Abstract: A connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first connector housing and a sliding mechanism. The first connector housing includes a first power terminal cavity and a retaining member. The sliding mechanism slidably engages the first connector housing and includes a first locking member fixed to a first signal terminal cavity. The first locking member includes a first projection. The retaining member may be configured to engage the first projection when the first connector is disconnected from the second connector such that the first signal terminal cavity is maintained in an axially retracted position relative to the first power terminal cavity.

Abstract: A connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first connector housing and a sliding mechanism. The first connector housing includes a first power terminal cavity and a retaining member. The sliding mechanism slidably engages the first connector housing and includes a first locking member fixed to a first signal terminal cavity. The first locking member includes a first projection. The retaining member may be configured to engage the first projection when the first connector is disconnected from the second connector such that the first signal terminal cavity is maintained in an axially retracted position relative to the first power terminal cavity.

Abstract: A connector is provided. The connector can include a first housing, which can define a bore for receipt of at least one first electrical terminal. The first housing includes a first wall defining an aperture opposite a second wall. The connector can include a second housing, which can define a bore for receipt of at least one second electrical terminal. The second housing includes a first wall including a first engagement feature opposite a second wall. The connector includes a first rotatable element retained within the aperture of the first wall. The first rotatable element includes a first feature that engages the first engagement feature and a second feature. The connector can include a mechanical assist, which can include an assist feature. The assist feature can engage the second feature so that sliding movement of the mechanical assist draws the first electrical terminal into contact with the second electrical terminal.

Abstract: A universally adjustable tool for measuring the force required to throw the lever of a lever-type, two-part, electrical connector. The tool comprises a handle, a base bar to which the handle is slideably attached, and a pair of legs having adaptors to permit the tool to be mounted to the lever pivot of the connector. A load cell adjustably depends from the free end of the handle and is operably connectable to the lever by means of a catch in the form of a hook or other desired shape. Various joints and a slide bracket, along with connector adaptors, provide a universal tool adaptable for use with a wide variety of two-part matable lever type connectors.

Abstract: An insertion-force reducing connector assembly and method for mating multi-terminal male and female connectors of the type used in automotive wiring harnesses. The female connector is movably retained in a frame-like holder by a self-actuating force reducing link that automatically couples a male connector inserted into the holder to the female connector with an insertion/withdrawal ratio in which the female connector moves away from the male connector in the terminal-mating direction more slowly than the male connector is inserted, thus allowing the connectors to be coupled over a longer than normal terminal-mating distance and reducing the insertion force needed to mate the terminals. The method includes the steps of coupling the female connector to the holder and subsequently mating the male connector to the female connector in the holder.