Lear Corporation
Method of heat shrinking a protective sleeve onto an electrical connection

Abstract:

A method of heat shrinking a protective sleeve onto an electrical connection includes an initial step of providing an electrical connection, such as between an electrical wire and an electrical termination device, and a protective sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the protective sleeve has an adhesive material applied thereto and is disposed about the electrical connection. Thermal energy is applied to the outer surface of the protective sleeve so as to increase the temperature thereof. Either before, at the same time, or after this step, the temperature of some or all of the electrical connection disposed within the protective sleeve is increased, such as by induction heating. As a result, the protective sleeve shrinks onto the electrical connection, and the adhesive material forms a tight bond between the protective sleeve and the electrical connection.