(57) An electrical connector (11) for mating with a male contact of a mating connector
is capable of exerting a selectively variable contact force. The electrical connector
(11) includes a conducting member (20) having a lead (26) and a contact beam (24a,
24b) electrically coupled to the lead (26). The contact beam (24a, 24b) is adapted
to resiliently engage the male contact. The electrical connector (11) further comprises
a contact housing (15). At least a portion of the lead (26) is disposed within the
contact housing (15). At least a portion of the contact beam (24a, 24b) is disposed
within the contact housing (15) so that the contact beam (24a, 24b) is urged into
and restrained by the contact housing (15) when the contact beam (24a, 24b) resiliently
engages the male contact. A contact force is thereby generated between the contact
beam (24a, 24b) and the contact pin (28). The contact housing (15) is capable of being
selectively positioned in relation to the contact beam (24a, 24b) so that a point
of restraint on the contact beam (24a, 24b) is selectively variable. The contact force
between the contact beam (24a, 24b) and the male contact can thereby be varied on
a selective basis.
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