Patent Publication Number: US-9419356-B2

Title: Electrical power contact with two adjacent contact blades abutting each other

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2014/025437, filed Mar. 13, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. application No. 61/784,506, filed Mar. 14, 2013, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Electrical connectors and contacts often are designed in light of competing interests. For instance, an increase in power transmission capabilities can compete with dimensional constraints and undesirable heat buildup. Thus, power connectors can be difficult to reduce in size without reducing heat dissipation capabilities. Further, power connectors often provide minimal flexibility to comply with mating and mounting tolerances. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one embodiment, an electrical contact is configured to mate with a complementary electrical contact along a first direction. The electrical contact can include a mounting portion configured to electrically connect to a substrate, and a mating portion that extends along a forward direction with respect to the mounting portion. The mating portion is configured to mate with the complementary electrical power contact. The mating portion includes first and second contact blades that are disposed adjacent each other and can abut each other along a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the forward direction. The first contact blade defines a first forwardmost tip, and the second contact blades defines a second forwardmost tip. The electrical contact can further include an intermediate portion that extends between the mating portion and the mounting portion, the intermediate portion configured to transmit electrical current between the mating portion and the mounting portion. A select portion of the power contact is configured to elastically angulate with respect to at least a portion of the mounting portion within a range that causes the first and second forwardmost tips to deflect a distance between approximately 0.25 mm and approximately 3 mm in the second direction, such that at least one of the first and second contact blades slides along the other of the first and second contact blades. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electrical connector system constructed in accordance with one embodiment including a first electrical connector assembly that includes a right-angle header power connector mounted to an underlying substrate and a second electrical assembly that includes a vertical receptacle power connector mounted to an underlying substrate, whereby the first electrical connector assembly is mated with the second electrical connector assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the power connectors illustrated in  FIG. 1 , showing the power connectors in an unmated position and aligned for mating; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the power connector of the first electrical connector assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portion of the power connectors illustrated in  FIG. 1 , showing electrical contacts of the first electrical connector assembly in a mated position with the power connector of the second electrical connector assembly; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another portion of the power connectors illustrated in  FIG. 1 , showing the electrical contacts of the first electrical connector assembly in a mated position with electrical contacts of the second electrical connector assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the mated electrical contacts illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the electrical contacts of the power connector illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of the electrical contacts of the power connector illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 9  is perspective view of a contact body of one of the electrical contacts illustrated in the power connector that is shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of the contact body that is shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of an electrical contact constructed in accordance with another embodiment, wherein the electrical contact includes three contact bodies and can be included in the power connector shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 11B  is a top plan view of the electrical contact shown in  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11C  is a side elevation view of the electrical contact shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ; 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of an electrical contact constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment, wherein the electrical contact includes four contact bodies and can be included in the power connector shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 12B  is a top plan view of the electrical contact shown in  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 12C  is a side elevation view of the electrical contact shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the electrical contacts of the power connector illustrated in  FIG. 3 , showing the electrical contacts in a flexed position such that the electrical contacts are angulated about a recess. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For convenience, the same or equivalent elements in the various embodiments illustrated in the drawings have been identified with the same reference numerals. Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “upper,” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “forward,” “forwardly,” “rearward,” “inner,” “inward,” “inwardly,” “outer,” “outward,” “outwardly,” “upward,” “upwardly,” “downward,” and “downwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the object referred to and designated parts thereof. The terminology intended to be non-limiting includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment, an electrical connector system  100  can include a first electrical connector assembly  102  that is configured to be mated with a second or complementary electrical connector assembly  104 . The electrical connector assembly  102  can include a first power connector  106  and a first electrical component such as a first substrate  108 , and the complementary electrical assembly  104  can include a second or complementary power connector  110  and a second electrical component such as a second substrate  112 . The power connectors  106  and  110  can be configured to be mated with each other so as to establish an electrical connection, for instance an electrical connection that transfers electrical power, between the connectors  106  and  110 , and thus between the first and complementary connector assemblies  102  and  104 , respectively. The power connector  106  can be configured to be mounted to the substrate  108  and the complementary power connector  110  can be configured to be mounted to the substrate  112  so as to establish an electrical connection between substrates  108  and  112 . The substrates  108  and  112  can be provided as a backplane, midplane, daughtercard, or the like. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 2-4 , the power connector  106  can include a first dielectric or electrically insulative connector housing  114  and at least one such as a plurality of first electrical contacts  116  that are at least partially disposed within the connector housing  114 . The electrical contacts  116  can be configured as electrical power contacts that are configured to transmit electrical current between the substrate  108  and the complementary power connector  110 . When the power connector  106  is mounted to the substrate  108  along a mounting direction, the electrical contacts  116  are placed in electrical communication with electrical traces of the substrate  108 . The complementary power connector  110  can include a second dielectric or electrically insulative connector housing  118  and at least one such as a plurality of second or complementary electrical contacts  120  that are supported by the connector housing  118  (see also  FIG. 5 ). When the complementary power connector  110  is mounted to the substrate  112 , the electrical contacts  120  are placed in electrical communication with electrical traces of the substrate  112 . The power connector  106  can be configured to mate with the complementary power connector  110  so as to establish an electrical connection between the first and second electrical contacts  116  and  120 , respectively, and thus also between the electrical traces of the substrates  108  and  112 . 
     In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the power connector  106  can be constructed as a right-angle header connector that includes the connector housing  114 . The connector housing  114  defines a first mounting interface  124  and a first mating interface  122  that is oriented perpendicular with respect to the mounting interface  124 . It will be understood that the power connector  106  can be constructed as desired, for instance as a vertical connector such that the mating interface  122  is parallel to the mounting interface  124 . The mating interface  122  can be configured to be mated with the complementary power connector  110  and the mounting interface  124  can be configured to be mounted onto an electrical component. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the complementary power connector  110  can be constructed as a vertical receptacle connector that defines a second or complementary mating interface  126  and a second or complementary mounting interface  128  that extends substantially parallel to the complementary mating interface  126 . The mating interface  122  of the power connector  106  can be configured to mate with the complementary mating interface  126  of the complementary power connector  110  that is to be mated with the power connector  106 . The first and complementary mounting interfaces  124  and  128 , respectively, can be configured to mount onto underlying substrates, such as the respective substrates  108  and  112 . The mating interface  126  of the complementary power connector  110  can include receptacle slots  130  that are defined by the second connector housing  118 , such that the electrical contacts  116  of the power connector  106  can be received in receptacle slots  130  when the power connector  106  is mated with the complementary power connector  110 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the power connector  106  can be configured as a header connector and the complementary power connector  110  can be configured as a receptacle connector, such that the connector housing  118  is configured to receive the connector housing  114  so as to mate the first and complementary power connectors  106  and  110 , respectively. 
