Patent Publication Number: US-9843113-B1

Title: Crimpless electrical connectors

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     This disclosure relates to connectors, such as electrical connectors for transmitting power or data electronically. 
     Description of Certain Related Art 
     Electrical connectors are devices that are used to join electrical conductors using a mechanical assembly. Electrical conductors can be used to transmit power or signals. Some electrical connectors are configured to connect a free end of a first conductor to a free end of a second conductor so that electricity can pass continuously from one conductor to another. In certain arrangements, an electrical connector can be a reversible coupling that allows the connection and disconnection of the first and/or second conductor. 
     SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEATURES 
     Various embodiments of crimpless connector assemblies are disclosed. The crimpless connectors can comprise mechanical assemblies of various components. The components can include a crimpless contact, an outer housing, and a contact facilitator. Some embodiments can include an anti-rotation pin and an activation unit. Some of the components can be easily assembled with one another by inserting one component into a receiving end or slot of another component and easily disassembled by removing the inserted component from the receiving component. Some of the components can comprise threaded shafts configured to mate with threaded lumens or channels of another component, and can be easily assembled by screwing the components together and easily disassembled by unscrewing them. In some embodiments, the threaded components of the assembly can comprise different orientations (right-handed or left-handed) which can allow selective rotation of the components with respect to each other. 
     The assembly can include a first configuration, a second configuration, and intermediate configurations between the first and second configurations. The first configuration can be configured for receiving a conductor and the second configuration can be configured for physically securing the conductor, such as to resist a pull-out force. The crimpless contact can be configured to receive two electrical conductors at opposite ends and to establish an electrical connection between the two. In various embodiments, the clamping force increases when a user pulls on the first conductor. 
     The crimpless connector can include tines on one end for compressing the first conductor and/or physically securing it in the crimpless connector. The tines can be elastically deformed in the second configuration and/or various intermediate configurations under the applied compression. 
     The outer housing can be configured to mate with the crimpless connector and to apply a compression force to the tines. The outer housing can include a tapered lumen which modulates the compression depending on the distance the crimpless contact is inserted into the tapered lumen. The outer housing can also be configured to be secured within an external fixation structure, such as a dielectric insulator, and can prevent rotation of the outer housing and various other components of the assembly. In some implementations, the outer housing is secured to the external fixation structure such that relative rotation of the outer housing and the external fixation structure is inhibited or prevented in at least one rotational direction. For example, the outer housing can be secured to the external fixation structure with a threaded connection. 
     An anti-rotation pin can secure the outer housing to the crimpless contact in a manner that prevents one from rotating relative to the other. The anti-rotation pin can limit the amount of translation along the longitudinal axis between the outer housing and crimpless contact and can thereby regulate the amount of compression force exerted on the tines. 
     An activation unit, such as an activation nut, can be coupled to the crimpless contact, opposite the outer housing. Rotation of the activation unit can be used to control the insertion and/or retraction of the crimpless contact in the outer housing, thereby modulating the amount of compression force applied to the first conductor by the tines of the crimpless contact. The second conductor can be inserted into the opposite end of the crimpless contact as the first conductor. In some embodiments, the second conductor can be inserted through the activation unit. The crimpless contact can be coupled to a contact facilitator for facilitating a physical and electrical connection between the second conductor and the crimpless contact. 
