC line is just the latest innovation from ARaymond, which is always looking to be ahead of the curve and develop the technology of the future in fastening and assembly solutions,” said Ocak.
The global ARaymond Network of companies — including its North American-based operations in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Canada and Mexico — are celebrating its 155th anniversary in 2020.
A family business since 1865, the ARaymond Network has been defined by key inventions over the years, including the press-stud back in 1886 and the first generation of quick connectors for automotive fuel systems in 1989.