Abstract:
An optical connector assembly includes a spring, a ferrule, a first housing, and a second housing connected to the first housing. The ferrule includes a ferrule body and a lens. The ferrule body defines a fiber receiver configured to receive optical fibers of an optical cable and a first spring receiver configured to receive the spring. The lens is arranged to optically communicate light propagated by the received optical fibers for free-space optical communication. The first housing defines a first opening configured to slidably receive and guide the ferrule for movement along a first longitudinal axis. The second housing defines a second opening configured to receive the optical cable therethrough along a second longitudinal axis, and a second spring receiver configured to receive the spring. The spring biases movement of the ferrule in the first housing away from the second housing.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This disclosure relates to cable connectors, and more particularly to optical cable connectors. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Connector assemblies are used in a wide range of industries and applications to couple a first transmission member, such as a first wire or cable, to a second transmission member, such as a second wire or cable. In some applications, a connector assembly is utilized to transmit a signal, such as light or electricity, from the first transmission member to the second transmission member. For example, a fiber optic connector assembly may transmit light through a lens from a first optical fiber to a second optical fiber. Some connector assemblies include alignment features in order to ensure that the connector assembly properly mates with a mating connector assembly. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    One aspect of the disclosure provides an optical connector assembly including a spring, a ferrule, a first housing, and a second housing connected to the first housing. The ferrule includes a ferrule body and a lens. The ferrule body defines a fiber receiver configured to receive optical fibers of an optical cable and a first spring receiver configured to receive the spring. The lens is arranged to optically communicate light propagated by the received optical fibers for free-space optical communication. The first housing defines a first longitudinal axis and a first opening therethrough along the first longitudinal axis. The first opening is configured to slidably receive and guide the ferrule for movement along the first longitudinal axis. The second housing defines a second longitudinal axis, a second opening therethrough along the second longitudinal axis, and a second spring receiver configured to receive the spring. The second opening is configured to receive the optical cable therethrough. The spring biases movement of the ferrule in the first housing away from the second housing. 
         [0004]    Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the fiber receiver defines an array of grooves configured to receive and arrange the optical fibers in a linear side-by-side fiber arrangement. The ferrule may include a fiber fix plate configured to engage the ferrule body and hold the received optical fibers in the fiber receiver. The fiber receiver may define a fiber-engagement surface complimentary to the fiber fix plate, the received optical fibers held between the fiber-engagement surface and the fiber fix plate. The fiber-engagement surface may be substantially planar, and the fix plate may define a substantially planar surface complementary to the fiber engagement surface. In some examples, the fiber receiver defines a lateral surface and a medial surface. The lateral surface and the medial surface may extend from the fiber-engagement surface such that the lateral surface, the medial surface, and the fiber-engagement surface define a channel. The fiber receiver may include a first flange and a second flange. The first flange may extend from the lateral surface and may be configured to hold the fiber fix plate in the channel. The second flange may extend from the medial surface and may be configured to hold the fiber fix plate in the channel. 
         [0005]    In some implementations, the ferrule body defines at least one alignment feature for guiding connection with a mating ferrule receiver. The at least one alignment feature may define a groove. The received optical fibers may extend in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis, and the first spring receiver may include at least one flange extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The lens may include a lens array supported by the ferrule body. 
         [0006]    Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method that includes mating optical fibers of an optical cable to a ferrule, inserting the ferrule into a first housing defining a first longitudinal axis and a first opening therethrough along the first longitudinal axis, and connecting a second housing to the first housing. The ferrule includes a ferrule body and a lens. The ferrule body defines a fiber receiver configured to receive the optical fibers of the optical cable, and a first spring receiver configured to receive a spring. The lens is arranged to optically communicate light propagated by the received optical fibers for free-space optical communication. The first opening of the first housing is configured to slidably receive and guide the ferrule for movement along the first longitudinal axis. The second housing defines a second longitudinal axis, a second opening therethrough along the second longitudinal axis, and a second spring receiver. The second opening is configured to receive the optical cable therethrough. The spring biases movement of the ferrule in the first housing away from the second housing. 
