Tricon Industries Introduces Universal Sealed Bulb Socket

1999 SAE International Congress and Exposition at Detroit, Michigan – Tricon Industries Inc. of Lisle, Illinois has announced the introduction of a smaller universal sealed socket and backplate assembly. The new assembly incorporates insert molded circuitry designed specifically to simplify wiring and eliminate moisture leak paths to the reflector housings located in fenderwells or harsh locations. The new design also addresses the growing problem of repetitive motion injuries at assembly by allowing for automated bulb insertion and partial assembly by the supplier. Where the manufacturing process is not currently automated, the assembly and servicing of these snap-in socket bulb holders requires significantly less hand/wrist effort than conventional twist-in bulb holders.

Tricon's unique design offers several additional advantages over conventional wiring and bulb sockets:

Tricon's new bulb and socket backplate assemblies connect multiple bulbs to the vehicle wiring harness via an insert molded connector located in the assembly's backplate. The insert molded circuit in the backplate provides a single wire harness sealed connection, eliminating multiple splices used in conventional rear lamp assemblies. Eliminating the splices reduces assembly time and possible moisture leak paths to the circuit as well as assuring correct wiring at the assembly plant. The backplate, with circuits to all bulb sockets, is sealed to the housing by the reflector manufacturer. The removable universal bulb and socket assemblies snap into the rear of the backplate. An O-ring seals the interface between the two. In addition to assuring a high-pressure seal, the assembly is more compact and allows for easy bulb change.

Don Paul, Engineering Director/Product Development reports, "Tricon Industries works closely with Worldwide Tier 1 Suppliers and Automotive Manufacturers on lighting and other component designs. We see a drive toward space savings in the trunk area that is creating the need for high pressure sealed rear light assemblies mounted outside of the trunk area." A major manufacturer has selected this design for the 2001 model year.

Tricon is the first manufacturer to offer multi-bulb sealed socket solutions with an insert molded connection circuit. Tricon's new universal sealed bulb sockets function with standard incandescent bulbs found in conventional lighting applications.

Tricon Industries is a QS-9000/ISO 9001 registered high precision insert molder and specialized component manufacturer for worldwide automotive, mobile communications and appliance markets. Tricon pioneered the use of insert molding techniques for the manufacture of switch and relay components and other electrically oriented parts. Some of Tricon's recent projects include multiple connector insert molded junction blocks, single bulb sealed and unsealed light sockets, insert molded Kevlar ribbon, integrated multifunction switch components, and dual band cellular antenna assemblies. Today, Tricon provides comprehensive design, project management and manufacturing services that can be tailored to a specific project's requirements.