     Various structures are described herein as extending horizontally along a first or longitudinal direction “L” and a second or lateral direction “A” that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, and vertically along a third or transverse direction “T” that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A, respectively. As illustrated, the longitudinal direction “L” extends along a forward/rearward direction of the power connector  106 , and defines a mating direction M along which one or both of the power connectors  106  and  110  are moved relative to the other so as to mate the connector assembly  102  with the complementary connector assembly  104 , and thus to mate the power connector  106  with the complementary power connector  110 . For instance, the mating direction M of the illustrated power connector  106  is in a forward direction along the longitudinal direction L, and the power connector  106  can be unmated from the complementary power connector  110  by moving the power connector  106  in an opposed longitudinally rearward direction relative to the complementary power connector  110 . As illustrated, the power connector  106  can be moved relative to the substrate  108  along the transverse direction T that defines a first mounting direction, and the complementary power connector  110  can be moved relative to the substrate  112  along the longitudinal direction L to define a second mounting direction. As illustrated, the lateral direction A extends along a width of the power connector  106 , and the longitudinal direction L extends along a length of the power connector  106 . 
     Thus, unless otherwise specified herein, the terms “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and “transverse” are used to describe the orthogonal directional components of various components. The terms “inboard” and “inner,” and “outboard” and “outer” and like terms when used with respect to a specified directional component are intended to refer to directions along the directional component toward and away from the center of the apparatus being described. It should be appreciated that while the longitudinal and lateral directions are illustrated as extending along a horizontal plane, and that while the transverse direction is illustrated as extending along a vertical plane, the planes that encompass the various directions may differ during use, depending, for instance, on the orientation of the various components. Accordingly, the directional terms “vertical” and “horizontal” are used to describe the electrical connector system  100  and its components as illustrated merely for the purposes of clarity and convenience, it being appreciated that these orientations may change during use. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 3 , in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing  114  can define a front end  114   a  and an opposed rear end  114   b  that is spaced from the front end  114   a  along the longitudinal direction L. The front end  114   a  can generally lie in a plane defined by the transverse and lateral directions T and A, respectively. The front end  114   a  can define the first mating interface  122  that is configured to be mated with the complementary power connector  110  as to place the power connector  106  in electrical communication with the complementary power connector  110 . The connector housing  114 , and thus the power connector  106 , can further include a top end  114   c  and an opposed bottom end  114   d  that is spaced from the top end  114   c  along the transverse direction T. The bottom end  114   d  can define the mounting interface  124  that is configured to be mounted to the substrate  108 . The bottom end  114   d  can generally lie in a plane defined by the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A, respectively. The connector housing  114 , and thus the power connector  106 , can further include first and second opposed sides  114   e  that are spaced from each other along the lateral direction A. While the lateral and longitudinal directions A and L, respectively, extend horizontally and the transverse direction T extends vertically in accordance with the illustrated orientation of the electrical connector system  100 , it should be appreciated that the orientation of the electrical connector system can vary as desired. 
     The electrical contacts  116  of the power connector  106  can include respective mating portions  132  that are disposed proximate to the mating interface  122  and are configured to be electrically mated to a complementary electrical component, such as the electrical contacts  120  of the complementary power connector  110 . The mating portion  132  can include a mating end  132   a  and a tapered end  132   b . In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the mating end  132   a  of the mating portion  132  extends forward from the front end  114   a  of the connector housing  114  along the longitudinal direction L, and the tapered end  132   b  extends rearward from the front end  114   a  of the connector housing. The electrical contacts  116  can be supported by the connector housing  114  such that the mating portion  132  extends out from the mating interface  122 . 
     The electrical contact  116  can include a plurality of contact bodies, for instance a first contact body  116   a  and a second contact body  116   b . Referring to the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3-8 , the electrical contact includes two contact bodies, in particular the first contact body  116   a  and the second contact body  116   b  that is at least partially disposed against the first contact body  116   a  along the lateral direction A. Thus, the electrical contact  116  can be configured as a two part electrical contact that includes the first and second contact bodies  116   a  and  116   b , respectively, that can be partially disposed against each other and abutting each other, for instance along the lateral direction A. The electrical contact  116  can be configured to include any number of contact bodies as desired. For instance, referring to the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11A-C , the electrical contact  116  is configured as a three part electrical contact that includes a third contact body  116   c  that is disposed between the first and second contact bodies  116   a  and  116   b  along the lateral direction A. The third contact body  116   c  can be partially disposed against the first and second contact bodies  116   a  and  116   b . Alternatively, referring now to  FIGS. 12A-C , the electrical contact  116  can be configured as a four part electrical contact that includes the first and second electrical contacts  116   a  and  116   b  spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction A. A plurality of contact bodies, for instance a fourth and a fifth contact body  116   d  and  116   e , respectively, can be disposed between the first and second contact bodies  116   a  and  116   b  along the lateral direction A. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the fourth contact body  116   d  can be partially disposed against and abut the first and fifth contact bodies  116   a  and  116   e  along the lateral direction A, and the fifth contact body  116   e  can be partially disposed against and abut second contact body  116   b  and the fourth contact body  116   d  along the lateral direction A. It will be understood that the contact bodies can be alternatively arranged as desired. 
     The contact bodies  116   a - e  can include respective contact blades  134 . For instance, referring again to  FIGS. 3-8 , the first contact body  116   a  can include a first contact blade  134   a  and the second contact body  116   b  can include a second contact blade  134   b  that can be disposed against and abut the first contact blade  134   a  along the lateral direction A that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b , respectively, can define respective lengths along the longitudinal direction L. The first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  define respective first and second forwardmost tips  141   a  and  141   b . The first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  can abut each other along the lateral direction A along entireties of their respective lengths in the longitudinal direction L. Alternatively, referring to  FIGS. 11A-C , the third contact body  116   c  can include a third contact blade  134   c  that can be disposed between the first contact blade  134   a  and the second contact blade  134   b  along the lateral direction A. For instance, the third contact blade  134   c  can be disposed against and abut the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  along the lateral direction A. Referring to  FIGS. 12A-C , the fourth and fifth contact bodies  116   d  and  116   e  can include fourth and fifth contact blades  134   d  and  134   e , respectively, that are disposed between the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  along the lateral direction A. For instance, the fourth contact blade  134   b  can be disposed between and first and fifth contact blades  134   a  and  134   e  along the lateral direction A, and the fifth contact body blade  134   e  can be disposed between and against the second contact blade  134   b  and the fourth contact blade  134   d  along the lateral direction A. It will be understood that the contact blades can be alternatively arranged as desired. 