         [0007]    This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the fiber receiver defines an array of grooves configured to receive and arrange the optical fibers in a linear side-by-side fiber arrangement. The method may further include engaging a fiber fix plate to the ferrule body to hold the received optical fibers in the fiber receiver. The fiber receiver may define a fiber-engagement surface complimentary to the fiber fix plate. The received optical fibers may be held between the fiber-engagement surface and the fix plate. The fiber-engagement surface may be substantially planar, and wherein the fix plate may define a substantially planar surface complementary to the fiber engagement surface. 
         [0008]    In some examples, the fiber receiver defines a lateral surface and a medial surface, the lateral surface and the medial surface extending form the fiber-engagement surface such that the lateral surface, the medial surface, and the fiber-engagement surface define a channel. The fiber receiver may include a first flange and a second flange. The first flange may extend from the lateral surface and configured to hold the fiber fix plate in the channel. The second flange may extend from the medial surface and configured to hold the fiber fix plate in the channel. The ferrule body may define at least one alignment feature for guiding connection with a mating ferrule receiver. At least one alignment feature may define a groove. The received optical fibers may extend in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis, and wherein the first spring receiver may include at least one flange extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The lens may include a lens array supported by the ferrule body. 
         [0009]    Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a connector including a spring, a ferrule, and a housing configured to receive the ferrule. The ferrule defines a longitudinal axis and has a fiber receiver and a first spring receiver. The fiber receiver is configured to receive an optical fiber extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first spring receiver is configured to receive the spring. The housing has a second spring receiver configured to receive the spring. The spring is arranged to bias movement of the ferrule along the longitudinal axis. 
         [0010]    This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the connector includes a fiber fix plate configured to engage the ferrule and hold the received optical fiber in the fiber receiver. The fiber receiver may define a fiber-engagement surface complimentary to the fiber fix plate. The received optical fiber may be held between the fiber-engagement surface and the fiber fix plate. The ferrule may include a lens optically coupled to the fiber. In some examples, the fiber receiver defines a groove configured to receive and seat the fiber for the optical coupling with the lens. The ferrule may define at least one alignment feature for guiding the connection with a mating ferrule receiver. 
         [0011]    The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example connector assembly. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an example plug subassembly of a connector assembly. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of an example plug of a plug subassembly. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3C  is another perspective view of an example plug of a plug subassembly. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a portion of an example connector assembly. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4B  is a cross sectional view of an example connector assembly. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  provides a flowchart illustrating an example method according to principles of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Connector assemblies are utilized in a wide range of industries and applications to couple a first transmission member, such as a first wire or cable, for example, to a second transmission member, such as a second wire or cable, for example. In some implementations, a connector assembly is utilized to transmit a signal, such as light or electricity, for example, from the first transmission member to the second transmission member. For example, the connector assembly may transmit light from the first transmission member, through a lens, to a second transmission member. An improved connector assembly can help to ensure the accurate transmission of signals from the first transmission member to the lens, and from the lens to the second transmission member. For example, an improved connector assembly can align the lens relative to the connector assembly in order to ensure that signals are accurately transmitted through the connector assembly. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an example connector assembly  10  for coupling to a mating connector assembly (not shown). In some implementations, the connector assembly  10  is coupled to the mating connector assembly for transmitting signals from the connector assembly  10  to the mating connector assembly, or vice versa. 
         [0023]    The connector assembly  10  includes a cable  100  and a connector  200  coupled to the cable  100 . The cable  100  may include a jacket  112  housing one or more strands  114 . In some implementations, the connector assembly  10  includes, or otherwise defines, an optical connector assembly for transmitting light signals. In this regard, the cable  100  may be described herein as a fiber optic cable  100  having one or more optical fibers  114 . The connector assembly  10  may, however, include other types of connector assemblies for transmitting other types of signals (e.g., electricity). 
