30.6 An electromagnetic clip connector for in-vehicle LAN to reduce wire harness weight by 30%

Heavier wire harnesses decrease the fuel efficiency of vehicles. The number of wires has increased sharply with presently over one hundred electronic control units (ECUs). Connectors also add to the weight (Fig. 30.6.1(a)). The connectors used in vehicles occupy a considerable space because heavy protection is required against transmission interruption caused by vibration. In addition, a significant number of wires are used together in a junction box to increase total wire length (e.g. 55L when 10 ECUs are connected) and thus weight increases accordingly.