     Each of the contact blades  134  furthers define a top surface  143   a  and a bottom surface  143   b  spaced from the top surface  143   a  along the transverse direction T. The forwardmost tip of each of the contact blades  134  can define a continuous edge that is uninterrupted along as it extends along the transverse direction T from the top surface  143   a  to the bottom surface  143   b . Further, an entirety of the forwardmost tips along the transverse direction from the top surface  143   a  to the bottom surface  143   b  defines a header that is configured to plug into the complementary receptacle contact. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-8 and 11A-12C , the mating portion  132  of the electrical contact  116  can include the contact blades  134 , for instance the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b . Each of the contact blades  134  of one electrical contact  116  can be slidable with respect to any of the other contact blades  134  of the electrical contact  116  along the longitudinal direction L. For instance, at least one of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b , for instance both, can be slidable with respect to the other of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  along the longitudinal direction L. By way of further example, referring to  FIGS. 11A-C , the first contact blade  134   a  can be slidable with respect to the second and third contact blades  134   b  and  134   c  along the longitudinal direction L, and the second contact blade  134   b  can be slidable with respect to the first and third contact blades  134   a  and  134   c  along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the third contact blade  134   c  can be slidable with respect to the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  along the longitudinal direction L. By way of yet another example, referring to  FIGS. 12A-C , the first contact blade  134   a  can be slidable with respect to second, fourth, and fifth contact blades  134   b ,  134   d , and  134   e  along the longitudinal direction L. The second contact blade  134   b  can be slidable with respect to the first, fourth, and fifth contact blades  134   a ,  134   d , and  134   e  along the longitudinal direction L. Further, the fourth contact blade  134   d  can be slidable with respect to the first, second, and fifth contact blades  134   a ,  134   b , and  134   e  along the longitudinal direction L, and the fifth contact blade  134   e  can be slidable with respect to the first, second, and fourth contact blades  134   a ,  134   b  and  134   d  along the longitudinal direction L. 
     The contact bodies, and thus the electrical contact  116 , can be supported by the connector housing  114  such that select contact bodies are disposed against each other in the lateral direction A. Alternatively, it will be understood that the contact bodies can be attached to each other as desired. For instance, referring to  FIGS. 3-8 , the first and second contact bodies  116   a  and  116   b  can be supported by the connector housing  114  such that the first and second contact bodies  116   a  and  116   b , and in particular the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b , are disposed against each other in the lateral direction A. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 3-12C , in accordance with the illustrated embodiments, each of the electrical contacts  116  of the power connector  106  can further include a mounting portion  136  such that the mating portion  132  extends along the forward direction with respect to the mounting portion  136 . The mounting portions  136  extend out from the mounting interface  124 , and are configured to electrically connect to the substrate  108 . The mounting portion  136  of the electrical contact  116  can include one or more plate members  138 , for instance first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b , respectively, that are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction A. While the illustrated plate members  138  are planar, it will be understood that the shape of the plate members can vary as desired. The mounting portion  136  can further include mounting tails  140  that are disposed proximate to the mounting interface  124 . In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, each of the mounting tails  140  can extend from one of the plate members  138  along the transverse direction T. The first contact body  116   a  can include the first plate member  138   a  and the second contact body  116   b  can include the second plate member  138   b . Further, the third contact body  116   c  can include a third plate member  138   c . Similarly, the fourth contact body  116   d  can include a fourth plate member  138   d . Similarly, the fifth contact body  116   e  can include a fifth plate member  138   e . The mounting tails  140  that extend from the plate members  138 , for instance the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b , can be configured to be mounted to the underlying substrate  108  and can be configured to electrically connect to the substrate  108 . For instance, the mounting tails  140  can be press-fit tails and can be configured to be inserted, or press-fit, into respective vias of the substrate  108 , thereby electrically connecting the mounting portions  136  and the corresponding electrical contacts  116  to respective electrical traces of the substrate  108  when the power connector  106  is mounted to the substrate  108 . The mounting tails  140  can be elongate along the transverse direction T. The vias can be configured as plated through-holes that electrically connect the mounting portions  136  to respective electrical traces of the underlying substrate  108 . While the illustrated mounting tails  140  shown in  FIGS. 1-10  are configured as press-fit tails, it should be appreciated that the mounting tails  140  can be configured to be placed in electrical communication with electrical traces of the substrate  108  in accordance with any suitable alternative embodiment (e.g., see  FIGS. 11A-12C ). For instance, the mounting tails can be surface mounted and configured to be fused, for instance soldered, to complementary contact pads of the substrate  108 . 
     Each electrical contact  116  can further include an intermediate portion  142  that extends between the mating portion  132  and the mounting portion  136 . Thus, the respective lengths of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  can be defined from the intermediate portion  142  to the respective first and second forwardmost tips. In particular, the intermediate portion  142  can extend from the plate members  138  to the tapered end  132   b  of the mating portion  132 . Thus, intermediate portion can be configured to transmit electrical current between the mating portion  132  and mounting portion  136 . The intermediate portion  142  can include one or more necks  144 , for instance first and second necks  144   a  and  144   b , that extend between the contact blades  134  and the plate members  138 . For instance, the first and second necks  144   a  and  144   b  can be tapered between the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  and the first and second plate members  138 , respectively. The first contact body  116   a  can include the first contact blade  134   a , the first plate member  138   a , and the first neck  144   a  that connects the first contact blade  134   a  with the first plate member  138   a . The second contact body  116   b  can include the second contact blade  134   b , the second plate member  138   b , and the second neck  144   b  that connects the second contact blade  134   b  with the second plate member  138   b . In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate portion  142  defines the first neck  144   a  that extends from the first plate member  134   a  to the first contact blade, and the second neck  144   b  that extends from the second plate member  138   b  to the second contact blade  134   b , such that the first and second necks  144   a  and  144   b  are tapered toward each other as they extend from the mounting portion  136  toward the mating portion  132 . Each of the first and second necks  144   a  and  144   b  can be tapered toward the other of the first and second necks  144   a  and  144   b  as the first and second necks  144   a  and  144   b  extend from the mounting portion  136  toward the mating portion  132 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11A-C , in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate portion  142  can include the first and second necks that  144   a  and  144   b  that are tapered, and the intermediate portion  142  can further include a third neck  144   c  that generally lies in a plane defined by the longitudinal and transverse directions L and T, respectively. The third neck  144   c  can extend between the third contact blade  134   c  the third plate member  138   c . Thus, third contact body  116   c  can include the third contact blade  134   c , the third plate member  138   c , and the third neck  144   c  that connects the third contact blade  134   c  with the third plate member  138   c.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 12A-C , in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate portion  142  can include the first and second necks  144   a  and  144   b  that are tapered, and the intermediate portion  142  can further include fourth and fifth necks  144   d  and  144   e  that can be tapered between the fourth and fifth contact blades  134   d  and  134   d  and the fourth and fifth plate members  138   d  and  138   d , respectively. Thus, the fourth contact body  116   d  can include the fourth contact blade  134   d , the fourth plate member  138   d , and the fourth neck  144   d  that connects the fourth contact blade  134   d  with the fourth plate member  138   d . The fifth contact body  116   e  can include the fifth contact blade  134   e , the fifth plate member  138   e , and the fifth neck  144   e  that connects the fifth contact blade  134   e  with the fifth plate member  138   e.    