         [0024]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in some implementations, the jacket  112  surrounds a plurality of optical fibers  114 . Each optical fiber  114  may include a cover  116  surrounding a core  118  (e.g., glass, crystalline, plastic, etc.). At least a portion of the jacket  112 , the fibers  114 , the cover  116 , and the core  118  may extend from the connector  200  in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis A 1  defined by the connector assembly  10 . 
         [0025]    In some implementations, the connector  200  includes a front housing  210 , a back housing  230 , a boot  250 , a plug ferrule  300 , a biasing member  400 , and a crimp ring  420 . As will be explained in more detail below, the connector  200  may be coupled to the cable  100  in order to transmit a signal from the connector  200  to the cable  100 , and vice versa. For example, the plug ferrule  300  may be coupled to at least one of the cover  116  and the core  118  in order to transmit a signal from the core  118  to the plug ferrule  300 . 
         [0026]    The front housing  210  includes a body  212  and a locking mechanism  214 . The body  212  may include a proximal end  216  and a distal end  218  opposite the proximal end  216 . In some implementations, the body  212  defines a passage  220  extending from a proximal opening  222  defined by the proximal end  216  to a distal opening (not shown) defined by the distal end  218 . In this regard, the passage  222  extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 1  from the proximal end  216  to the distal end  218 . The locking mechanism  214  may extend from, and be supported by, an outer surface  224  of the body  212 . In an assembled implementation, the locking mechanism  214  is coupled to a portion of the mating connector assembly in order to secure the front housing  210  to the mating connector assembly. 
         [0027]    The back housing  230  includes a body  232  and a spring receiver  234 . The body  232  may include a proximal end  236  and a distal end  238  opposite the proximal end  236 . In some implementations, the body  232  defines a passage  240  extending from a proximal opening  242  to a distal opening (not shown) defined by the distal end  238 . In this regard, the passage  240  extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 1  from the proximal end  236  to the distal end  238 . The spring receiver  234  may define an aperture  244  defined by the proximal end  236  of the body  232 . In some implementations, the spring receiver  234  defines a counterbore concentrically disposed relative to the proximal opening  242  of the passage  240 . 
         [0028]    The boot  250  includes a boot body  252  and a locking mechanism receiver  254 . The boot body  252  may include a proximal end  256  and a distal end  258  opposite the proximal end  256 . In some implementations, the boot body  252  defines a passage  260  extending from a proximal opening  262  defined by the proximal end  256  to a distal opening (not shown) defined by the distal end  258 . In this regard, the passage  260  extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 1  from the proximal end  256  to the distal end  258 . The locking mechanism receiver  254  may extend from, and be supported by, an outer surface  264  of the boot body  252 . 
         [0029]    In the example shown in  FIG. 3A , the plug ferrule  300  includes a plug body  310 , a lens assembly  360 , a fix plate  370 , and a fix block  380 . In some implementations, the plug body  310  includes a fiber receiver  312 , a spring receiver  314 , a lens receiver  316 , a first alignment feature  318   a , and a second alignment feature  318   b.    
         [0030]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , the plug body  310  may extend (i) in a direction along the longitudinal axis A 1  from a first end  320   a  to a second end  320   b , (ii) in a direction transverse to (e.g., perpendicular) the longitudinal axis A 1  from a first side  322   a  to a second side  322   b , and (iii) in a direction transverse to (e.g., perpendicular) the longitudinal axis A 1  from a third side  324   a  to a fourth side  324   b.    
