A new electronic connector gasket from Dana Corporation of Neu-Ulm, Germany, is one of the first applications to benefit from patented 2K molding technology for the production of assemblies combining Vamac ethylene acrylic elastomer (AEM) with Zytel nylon resin.The multi-shot technology, licensed solely to DuPont by Evonik Degussa, allows the direct bonding of rubber and plastics and simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for primer or anchoring.
In the case of the highly integrated connector gasket, which includes both a wiring harness and power connectors, its seal is permanently bonded to the gasket body to provide long term heat and oil resistance and to eliminate leakages. The particular grade of this nylon 6,6 specified for the gasket body combines excellent mechanical properties with enhanced heat aging performance, hydrolysis resistance and improved oil resistance. For its part, when used in seals, Vamac AEM provides high sealing performance, low permeability and excellent resistance to oil and grease. Moreover, this seals are highly resistant to compression set and maintains long-term sealing force, meaning that the gasket can be disassembled and reassembled again for reuse.
The Dana gasket is the first to integrate wiring harness, all fuel injector, plug, sensor and actuator/solenoid power connections. The result is a highly-integrated unit, complete with pre-assembled wiring harness that can reduce assembly time by 30 - 40 %, and eliminates the need to machine cylinder head holes, feed cables or control wiring direction. Thus, accurate positioning of all power connections is assured, while yielding a 25 - 40 % component cost saving compared with conventional gaskets and separate wiring harnesses.