     The contact blades  134  can define respective lengths along the longitudinal direction L. For instance, the entire lengths of each of the contact blades  134  can be equal to the distance from the respective necks  144  in the forwardly longitudinal direction to the terminal end of the mating end  132   a  of the respective contact blade  134 . The lengths of the contact blades  134  of a given electrical contact  116  can be substantially equal to each other. The lengths of the contact blades of at least one electrical contact  116  can be different, for instance shorter or longer, than the lengths of the contact blades  134  of at least one other electrical contact of the same power connector  110  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). It will be understood that the lengths of the contact blades  134 , and thus the electrical contacts  116 , in the power connector  106  can vary as desired along the longitudinal direction L. Further, in accordance with the illustrated embodiments, the contact blades  134  of a select electrical contact  116  can abut each other along the lateral direction A along entireties of their respective lengths in the longitudinal direction L. Referring to  FIGS. 3-8 , in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b , respectively, can abut each other along the lateral direction A along entireties of their respective lengths in the longitudinal direction L. Referring to  FIGS. 11A-C , the third contact blade  134   c  can abut the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134  along the lateral direction A along entireties of the lengths of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  in the longitudinal direction L. Referring to  FIGS. 12A-C , in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the first and fourth contact blades  134   a  and  134   d , respectively, can abut each other along the lateral direction A along entireties of their respective lengths in the longitudinal direction L. Further, the second and fifth contact blades  134   b  and  134   e , respectively, can abut each other along the lateral direction A along entireties of their respective lengths in the longitudinal direction L, and the fourth and fifth contact blades  134   d  and  134   e , respectively, can abut each other along the lateral direction A along entireties of their respective lengths in the longitudinal direction L. 
     The first and second necks  144   a  and  144   b  of a respective electrical contact  116  can extend away rearwardly along the longitudinal direction L such that the respective first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b  of the electrical contact  116  are spaced apart from each other a distance along the lateral direction A that is greater than the distance the respective first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  of the electrical contact  116  are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction A. Thus, the mounting portion  136  can define a first width W 1  (see  FIGS. 7, 11B, and 12B ) along the lateral direction A and the mating portion  132  can define a second width W 2  (see  FIGS. 7, 11B, and 12B ) along the lateral direction A that is less than the first width W 1 . The mounting portion  136  can include the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b  that are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction A so as to define the first width W 1 . In particular, in accordance with the illustrated embodiments, the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b  each have inner surfaces  156   e  that face each other and respective outer surfaces  156   f  that face away from each other, and the mounting portion  136  can define the first width W 1  from the outer surface  156   f  of the first plate member  138   a  to the outer surface  156   f  of the second plate member  138   b  along the lateral direction A. Further, in accordance with the illustrated embodiments, the mating portion  132  includes the first contact blade  134   a  that includes a first inner broad surface  135   a , and the second contact blade  134   b  that includes a second inner broad surface  135   b . Thus, the first and second contact blades  134   a  each have inner broad surfaces that face each other and respective outer broad surfaces that face away from each other, and the mating portion  132  can define the second width W 2  from the outer broad surface of the first contact blade  134   a  to the outer broad surface of the second contact blade  134   b  along the lateral direction A. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11B and 12B , the first and second widths W 1  and W 2  can be increased, as compared to the first and second widths of the electrical contact  116  shown in  FIG. 7  that only includes the first and second contact bodies  116   a  and  116   b , when one or more contact bodies are disposed between the other contact bodies, for instance the first and second contact bodies  116   a  and  116   b , along the lateral direction A. It will be understood that the electrical contact can be constructed such that the first and second widths W 1  and W 2  can vary as desired. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12B , the fourth and fifth necks  144   d  and  144   e  of a respective electrical contact  116  can extend away rearwardly along the longitudinal direction L such that the respective fourth and fifth plate members  138   d  and  138   e  of the electrical contact  116  are spaced apart from each other a distance along the lateral direction A that is greater than the distance the respective contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  of the electrical contact  116  are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction A. Thus, the mounting portion  136  can define a third width W 3  along the lateral direction A and the mating portion  132  can define a fourth width W 4  (see  FIGS. 7, 11B, and 12B ) along the lateral direction A that is less than the third width W 3 , and the mounting portion  136  can include the fourth and fifth plate members  138   d  and  138   e  that are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction A so as to define the third width W 3 . In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the third width W 3  can be less than the first width W 1  defined by the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b , and the fourth width W 4  can be less than the second width W 2  defined by the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b.    
     The electrical contacts  116 , including the contact blades  134 , the necks  144 , the plate members  138 , and the mounting tails  140 , can be made of any suitable electrically conductive material as desired, such as a copper alloy. The electrical contacts  116  can be sized to carry electrical communications or data signals, or to support DC and/or AC power. 
     The mounting tails  140  that extend from each of the plate members  138 , for instance the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b , are spaced substantially along the longitudinal direction L and extend downward from the plate members  138  along the transverse direction T. The contact blades  134 , for instance the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b , of each respective mating portion  132  are spaced along the lateral direction A and extend forward from the front end  114   a  of the connector housing  114  along the longitudinal direction L that is substantially perpendicular to the lateral and transverse directions A and T, respectively. The power connector  106 , for instance the connector housing  114 , can include a dielectric material, such as air or plastic, that electrically isolates individual ones of the electrical contacts  116  from one another. The first contact blade  134   a  can include a first inner broad surface  135   a  and the second contact blade  134   b  can include a second inner broad surface  135   b  that faces the first inner broad surface  135   a.    
     The third contact blade  134   c  can include opposed broad surfaces  135   c  that each face one of the first and second inner broad surfaces  135   a  and  135   b  of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b , respectively. The fourth contact blade  134   d  can include a fourth inner broad surface  135   d  and the fifth contact blade  134   e  can include a fifth inner broad surface  135   e  that faces the fourth inner broad surface  135   d . Thus, in accordance with the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12A-C , the fourth inner broad surface  135   d  can face the second inner broad surface  135   b , and the fifth inner broad surface  135   e  can face the first inner broad surface  135   a . The fourth contact blade  134   d  can further include an outer broad surface  137  opposite the fourth inner broad surface  135   d  along the lateral direction A, and the fifth contact blade  134   e  can further include an outer broad surface  139  opposite the fifth inner broad surface  135   e  along the lateral direction A. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS.  12 A-C, the outer broad surface  137  of the fourth contact blade  134   d  can face, for instance be disposed against, the first inner broad surface  135   a  of the first contact blade  134   a . The outer broad surface  139  of the fifth contact blade  134   e  can face, for instance be disposed against, the second inner broad surface  135   b  of the second contact blade  134   b.    