         [0031]    In some implementations, the fiber receiver  312  defines a lateral surface  326 , a medial surface opposing the lateral surface  326 , a fiber-engaging surface  328  extending from the lateral surface  326  to the medial surface, and one or more grooves  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 , . . .  330 - n  to receive the optical fibers  114 . The lateral surface  326 , the medial surface, and the fiber-engaging surface  328  define (i) a first opening  332   a  in the second end  320   b  of the plug body  310  and (ii) a second opening  332   b  in the fourth side  324   b  of the plug body  310 , such that the lateral surface  326 , the medial surface, and the fiber-engaging surface  328  define a channel  334 . In some implementations, the one or more grooves  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 , . . .  330 - n  define an array of grooves  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 , . . .  330 - n  disposed in a linear, side-by-side arrangement. In this regard, each of the grooves  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 , . . .  330 - n  extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 1 . In some implementations, each of the grooves  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 , . . .  330 - n  defines a V-shaped profile. The profile of the grooves  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 , . . .  330 - n  may, however, define other shapes (e.g., U-shaped, C-shaped, or rectangular-shaped). 
         [0032]    The plug body  310  may further include a lateral flange  336   a  and a medial flange  336   b . The lateral flange  336   a  extends from the lateral surface  326  and defines a lateral plate-engaging surface  338  facing, and substantially parallel to, the fiber-engaging surface  328 . The medial flange  336   b  extends from the medial surface and defines a medial plate-engaging surface (not shown) facing, and substantially parallel to, the fiber engaging surface  328 . In some implementations, the lateral surface  326  is parallel to, and coplanar with, the medial surface. 
         [0033]    The spring receiver  314  may define a flange  340  extending from one or more of the first side  322   a , the second side  322   b , the third side  324   a , and the fourth side  324   b  of the plug body  310 . In some implementations, the flange  340  extends from the first, second, third, and fourth sides  322   a ,  322   b ,  324   a , and  324   b  of the plug body  310 . The flange  340  defines a spring-engaging surface  342  extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A 1  from one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth sides  322   a ,  322   b ,  324   a , and  324   b . In some implementations, the spring-engaging surface  342  extends from one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth sides  322   a ,  322   b ,  324   a , and  324   b  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A 1 . Other arrangements are possible as well. For example, the spring-engaging surface  342  may extend from one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth sides  322   a ,  322   b ,  324   a , and  324   b  at angle other than 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis A 1 . 
         [0034]    The lens receiver  316  may include an aperture  344  defined by the first end  320   a  of the plug body  310 . In some implementations, the aperture  344  extends through the plug body  310  such that the aperture  344  is in communication with the channel  334 . While the aperture  344  is shown as defining a generally rectangular shape, the aperture  344  may define other shapes as well. 
         [0035]    The first alignment feature  318   a  may be substantially similar to the second alignment feature  318   b . In this regard, the first alignment feature  318   a  may be disposed proximate the first side  322   a  of the plug body  310 , and the second alignment feature  318   b  may be disposed proximate the second side  322   b  of the plug body  310 . References herein to the first alignment feature  318   a  apply equally to the second alignment feature  318   b , except as otherwise shown or described. 
         [0036]    The first alignment feature  318   a  may include an entry portion  346   a  and a guide portion  346   b  extending from the entry portion  346   a  in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 1 . In some implementations, the entry portion  346   a  defines a first alignment surface  348   a , a second alignment surface  348   b  opposing the first alignment surface  348   a , and a third alignment surface  348   c  extending from the first alignment surface  348   a  to the second alignment surface  348   b . The first alignment surface  348   a , the second alignment surface  348   b , and the third alignment surface  348   c  define (i) a first opening  350   a  in the first end  320   a  of the plug body  310  and (ii) a second opening  350   b  in the first side  322   a  of the plug body  310 , such that the first, second, and third alignment surfaces  348   a ,  348   b , and  348   c  define a channel. In some implementations, the first, second, and/or third alignment surfaces  348   a ,  348   b , and  348   c  are tapered. In this regard, the first, second, and/or third alignment surfaces may extend at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the first end  320   a  of the plug body  310  such that the entry portion  346   a  is flared relative to the guide portion  346   b.    
