Abstract: An electrical connector assembly according to the current invention comprises a receptacle and a composite action beam for electrically connecting a pin to a printed circuit board. The composite action beam is located in the receptacle and has a movable end and a fixed end. During an initial phase of the pin insertion cycle, the movable end of the composite action beam deflects so as to minimize the force necessary to insert the pin into the connector housing. During an intermediate phase of the insertion cycle, the movable end contacts an inside wall of the connector and the composite action beam functions as a two-end supported beam. The composite action beam supported at both ends exerts sufficiently high normal force against the inserted pin so as to retain the pin in the inserted position. Thus, the composite action beam reduces insertion force without compromising normal retention force once the pin is inserted.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly according to the current invention comprises a receptacle and a composite action beam. The composite action beam is located in the receptacle and has a movable end and a fixed end. During initial phase of insertion cycle, a movable end of the composite action beam moves as the pin is inserted into the connector. This movement reduces insertion force. During an intermediate phase of the insertion cycle, the movable end reaches the inside wall of the connector and the composite action beam now functions as a two-end supported beam. The composite action beam thereon exerts sufficiently high normal force against the inserted pin so as to retain the pin in the inserted position. Thus, the composite action beam reduces insertion force without compromising normal force once the pin is inserted.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly according to the current invention comprises a receptacle and a right angle header for connecting two or more printed circuit boards. A composite action beam is located in the receptacle and has a movable end and a fixed end. During an initial phase of the pin insertion cycle, the movable end of the composite action beam deflects so as to minimize the force necessary to insert the pin into the connector housing. During an intermediate phase of the insertion cycle, the movable end contacts an inside wall of the connector and the composite action beam functions as a two-end supported beam. The composite action beam supported at both ends exerts sufficiently high normal force against the inserted pin so as to retain the pin in the inserted position. Thus, the composite action beam reduces insertion force without compromising normal retention force once the pin is inserted.