     The electrical contacts  116  can define plug or header type mating portions  132 . Because the illustrated mating portions  132  of the electrical contacts  116  are configured as header type mating portions, the power connector  106  can be referred to as a plug or header type connector. Furthermore, because the first mating interface  122  is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first mounting interface  124 , the power connector  106  can be referred to as a right angle connector, though it should be appreciated that the power connector  106  can alternatively be constructed in accordance with any desired configuration so as to electrically connect an underlying substrate, such as a printed circuit board, to a complementary electrical connector, such as the illustrated complementary power connector  110 . For instance, the first power connector  106  can alternatively be constructed as a receptacle connector with electrical contacts  116  having receptacle type mating ends configured to receive spade or plug type mating ends of the electrical contacts of a complementary electrical connector, such as a vertical or a right-angle connector that is to be mated with the power connector  106 . Additionally, the power connector  106  can be configured as a vertical connector, whereby the mating interface  122  is oriented substantially parallel with respect to the mounting interface  124 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , the complementary electrical contacts  120  of the complementary power connector  110  can define respective complementary mating portions  146  that are disposed proximate to the complementary mating interface  126 , and are configured to be electrically mated to an electrical component, such as the first power connector  106 . The mating portions  146  can be elongate along the mating direction M that is parallel to the mounting direction of the complementary power connector  110 . The electrical contacts  120  can further define respective complementary mounting tails  148  that can be configured as press-fit tails, and that are disposed proximate to the mounting interface  128  and can be configured to be mounted to the complementary underlying substrate  112 . For instance, the mounting tails  148  can be press-fit tails and can be configured to be inserted, or press-fit, into respective vias of the substrate  112 , thereby electrically connecting the mounting tails  148  and the corresponding electrical contacts  120  to respective electrical traces of the substrate  112  when the complementary power connector  110  is mounted to the substrate  112 . As illustrated, the mounting tails  148  can be elongate along the longitudinal direction L and can be elongate along substantially the same direction as the mating portions  146 . While the mounting tails  148  of the electrical contacts  120  are configured as press-fit tails, it should be appreciated that the mounting tails can be configured to be placed in electrical communication with electrical traces of the substrate  112  in accordance with any suitable alternative embodiment. For instance, the mounting tails can be surface mounted and configured to be fused, for instance soldered, to complementary contact pads of the substrate  112 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 5-6 , in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the respective complementary mating portions  146  of the complementary electrical contacts  120  are configured as receptacles that are configured to receive the respective mating portions  132  of the electrical contacts  116  of the first power connector  106  when the first and complementary power connectors  106  and  110  are mated, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first and complementary power connectors  106  and  110 , respectively. Thus, the mating portions  132  are configured to mate with respective mating portions  146  of the complementary electrical contacts  120 . For instance, each of the mating portions  132 , and thus each of the electrical contacts  120 , can include a plurality of beams  150  that can be arranged in pairs  152  that are spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction T. The pair  152  can be referred to as first and second beams  150 . Each beam  150  in a pair  152  can be spaced apart from the other beam  150  in the pair  152  a distance along the lateral direction A so as to receive the electrical contact  116 . Each of the beams  150  can include a front end  150   a  and an opposed rear end  150   b  that is disposed proximate to the complementary mounting tails  148  and is spaced from the front end  150   a  along the longitudinal direction L. Each beam  150  can further include an inner side  150   c  and an opposed outer side  150   d  that is spaced apart from the inner side  150   c  along the lateral direction A that is substantially perpendicular to the mating direction M, such that the inner side  150   c  of one of the beams  150  in the respective pair  152  faces the inner side  150   c  of the other beam  150  in the pair  152 . 
     In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the front ends  150   a  of the beams  150  in respective pairs  152  can converge to define “pinching” or “receptacle” beams, such that the distance between the front ends  150   a  in the respective pair  152  along the lateral direction A is shorter than the distance between the rear ends  150   b  in the respective pair  152  along the lateral direction A. Thus, the pairs  152  of beams  150  can be geometrically configured as tuning forks. The inner sides  150   c  can define respective contact surfaces  154  that are configured to abut at least a portion of the first mating portion  132 , and thus the first electrical contact  116 , so as to place the complementary power connector  110  in electrical communication with the first power connector  106  when the power connectors  106  and  110  are mated with each other. For instance, when the mating portion  132  of the power connector  106  is mated with the mating portion  146  of the complementary power connector  110 , the beams  150  can deflect, flex, or otherwise deviate from their biased position so as to engage the mating portion  132  of the power connector  106 . Thus, when the power connector  106  is mated with the complementary power connector  110 , the contact surfaces  154  of the beams  150  can define a mating force along the lateral direction A against the contact blades  134 , for instance the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b , so as to press the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  toward, for instance against, each other. While the lateral and longitudinal directions A and L, respectively, extend horizontally and the transverse direction T extends vertically in accordance with the illustrated orientation of the electrical connector system  100 , it should be appreciated that the orientation of the electrical connector system can vary as desired. 
     Because the mating portions  146  of the electrical contacts  120  are configured as receptacle type mating portions, the complementary power connector  110  can be referred to as a receptacle connector. Furthermore, because the complementary mating interface  126  is oriented substantially parallel to the complementary mounting interface  128 , the complementary power connector  110  can be referred to as a vertical connector, though it should be appreciated that the power connector  110  can alternatively be constructed in accordance with any desired configuration so as to electrically connect an underlying substrate  112 , such as a printed circuit board, to another electrical connector, such as the illustrated first power connector  106 . For instance, the complementary power connector  110  can alternatively be constructed as a header type connector with electrical contacts  120  having plug or header type mating ends configured to plug into receptacle type mating ends of power connector that is to be mated with the power connector  110 . Additionally, the power connector  110  can be configured as a right-angle connector, whereby the mating interface  126  is oriented substantially perpendicular with respect to the mounting interface  128 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-12C , each of the plate members  138 , for instance each of the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b  of the electrical contact  116  can define a front end  156   a  having at least a portion that extends from the intermediate portion  142  in a rearward direction that extends along the longitudinal direction L. Each of the plate members  138 , for instance each of the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b , can further define a rear surface  156   b  that is spaced from the front end  156   a  in the rearward direction. Thus, the mounting portion  136  of the electrical contact  116  can define the front ends  156   a  and the opposed rear surfaces  156   b  that are spaced from the front ends  156   a  along the longitudinal direction L. The plate members  138 , for instance the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b , can further include a respective top surface  156   c  and an opposed respective bottom surface  156   d  that is spaced from the top surface  156   c  along the transverse direction T. Thus, the mounting tails  140  that are each disposed proximate to the mounting interface  124  can each extend from the bottom surfaces  156   d  of the respective plate members  138  along the transverse direction T. The bottom surface  156   d  can generally lie in a plane defined by the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A, respectively. Alternatively, it will be understood that mounting tails  140  can extend from other surfaces as desired, such as from the rear surface  156   b  of the plate members  138 . 