         [0037]    The guide portion  346   b  of the first alignment feature  318   a  may define a first guide surface  352   a  extending from the first alignment surface  348   a , a second guide surface  352   b  extending from the second alignment surface  348   b , and a third guide surface  352   c  extending from the third alignment surface  348   c  and from the first guide surface  352   a  to the second guide surface  352   b . The first guide surface  352   a , the second guide surface  352   b , and the third guide surface  352   c  may define a first opening  354  in the first side  322   a  of the plug body  310 , such that the first, second, and third alignment surfaces  348   a ,  348   b , and  348   c  define a channel in communication with the channel of the entry portion  346   a . In some implementations, the guide portion  346   b  defines a substantially rectangular profile extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 1 . The guide portion  346   b  may, however, define other shapes (e.g., U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped) extending in the direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 1 . 
         [0038]    The lens assembly  360  may include a lens housing  362  and one or more lens elements  364 - 1 ,  364 - 2 , . . .  364 - n . Moreover, at least a portion of the lens assembly  360  may be disposed within the lens receiver  316 . For example, the lens housing  362  may be secured within the aperture  344  using a press-fit, an adhesive, or any other suitable technique. As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , in some implementations, the lens assembly  360  includes eight lens elements  364 - n . Each lens element  364 - n  extends through the lens housing  362  in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 1 . In some implementations, the lens elements  364 - 1 ,  364 - 2 , . . .  364 - n  define an array of lens elements  364 - 1 ,  364 - 2 , . . .  364 - n  disposed in a linear, side-by-side arrangement. In this regard, the quantity and arrangement of the lens elements  364 - 1 ,  364 - 2 , . . .  364 - n  are substantially the same as the quantity and arrangement of the grooves  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 , . . .  330 - n  of the fiber receiver  312 . 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4B , the fix plate  370  may include a fiber-engaging surface  372 , a lateral tab  374   a , and a medial tab  374   b . The fiber-engaging surface  372  extends from a proximal end  376   a  to a distal end  376   b  along the longitudinal axis A 1 , and from a lateral side  378   a  to a medial side  378   b  in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A 1 . In some implementations, the fiber-engaging surface  372  is substantially planar. The lateral tab  374   a  extends from the lateral side  378   a  in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A 1 , and the medial tab  374   b  extends from the medial side  378   b  in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A 1 . 
         [0040]    The fix block  380  may include a fiber-engaging surface  382  and one or more placement features  384 . The fiber-engaging surface  382  extends from a proximal end  386   a  to a distal end  386   b  along the longitudinal axis A 1 , and from a lateral side  388   a  to a medial side  388   b  in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A 1 . The placement features  384  extend from the fix block  380  in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A 1 . 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the biasing member  400  may define a first end  402  and a second end  404 . In some implementations, the biasing member  400  includes a helical compression spring configured to produce a biasing force F 1  in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 1 . The biasing member  400  may, however, include other materials and/or constructs configured to produce the biasing force F 1 . For example, the biasing member  400  may include a polymeric material. 
         [0042]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , the crimp ring  420  may include an inner surface  422 , an outer surface  424 , a proximal end  426 , and a distal end  428 . The inner surface  422  defines a through-hole  430  extending along the longitudinal axis A 1  from the proximal end  426  to the distal end  428 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example arrangement of operations for a method  500  of assembling the connector assembly  10 . With additional reference to  FIGS. 1-4B , at operation  502 , the method includes mating the cable  110  to the plug body  310 . For example, at operation  502 , the method  500  may include extending the cable  110  along the longitudinal axis A 1  ( i ) through the passage  260  of the boot  250 , (ii) through the through-hole  430  of the crimp ring  420 , (iii) through the passage  240  of the back housing  230 , (iv) through the biasing member  400 , and (v) into the fiber receiver  312  of the plug body  310 . In some implementations, at operation  502 , the method  500  includes disposing each optical fiber  114  in a respective groove  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 , . . .  330 - n  of the fiber receiver  312 , such that each optical fiber  114  engages one of the lens elements  364 - 1 ,  364 - 2 , . . .  364 - n  of the lens assembly  360 . 
