Universal Sealed Bulb Socket Assembly Features Ergonomically Friendly Push-In Design

Lisle, IL – Tricon Industries, Inc., a leading supplier of precision insert molded components to the automotive industry, announced the production of a new, O-ring sealed wedge base bulb socket ideal for multi-bulb automotive applications. This "push in" socket design is ergonomically friendly, and favors automatic loading and robotic insertion of the light bulbs.

"Our universal, sealed bulb socket design offers a number of solutions to challenging automotive lighting applications," says Mr. Rick Zech, Sales Manager, Tricon Industries. "It is ideal for multi-bulb lamp assemblies and provides superior environmental protection. An elastomer O-ring seals the plug-in bulb socket to more than 2.5 PSI. This virtually eliminates moisture infiltration through the socket into the lens assembly."

Universal sealed socket assemblies feature a multi-opening backplate with insert molded, stamped copper alloy circuits leading to all bulb locations. This backplate is sealed to the housing by the reflector manufacture. Stamped circuits and terminals simplify the wiring process, eliminating wire splices and reducing assembly time. All circuits are run through a single insert molded connector providing a single termination point to the car wiring harness. Insert molding these circuits and connector terminals protects them from moisture and vibration.

"Ergonomic issues were also a consideration in the design of this plug-in style, universal sealed socket," says Mr. Zech. "We designed this socket so the sockets are pushed in, rather than twisted in. This push-in design greatly reduces ergonomic problems associated with manual assembly. And, this socket design is well suited to low-cost, robotic bulb insertion before the backplate is assembled." Robot tooling can easily push a bulb into the socket. A metal clip inside the socket holds the bulb secure against vibration and shock.

The Tricon universal sealed socket can be mounted in different backplate configurations designed for use in rear, front and side lighting applications in a wide range of car and truck models. Other advantages of this universal sealed socket over conventional wiring and "twist in" sockets include:

Tricon Industries, Inc. is a QS-9000/ISO 9001 registered manufacturer specializing in insert molding and specialized components for worldwide automotive, mobile communications and appliance markets. Tricon was one of the first in the industry to use insert molding techniques for the manufacture of switch and relay components as well as other electrically oriented parts. Some of Tricon's recent projects include complex insert molded junction blocks and multifunction switch components, sealed tail light bulb and circuit stampings, single bulb light sockets, mobile antenna assemblies and wire terminations to circuit components. Today, Tricon provides comprehensive design, project management and manufacturing capabilities that can be tailored to specific project requirements.