     In some embodiments, a connector comprises an outer dielectric housing, a contact activation nut, an anti-rotation feature (e.g., a pin), a contact base with a tapered surface, and a crimpless contact with multiple tines. In some embodiments, rotation of the contact activation nut transfers an axial force to the crimpless contact, which pushes the crimpless contact along the tapered surface of the contact base, which in turn causes the tines to contract radially inwardly on a conductor. In some embodiments, the contact activation nut comprises an aperture that is configured to receive a conductor and to receive a tool (e.g., a hexagonal wrench) for use in rotating the contact activation nut. In some embodiments, the anti-rotation pin resides in a longitudinal slot and inhibits rotation of the contact activation nut relative to the outer dielectric housing. Various embodiments do not require crimping to establish an electrical connection and/or to secure a conductor in the connector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrate an example of a crimpless connector assembly.  FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the crimpless connector in a first configuration.  FIG. 1B  is a side cross-sectional view of the crimpless connector in a first configuration within an external structure.  FIG. 1C  is a side cross-sectional view of the crimpless connector in a second configuration, within the external structure, and with first and second conductors installed.  FIG. 1D  is an exploded view of the crimpless connector. 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate an example of a crimpless contact that can be used in the connector of  FIGS. 1A-1D .  FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the crimpless contact.  FIG. 2B  is a side cross-sectional view of the crimpless contact. 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate an example of an outer housing that can be used in the connector of  FIGS. 1A-1D .  FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the outer housing.  FIG. 3B  is a side cross-sectional view of the outer housing. 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate an example of a contact facilitator that can be used in the connector of  FIGS. 1A-1D .  FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the contact facilitator.  FIG. 4B  is a side cross-sectional view of the contact facilitator. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an example of an anti-rotation pin that can be used in the connector of  FIGS. 1A-1D . 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate an example of an activation nut that can be used in the connector of  FIGS. 1A-1D .  FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the activation nut.  FIG. 6B  is a side cross-sectional view of the activation nut. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
     Various embodiments of the disclosed invention relate to connectors for electrically joining two separate electrical conductors. Several embodiments comprise a crimpless connector. A crimpless connector can provide the electrical connection between two electrical conductors without substantially plastically deforming (e.g., crimping) the crimpless connector and/or the electrical conductors in order to form the electrical connection and/or to secure at least the first conductor in the connector. Crimpless connectors can be elastically deformable to secure the electrical connection between two conductors. Several of the crimpless connectors disclosed herein can be quickly assembled and disassembled. Several embodiments do not require the use of special crimping tools (e.g., crimping pliers) to secure the conductors within the crimpless connector. In some embodiments, neither the crimpless connector nor the conductors are substantially plastically deformed. In certain implementations, the conductors can be readily removed from the crimpless connector and can be used elsewhere or reinserted into the crimpless connector. Likewise, the crimpless connector can be reused with other conductors. In some embodiments, the crimpless connector can apply substantially uniform pressure to a conductor, such as by gripping the conductor around generally the entire circumference along a length of the conductor. The amount of pressure applied by the crimpless connector to the conductor can be modulated and can be easily increased or decreased. 
     Overview 
     An example of a crimpless connector  100  is shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . As shown, the connector  100  can comprise a crimpless contact  200  and an outer housing  300 . Some embodiments have a contact facilitator  400 . Some embodiments include an anti-rotation pin  500  and/or an activation unit  600  (e.g., an activation nut). The components can be assembled together to comprise the crimpless connector  100  and can be unassembled as needed. The crimpless connector  100  can generally be assembled along a longitudinal axis L extending from a proximal end  102  to a distal end  104 . The outer housing  300  can be positioned at the proximal end  102  and the activation nut  600  can be positioned at the distal end  104 . The outer housing  300  can be configured to connect with an external fixation structure E, such as with a threaded connection. The outer housing  300  can be secured to the external structure E. The outer housing  300  can be generally fixed relative to the external structure E. The outer housing  300  can be inhibited or prevented from rotating relative to the external structure E in at least one rotational direction. In various embodiments, the external structure E comprises a dielectric insulator. In some embodiments, the external structure E extends along and/or surrounds substantially the entire longitudinal length of the connector  100 . 
     When assembled in an operative configuration, the components can be positioned in a first configuration, a second configuration, or various graduated intermediate configurations between the first and second configurations.  FIG. 1B  shows the crimpless connector  100  in a first configuration. In some embodiments, in the first configuration, the crimpless connector  100  is configured for receiving a first conductor C 1 .  FIG. 1C  shows the crimpless connector  100  in a second configuration. In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the crimpless connector  100  is configured for physically securing the first conductor C 1 . The first configuration can be a non-deformed configuration and the second configuration can be a deformed configuration. As will be described in greater detail below, the crimpless contact  200  can electrically connect two conductors (e.g., stranded cables, solid copper connectors, etc.). By physically receiving a free end of the first conductor C 1  and a second conductor C 2  within opposite sides of an elongate body, the crimpless connector  100  can serve as an electrical conduit between the two conductors C 1 , C 2 . 