         [0044]    At operation  504 , the method  500  includes assembling the fix block  380  to the plug body  310 . For example, at operation  504 , the method may include extending the fix block  380  through the second opening  332   b , in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A 1 , such that the fiber-engaging surface  382  engages one or more of the optical fibers  114 . In this regard, the fix block  380  may be aligned with the grooves  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 , . . .  330 - n  to secure the optical fibers  114  within the grooves  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 , . . .  330 - n . In some implementations, at operation  504 , the method  500  includes securing the fix block  380  within the fiber receiver  312  using an adhesive, a friction fit configuration, or other suitable fastening technique. 
         [0045]    At operation  506 , the method  500  includes engaging the fix plate  370  to the plug body  310 . For example, at operation  506 , the method  500  may include translating the fix plate  370  through the first opening  332   a , in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 1 , such that the fiber-engaging surface  372  slidably engages one or more of the optical fibers  114 . In this regard, at operation  506 , the fix plate  370  may be disposed within the fiber receiver  312  such that the lateral tab  374   a  is disposed between the lateral flange  336   a  and the fiber-engaging surface  328  of the plug body  310 , and the medial tab  374   b  is disposed between the medial flange  336   b  and the fiber engaging surface  328  of the plug body  310 . In some implementations, at operation  506 , the lateral plate-engaging surface  338  of the lateral flange  336   a  slidably engages the lateral tab  374   a  of the fix plate  370 , and the medial plate-engaging surface of the medial flange  336   b  slidably engages the medial tab  374   b  of the fix plate  370 . 
         [0046]    At operation  508 , the method  500  includes assembling at least one of the front housing  210  and the back housing  230  to the cable  110  and to the plug ferrule  300 . In some implementations, at operation  508 , the method  500  includes securing the back housing  230  of the connector  200  to the cable  110 , and inserting the plug ferrule  300  into at least one of the front housing  210  and the back housing  230  such that the plug ferrule  300  is movable within the passage  220  along the longitudinal axis A 1 . For example, at operation  508 , the method  500  may include securing the back housing  230  to the jacket  112  of the cable  110 . In some implementations, at operation  508 , the back housing  230  may be disposed within the through-hole  430  of the crimp ring  420 , and the crimp ring  420  may be crimped, or otherwise constricted, around the back housing  230  to secure the back housing  230  to the cable  110 . 
         [0047]    At operation  510 , the method  500  includes connecting the back housing  230  to the front housing  210  such that the plug body  310  is mated with the front housing  210 . In particular, at operation  510 , the method  500  may include securing the back housing  230  to the front housing  210  such that the plug body  310  is disposed within the passage  220  of the front housing  210 . In some implementations, at operation  510 , the method  500  includes securing the back housing  230  to the front housing  210  such that the biasing member  400  biasingly engages the spring receiver  234  of the back housing  230  and the spring receiver  314  of the plug body  310 . In particular, at operation  510 , the first end  402  of the biasing member  400  may engage the spring receiver  234 , and the second end  404  of the biasing member  400  may engage the spring receiver  314  such that the biasing member  400  produces the force F 1  on the spring receivers  234  and  314  to bias the plug body  310  away from the back housing  230 . 
         [0048]    At operation  512 , the method  500  includes mating the plug body  310  to a portion of a mating connector assembly. For example, at operation  512 , the method  500  may include mating a portion (e.g., an alignment pin(s)) of the mating connector with the first alignment feature  318   a  and/or the second alignment feature  318   b  of the plug body  310 . In particular, at operation  512 , the method  500  may include translating a portion of the mating connector within the first alignment feature  318   a  and/or the second alignment feature  318   b  in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 1 . In some implementations, the method  500  may include applying a force F 2  on the plug body  310  with the mating connector assembly. The force F 2  may be equal to and opposite the force F 1  of the biasing member  400 . 
         [0049]    A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.