     A distance between the top surface  156   c  and the bottom surface  156   d  along the transverse direction T can define a height of the respective plate member  138 . The height of a select plate member  138  can be substantially uniform along the longitudinal direction L. For instance, referring in particular to  FIG. 8 , the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b  can define respective heights that are substantially uniform along the longitudinal direction L. Alternatively, the height of at least one of the plate members  138  can vary as desired along the longitudinal direction L. 
     In accordance with the illustrated embodiments, the inner surface  156   e  of one of the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b  of the electrical contact  116  faces the inner surface  156   e  of the other plate member of the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b  in the respective electrical contact  116 . The inner surfaces  156   e  of the plate members  138 , for instance the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b , can be spaced from each other along the lateral direction A. For instance, referring to  FIGS. 12A-C , the inner surface  156   e  of one of the fourth and fifth plate members  138   d  and  138   e  faces the inner surface  156   e  of the other plate member of the fourth and fifth plate members  138   d  and  138   e . Further, the inner surfaces  156   e  of the fourth plate member  156   d  and the fifth plate member  156   e  can be spaced from each other along the lateral direction A. While the lateral and longitudinal directions A and L, respectively, extend horizontally and the transverse direction T extends vertically in accordance with the illustrated orientation of the electrical connector system  100 , it should be appreciated that the orientation of the electrical connector system can vary as desired. 
     In accordance with the illustrated embodiments, one or more of the plate members  138 , for instance at least one of the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b  of the electrical contact  116 , can define a recess  158  that extends into one of the respective inner and outer surfaces  156   e  and  156   f  toward the other of the respective inner and outer surfaces  156   e  and  156   f  along the lateral direction A. The recess  158  can terminate without extending through the other of the respective inner and outer surface  158   e  and  158   f  along the lateral direction A. In accordance with the illustrated embodiments, at least one, for instance all, of the plate members  138  can define respective recesses  158  that extend into one of the respective inner and outer surfaces  156   e  and  156   f  toward the other of the respective inner and outer surfaces  156   e  and  156   f  along the lateral direction A. The first plate member  138   a  can define a first recess  158  that extends into the inner and outer surfaces  158   e  and  158   f  of the first plate member  138   a  toward the other of the inner and outer surfaces  158   e  and  158   f  of the first plate member  138   a  along the lateral direction A. The second plate member  138   b  can define a second recess  158  that extends into the inner and outer surfaces  158   e  and  158   f  of the second plate member  138   b  toward the other of the inner and outer surfaces  158   e  and  158   f  of the second plate member  138   b  along the lateral direction A. The third plate member  138   c  can define a third recess  158  that extends into the inner and outer surfaces  158   e  and  158   f  of the third plate member  138   c  toward the other of the inner and outer surfaces  158   e  and  158   f  of the third plate member  138   c  along the lateral direction A. The fourth plate member  138   d  can define a fourth recess  158  that extends into the inner and outer surfaces  158   e  and  158   f  of the fourth plate member  138   d  toward the other of the inner and outer surfaces  158   e  and  158   f  of the fourth plate member  138   d  along the lateral direction A. The fifth plate member  138   e  can define a fifth recess  158  that extends into the inner and outer surfaces  158   e  and  158   f  of the fifth plate member  138   e  toward the other of the inner and outer surfaces  158   e  and  158   f  of the fifth plate member  138   e  along the lateral direction A. 
     In an example embodiment, only one of the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b  includes the recess  158 . Alternatively, both of the first and second plate members  138  can include respective recesses  158 . The recesses  158  can be supported by the respective inner surfaces  156   e  of each of the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b.    
     Each recess  158  can be bound by opposed front and back recess sides  160   a  and  160   b , respectively, that can be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction L. For instance, the front recess side  160   a  can be disposed proximate to the front end  156   a , and the back recess side  160   b  can be disposed proximate to the rear surface  156   b . The opposed recess sides  160   a  and  160   b , and thus the recess  158 , can extend from the top surface  156   c  to the bottom surface  156   d  along the transverse direction T to define a recess height, although it will understood that the recess height can vary as desired. For instance, the recess  158  can be elongate in the transverse direction T and can extend downward in the transverse direction T from the top surface  156   c  until the recess terminates, for instance at the bottom surface  156   d . Alternatively, the recess  158  can be elongate in the transverse direction T and can extend upward in the transverse direction T from the bottom surface  156   d  until the recess terminates, for instance at the top surface  156   c . Thus, the recess  158  can extend from the top surface  156   c  of at least one of first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b  to the bottom surface  156   d  of the at least one of first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b . In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, both the opposed recess sides  160   a  and  160   b , and thus the recess  158 , are closer to the front end  156   a  of the plate member  138  than the rear surface  156   b  of the plate member  138  along the longitudinal direction L. As described above, the height of at least one of the plate members  138  can vary as desired along the longitudinal direction L. For instance, with particular reference to  FIGS. 11C and 12C , the plate members  138  can define a height rearward of the recess  158  that is greater that the height of the plate member forward of the recess  158  along the longitudinal direction L. By way of further example, the recess height can be less than the plate member height rearward of the recess  158 , and the recess height can be at least equal to, for instance greater than, the plate member height forward of the recess along the longitudinal direction L. 
     It can be said that the plate members  138  have a thickness along the lateral direction A that can be defined by the distance between the inner and outer surfaces  156   e  and  156   f , respectively, along the lateral direction A. Because the recesses  158  lessen a portion of the thickness of the respective plate member  138 , the recesses  158  can be referred to as thin regions of the plate members  138 , and the recesses  158  can define respective flex joints of the electrical contact  116 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 8-12C , one or more of the plate members  138 , for instance at least one of the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b  of the electrical contact  116 , can define at least one slot, such as a slot  162  that can extend from the respective inner surface  156   e  to the respective outer surface  156   f  along the lateral direction A. It should be appreciated that the shape of the slots and number of the slots may vary as desired. For instance, the first plate member  138   a  can define a first slot  162  that extends from the inner surface  156   e  of the first plate member  138   a  to the outer surface  158   f  of the first plate member  138   a  along the lateral direction A. The second plate member  138   b  can define a second slot  162  that extends from the inner surface  156   e  of the second plate member  138   b  to the outer surface  158   f  of the second plate member  138   b  along the lateral direction A. The third plate member  138   c  can define a third slot  162  that extends from the inner surface  156   e  of the third plate member  138   c  to the outer surface  158   f  of the third plate member  138   c  along the lateral direction A. The fourth plate member  138   d  can define a fourth slot  162  that extends from the inner surface  156   e  of the fourth plate member  138   d  to the outer surface  158   f  of the fourth plate member  138   d  along the lateral direction A. The fifth plate member  138   e  can define a fifth slot  162  that extends from the inner surface  156   e  of the fifth plate member  138   e  to the outer surface  158   f  of the fifth plate member  138   e  along the lateral direction A. 