     The proximal end  102  of the crimpless contact  200  can be configured with tines  250  for compressing and securing the free end of the first conductor C 1 . The proximal end  102  of the crimpless contact  200  can be received within a tapered lumen  315  of the outer housing  300 , which can act to compress the tines  250  onto the first conductor C 1 . For example, the tines  250  can engage with a tapered wall  316  of the lumen  315 . In some embodiments, the amount of compression is generally proportional to the distance in which the crimpless contact  200  is inserted along a longitudinal axis into the outer housing  300 . The pressure applied by the tines  250  on the conductor C 1  can inhibit and/or prevent retraction of the first conductor C 1  from the crimpless connector  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the crimpless contact  200  and the outer housing  300  are configured to rotate together as a unit. Some implementations include the anti-rotation pin  500  that joins the crimpless contact  200  and outer housing  300  in a manner that inhibits or prevents their rotation relative to one another about the longitudinal axis L. In some embodiments, the crimpless contact  200  and outer housing  300  are configured to translate relative to each other, such as along the longitudinal axis and/or along the direction of the taper. 
     As shown, the crimpless contact  200  can be threaded to engage the threads of an activation nut  600 . The crimpless contact  200  and activation nut  600  can be generally aligned along a common longitudinal axis, through which a portion of the second conductor C 2  can extend. Rotation of the activation nut  600  in a first direction can result in an axial separation with the crimpless contact  200  and/or can translate the crimpless contact  200 . This can cause the crimpless contact  200  to move deeper into the outer housing  300 . As mentioned above, the outer housing  300  can be secured to the external structure E, which can maintain the outer housing  300  in a generally fixed position relative to the external structure E. The crimpless contact  200  can move (e.g., translate) relative to the outer housing  300  and the external structure E. In some embodiments, movement of the crimpless contact  200  relative to the outer housing  300  moves the tines  250  along the tapered wall  315 . This can result in the tines  250  being deformed radially inward, thereby compressing the tines  250  against the first conductor C 1 . In some variants, the distal end  104  of the crimpless contact  200  can include a contact facilitator  400  for facilitating electrical contact between the crimpless contact  200  and the second conductor C 2 . In some implementations, such as is shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the distal end of the activation nut  600  engages (e.g., bears against) the external structure E. In some embodiments, the external structure E inhibits or prevents the activation nut  600  and/or the housing  300  from translating relative to the external structure E. In some variants, the crimpless contact  200  and/or the pin  500  translates relative to the external structure E, such as in response to rotation of the nut  600 , as will be described in more detail below. In certain variants, the proximal and distal ends  102 ,  104  of the connector  100  are longitudinally restrained by and/or captured in the external structure E. In some embodiments, the external structure E comprises multiple discrete components. For example, a portion of the external structure E that engages the proximal end  102  can be a separate component from a portion of the external structure E that engages the distal end  104 . In some variants, the external structure E is a unitary component. 
     Crimpless Contact 
       FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate an example of the crimpless contact  200 . The crimpless contact  200  can be configured to receive and conduct electricity between two electrical conductors. As illustrated, the crimpless contact  200  can include an elongate body  201 , comprising a proximal end  202  and a distal end  204 . The elongate body  201  can be generally cylindrical or other shapes. The proximal end  202  can include tines  250  configured to receive and compress the first conductor C 1 . In some embodiments, the tines  250  bound a passage  251  into which the first conductor C 1  is received. As discussed in more detail below, the tines  250  can be deformed, thereby changing the diameter of the passage  251 . 
