Patent ID: 6554643
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
An electrical connector for connection to a substrate, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), having a plurality of spaced apart mounting holes of a predetermined transverse dimension formed therein, said connector comprising:a housing; at least one contact terminal disposed in said connector housing for establishing an electrical connection to said PCB; at least two mounting projections extending from said housing, each of said mounting projections comprising a body of a constant diameter and having a longitudinal axis, a first end attached to said housing, and a second end formed at a distal end of each of said mounting projections; and at least one rib extending outwardly from each of said at least two mounting projections thereby forming a projection/rib combination for mechanical engagement with said mounting holes in said PCB to support and hold said connector to said PCB; wherein each of said at least one rib includes a length comprising a straight section and a tapered section, said tapered section being a majority of the rib length such that the amount of rib material deformed or displaced during connector insertion is minimized; and wherein a cross-section of each of the projection/rib combinations is related to the predetermined transverse dimension of each of said mounting holes in the PCB such that said connector has a nominal insertion force into said mounting holes and a sufficient retention force to support and hold said connector to said PCB.