     Thus, at least one, for instance all, of the plate members  138  of the electrical contact  116  can include respective slots  162 . In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, each illustrated slot  162  is disposed proximate to the front end  156   a  of the plate members  138 , such that the front end  156   a  defines a portion of the slot  162 . The slot  162  can extend into the front end  156   a  of at least one plate member  138  at a location spaced from the intermediate portion  142  along the transverse direction T that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions L and T. Further, the slot  162  can be disposed closer to the bottom surface  156   d  of at least one of the plate members  138  than the top surface  156   c  of the at least one plate member  138  along the transverse direction T, though it will be appreciated that the placement of the slot  162  can vary as desired. 
     In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the slot  162  can include a first portion  164  that is substantially rectangular and a second portion  166  that is substantially rectangular and that extends from the first portion  164 . For instance, the first portion  164  of the slot  162  can be elongate along the longitudinal direction L, and the first portion  164  can be defined by top and bottom slot sides  164   a  and  164   b , respectively that are spaced apart and opposed from each other along the transverse direction T. Further, the first portion  164  can be disposed at the front end  156   a  such that at least a portion of the front end  156   a  can be open to the slot  162 . The first portion  164  can further include a first portion end  164   c  that is opposite the front end  156   a  along the longitudinal direction L. The first portion end  164   c  can be disposed proximate to, for instance at, the front recess side  160   a.    
     The second portion  166  can be defined by second opposed slot sides  166   a  and  166   b  that are spaced apart from each other along a direction D 1  (see  FIGS. 8, 11C, and 12C ) that has a component in both the lateral and transverse directions A and T, respectively. The second portion  166  of the slot  162  can further be defined by a second portion end  166   c  that extends between the opposed slot sides  166   a  and  166   b  along the direction D 1 . Thus, it can be said that the second portion  166  of the slot  162  is substantially rectangular and extends upward from the first portion end  164   c  of the slot  162  to the second portion end  166   c  of the second portion  166  along a direction D 2  (see  FIGS. 8, 11C, and 12C ) that has a component in both the longitudinal and transverse directions L and T, respectively. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the second portion end  166   c  of the second portion  166 , and thus the second portion end  166   c  of the slot  162 , can be disposed closer to the bottom surface  156   d  of the plate member  138  than the top surface  156   c  of the plate member  138  along the transverse direction T. Furthermore, in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the second portion end  166   c  of the second portion  166 , and thus the second portion end  166   c  of the slot  162 , can be disposed closer to the front end  156   a  of the plate member  138  than the rear surface  156   b  of the plate member  138  along the longitudinal direction L. The second portion end  166   c  can be disposed proximate to, for instance at, the back recess side  160   b.    
     Referring particularly to  FIGS. 8, 11C, and 12C , the mating portion  132  can include a bottom end  133   a  and a top end  133   b  that is spaced apart from the bottom end  133   a  along the transverse direction T. Thus, the mating end  132   a  of the mating portion  132  and the tapered end  132   b  of the mating portion  132  can include the bottom end  133   a  and the top end  133   b . At the mating end  132   a , the top end  133   b  can be substantially parallel to the bottom end  133   a  to define a mating end height. The mating end height can be substantially equal to the plate member height. Alternatively, at least a portion of the plate member height can be different than, for instance greater than, the mating end height. At the tapered end  132   b , the bottom end  133   a  can be tapered toward the top end  133   b  along the rearward longitudinal direction, such that the height that is defined by the distance between the top end  133   b  and the bottom end  133   a  decreases rearwardly from the mating end height to a height that is defined by the intermediate portion  142 . In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the bottom end  133   a  of the intermediate portion  142  can terminate at the mouth of the slot  162 . Thus, in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the distance between the top surface  156   c  of the plate members  138  and the top slot side  164   a  of the slot  162  is substantially equal to the height of the intermediate portion  142  of the electrical contact  116 . Further, the bottom end  133   a  can be configured so as to direct current around the slot in a clockwise direction, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Although the illustrated bottom end  133   a  tapers linearly in the rearward longitudinal direction, it will be understood that the shape and size of the mating portion  132  can vary as desired. 
     As described above, at least a select one of plate members  138 , for instance at least a select one of the first and second plate members  138   a  and  138   b  of the electrical contact  116 , and thus at least a select one of the electrical contacts  116  of the power connector  106 , can include at least one recess  158  or at least one slot  162 . For instance, in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, at least a select one of the plate members  138  can include one recess  158  and one slot  162 . Further, in accordance with the illustrated embodiments, each plate member  138  of the power connector  106 , and thus each plate member  138  of each electrical contact  116  of the power connector  106 , can include the recess  158  and the slot  162 . 
     The recesses  158  and the slots  162  can be operatively configured to enhance the flexibility of respective electrical contacts  116 , and thus the power connector  106 . In addition, the recesses and the slots can be operatively configured to control current flow through the electrical contact  116  when the power connector  106  is mated with the complementary power connector  110 . For instance, the slot  162  can be sized and/or shaped such that the electrical current that is transmitted to one of the mounting tails  140  is substantially equivalent to the current that is transmitted to each of the other mounting tails  140 . For instance, the second portion  166  of the illustrated slot  162  can be elongate in the direction D 2  to cause current to flow toward the top surface  156   c  such that the current is equally distributed among the mounting tails  140 . In addition, the tapered end  132   b  can terminate at the mouth of the slot  162  so that the current cannot flow below the slot  162 , thus causing the electrical current to flow toward the rearwardly disposed mounting tails instead of directly to the forwardly disposed mounting tails  140 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , at select portion of the electrical contact is configured to angulate with respect to at least a portion of the mounting portion  136 . The select portion can include the mating portion  132 . For instance, the angulation can be an elastic angulation within a range that causes the first and second forwardmost tips to deflecta distance between approximately 0.25 mm and approximately 3 mm along the lateral direction, such that at least one of the first and second contact blades  134   a    134   b  slides along the other of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b . The distance can, for instance, be between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. For instance, each of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b , and in one example at the outer broad surface, is configured to receive an applied force in the lateral direction A that drives the angulation of the select portion relative to the mounting portion  136 . Because the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  are configured to slide along each other, the shear force at the interface between the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  is reduced when a force is applied to the mating portion  132  in the lateral direction A that causes the angulation, with respect to an electrical contact whose contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  are fixed to each other. When the force applied is to the outer broad surface of one of the first and second contact blades sufficient to move the one of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  along the lateral direction A toward the other of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b , the force is transferred through the one of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  to the other of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  such that the other of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  moves with the one of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  along the lateral direction A. 
