Question about press fitting a Amphenol FCI Clincher Connector

Sensors Force & Weight
1

I purchased a force sensor (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9375) and a Amphenol FCI Clincher Connector (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/14195), but I’m having a hard time 1) determining how the clincher is to be used, and 2) snapping the clincher closed.

Here is a close up of the clincher and the leads of the force sensor:

a_components.jpg
a_components.jpg756×520 133 KB

There is a notch at the front (B) where the teeth (E) go through.

Here, the leads (C) are over the notches (B):

b_leads over_notches.jpg
b_leads over_notches.jpg756×625 138 KB

And here the bases (D) are over the notches (B):

c_base_over_notches.JPG
c_base_over_notches.JPG756×673 153 KB

So, my first question is, where should the leads of the force sensor be placed?

Next, regardless of position, I tried snapping it closed, but I’m not able to (Maybe I just need to exert a lot more force?)

2

Also, here is what it looks like opened:

open.png

And here is what it would look like (I think) if it were closed:

closed2.png

…however the leads (the red line here), don’t appear to be able to be bent like this.

Could you provide some information on how to use the clincher connector, and how the force sensor leads should be placed?

Thanks,

Jeff

3

Hi Jeff,

The FCI Clincher Connector is intended to replace the connector that comes pre-populated on this Force Sensitive Resistor and other sensors like it. To get it to properly close without damaging the sensor and connector, you want to actually cut off the pre-populated connector so, going off of your photos, that will be just above the two pin connector labeled “D”. Just standard scissors will work here.

Once you have done that, I find the best way to close it is to first, line up the two “traces” for the substrate of the sensor and then with your hand, lightly press down to prevent the sensor from slipping out when you move on to actually clinch the connectors into place. Once you have done that, make sure to open the blue housing back up and then with some needle-nosed pliers or even tweezers, gently crimp the connectors into place (you should hear a small pop as the connector pierces the substrate) and then flatten them out as you see fit so the housing of the connector can then close without issue. Avoid trying to crimp the connectors with the blue housing closed as that can damage the “locks” on the sides of that blue housing and it will not shut properly.

I hope this helps alleviate any confusion regarding how to use these connectors. We are going to update our tutorials for the sensors that these can be used with to make it more clear on how these are intended to be added to a Force Sensitive Resistor or other sensors. If you have any other questions or concerns about how to use these products, let me know and I would be happy to help.

4

Hi Jeff.

I’ve added a few pictures to show the steps TS-Mark mentions above.

Hope this helps!

Sensor beside the connector

1.jpg
Remove existing pins from sensor

2.jpg
Slide sensor into connector

3.jpg
Crimp the pins with a flat tool

4.jpg
Different view of crimped pins

5.jpg
Close the blue ‘door’

6.jpg

Once you’ve done all that, you’re all set! :slight_smile:

5

TS-Chris:
Hi Jeff.

I’ve added a few pictures to show the steps TS-Mark mentions above.

Hope this helps!

Once you’ve done all that, you’re all set! :slight_smile:

Thanks Chris and Mark, that helped a lot. I misunderstood the instructions and couldn’t figure out how those leads could be crimped. This makes total sense now.

Thanks!

Jeff

6

Hi Jeff,

You are very welcome! I am glad we could help. Just for your information and to inform other users who find this post looking for help with these connectors, we have updated our [Force Sensitive Resistors Guide with detailed instructions including photos on how to properly use the FCI clincher connectors.](Force Sensitive Resistor Hookup Guide - SparkFun Learn)