     The electrical contacts  116  can be configured such that a majority of the angulation of the select portion with respect to the at least a portion of the mounting portion  136  occurs at a predetermined region of the electrical power contact. For instance, the predetermined region can be disposed at the intermediate portion  142 . In one example, between 75% and 100% of the elastic angulation of the select portion with respect to the at least a portion of the mounting portion occurs at the predetermined region. In accordance with one embodiment, the predetermined region does not change no matter where along the mating portion  132  along the longitudinal direction L the force is applied that causes the angulation. On accordance with one embodiment, at least one of the recesses  158 , including both of the recesses  158 , can define the predetermined region. Angulation of the select portion can cause the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  to move with respect to one another. Thus, it can be said that the mating portion  132  of the electrical contact  116  can be configured to angulate about the recess  158  with respect to the mounting portion  136  of the electrical contact  116 . The mating portion  136  can be configured to angulate in a direction that lies in a plane that is defined by the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A, respectively. 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 13 , one or more of the recess  158  of the electrical contact  116  can define a flex joint such that the mating portion  132  of the electrical contact  116  can angulate with respect to the mounting portion  136  of the electrical contact  116 . In particular, the recess  158  can define the flex joint such that the mating portion  132  of the electrical contact  116  is configured to angulate about the recess  158  with respect to the mounting portion  136  of the electrical contact  116 . For instance, in accordance with the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , the recesses  158  and/or the slots  162  can be operatively configured so as to enable the electrical contact  116  to be bent into a flexed position. In the flexed position, the mating portion  132  can angulate along the lateral direction a distance of at least, for instance greater than, 1 millimeter as compared to the unflexed position of the electrical contact  116 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-8 and 13 , the applied force that causes the select portion to angulate can further cause the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  to slide along each other with respect to the longitudinal direction L. For instance, when the applied force is applied direction to one of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  in a sufficient amount that causes the respective forwardmost tips  141   a  and  141   b  to deflect along the lateral direction A, the one of the forwardmost tip of the other of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  becomes displaced from the forwardmost tip of the one of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  in the forward direction. For instance, the first inner broad surface  135   a  and the second inner broad surface  135   b  can be configured to slide along each other in the longitudinal direction L as the select portion angulates with respect to the mounting portion  136 . In one example, the select portion can angulate with respect to the mounting portion  136  along the direction that lies in the plane defined by the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A, respectively. Thus, the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  are configured to angulate with respect to the mounting portion  136  along the direction that lies in the plane defined by the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A, respectively. Referring to  FIGS. 11A-C , in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the first inner broad surface  135   a  and one of the opposed broad surfaces  135   c  of the third contact blade  134   c  can be configured to slide along each other as the first and third contact blades  134   a  and  134   c  angulate along the direction that lies in the plane defined by the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A, and the second inner broad surface  135   b  and the other of the opposed broad surfaces  135   c  of the third contact blade  134   c  can be configured to slide along each other as the second and third contact blades  134   b  and  134   c  angulate along the direction that lies in the plane defined by the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A. Referring to  FIGS. 12A-C , in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the fourth inner broad surface  135   d  and the fifth inner broad surface  135   e  can be configured to slide along each other as the fourth and fifth contact blades  134   d  and  134   e  angulate along the direction that lies in the plane defined by the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A, respectively. Further, the outer broad surface  137  of the fourth contact blade  134   d  and the first inner broad surface  135   a  of the first contact blade  134   a  can be configured to slide along each other as the fourth and first contact blades  134   d  and  134   a  angulate along the direction that lies in the plane defined by the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A, respectively, and the outer broad surface  139  of the fifth contact blade  134   e  and the first inner broad surface  135   a  of the first contact blade  134   a  can be configured to slide along each other as the fifth and first contact blades  134   e  and  134   a  angulate along the direction that lies in the plane defined by the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A, respectively. The above-described angulations of the contact blades  135  can be caused by the broad surfaces of the contact blades sliding along each other. 
     Thus, the power connector  106  can be flexed so as to comply with various tolerances, for instance tolerances of the substrate  108  or tolerances of a complementary electrical component to which the power connector is to be mated, such as the complementary power connector  110 . The slots  162  and/or the recesses  158  can be operatively configured to provide flexibility such that the contact blades  134  can angulate to engage with the corresponding mating portions  146  of the complementary electrical contact  120  while the mounting tails  140  are mounted to the substrate  108  so as to establish an electrical connection between the first and complementary substrates  108  and  112 , respectively. 
     In operation, a method of mating an electrical power contact such as the electrical contact  116  to a complementary power contact such as the electrical contact  120  can include generally aligning the mating portion  132  of the electrical contact  116  with the mating portion  146  of the complementary electrical contact  120 , wherein the mating portion  132  of the electrical contact  116  includes the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  that are disposed adjacent to each other. For instance, the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  can abut each other. The method can further include bringing the mating portion  132  of the electrical contact  116  into contact with the mating portion  146  of the complementary electrical contact  120  along the mating direction, such that the mating portion  312  receives a force from the connector housing  118  along the lateral direction. In response to the force, at least a portion of each of the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  is caused to deflect along the lateral direction L so as to align the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  with the complementary power contact  120 . Subsequently, the method can include the step of mating the mating portion  132  with the mating portion of the complementary power contact  120 .  35 . The first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  can remain deflected after the mating step. In response to the force, the at least one of the contact blades  134  can be caused to slide along the other of the contact blades  134  along the mating direction. Causing the first and second contact blades  134   a  and  134   b  to deflect can cause the mating portion  132  to angulate respect to the mounting portion  136  at the predetermined region. The method can further include mounting the electrical contact onto the underlying substrate  140  such that the mounting tails  140  of the mounting portion  136  are placed in electrical communication with the underlying substrate  140  so as to establish an electrical connection between the underlying substrate  140  and the complementary power contact  120 . 
     The embodiments described in connection with the illustrated embodiments have been presented by way of illustration, and the present invention is therefore not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, the structure and features of each the embodiments described above can be applied to the other embodiments described herein, unless otherwise indicated. Accordingly, the invention is intended to encompass all modifications and alternative arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention, for instance as set forth by the appended claims. 
     For instance, it should be appreciated that a means for increasing the flexibility of a power contact may include a means for reducing at least a portion of the thickness of one or more plate members. Similarly, it should be appreciated that a means for increasing the flexibility of a power contact may include a means for removing a portion of one or more plate members so as to define at least one slot. Thus, a means for mating an electrical power connector to a complementary power connector may include generally aligning a mating portion of the electrical power contact with a mating portion of the complementary power contact, wherein the mating portion of the electrical power contact including first and second contact blades that are disposed adjacent to each other and can abut each other; bringing the mating portion of the electrical power contact into contact with the mating portion of the complementary power contact along a mating direction; and during the bringing step, causing one of the contact blades to slide along the other of the contact blades along the mating direction. The means for mating the electrical power connector can further include a means for angulating the mating portion with respect to a mounting portion during the bringing step; and mounting the mounting tails onto respective contact pads of an underlying substrate so as to establish an electrical connection between the underlying substrate and the complementary power contact. The means for mating the electrical connector may include a means for angulating the mating portion of the electrical power contact at least 1 millimeter, for instance greater than 1 millimeter, with respect to the mounting portion of the electrical power contact.