     In some embodiments, the proximal end  202  is positioned in the housing  300 . The proximal end  202  can be configured to be received within the distal end  304  of the outer housing  300 . In some embodiments, and/or the distal end  204  is positioned out of the housing  300 , such as protruding distally out of the housing  300 . The distal end  204  can comprise a threaded portion  210  configured to mate with the activation nut  600 . The distal end  204  can be configured to receive the second conductor C 2 . 
     The proximal end  202  and the distal end  204  of the crimpless contact  200  can each comprise a channel  203 ,  205 , extending from their respective end-faces along the longitudinal axis toward the longitudinal center of the crimpless contact  200 . In some implementations, the proximal channel  203  and distal channel  205  can comprise similar diameters and/or can be longitudinally aligned. The crimpless contact  200  can comprise an interior portion  206  that separates inner ends  207 ,  209  of the channels  203 ,  205 . The inner ends  207 ,  209  of the channels  203 ,  205  can be conically shaped for receiving the ends of the first and second conductors C 1 , C 2 , respectively. The conical inner ends  207 ,  209  can facilitate manufacturability of the contact  200 . The length of the channels  203 ,  205  can be about the same, as shown in  FIG. 3B , or can be different. A portion  208  of the distal channel  205  can comprise a slightly expanded diameter configured for receiving the contact facilitator  400 , as shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C . The expanded diameter portion  208  can be offset from the distal end-face of the crimpless contact  200  so that the contact facilitator  400  can be secured within the distal channel  205  without easily sliding out. The open end-face of the distal end  204  of the elongate body  201  can comprise a beveled sidewall  214  for facilitating insertion of the second conductor C 2  into the distal channel  205 . The beveled opening can comprise an angled surface, a rounded surface, or any other suitable shape. The open end-face of the proximal end  202  of the elongate body  201  can be beveled as described below in relation to the tines  250 . 
     The tines  250  can comprise the proximal-most end of the crimpless contact  200 . The tines  250  can comprise circumferential portions of the elongate body  201 . The tines  250  can be separated by slits  252 . The slits  252  can extend from the proximal end-face of the elongate body  201  in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The length of the slits  252  along the longitudinal axis can be the same as or less than the length of the proximal channel  203 . The length of the slits  252  in the example of  FIG. 3B  is less than the length of the proximal channel  203 . In some embodiments, the slits  252  radially extend between the outer diameter of the elongate body  301  and an inner diameter formed by the proximal channel  203 . The slits  252  can be uniformly spaced around the circumference of the elongate body  201 . The width of each of the slits  252  can be uniform and/or can be configured so that each tine  250  has an arcuate curvature (e.g., generally convex to the longitudinal axis L). In some embodiments, an arcuate curvature can facilitate compression of the tines  250  in a radial direction. Tines  250  with smaller arcs can be easier to compress radially inward than tines  250  with longer arcs. The width of each of the tines  250  can be uniform along the length of the tine  250  and/or compared to other tines  250 . There can be one or more tines  250  (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, etc.). The example shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B  comprises four generally uniform width tines  250  separated by four generally uniform width slits  252 . The width of the slits  252  can be larger, such as in some embodiments with fewer tines  250 , to reduce the width of the tines  250 . This can allow for easier deformation of the tines  250 . In some embodiments, the tines  250  have a generally “C” shape in cross-section and/or at the proximal tip when viewed along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end. 
     As the tines  250  are radially compressed, the widths of the slits  252  can gradually decrease along the length of the tines  250  according to the amount of compression experienced. For example, when the crimpless contact  100  is positioned in the second configuration (e.g., a deformed configuration), the width of the slits  252  at the distal ends of the tines  250  can remain unchanged while the width of the slits  252  at the proximal ends of the tines  250  can be approximately zero. The width of the slits  252  can limit the amount of radial compression achievable by the tines  250 . In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the proximal ends of the tines  250  come into contact with each other, thereby forming a substantially continuous circumferential surface. When the tines  250  are in contact with each other, the tines  250  can be unable to be compressed any further. 
     In some embodiments, the width of the slits  252  varies in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the width of the slits  252  in a first configuration (e.g., a non-deformed configuration) can decrease as the slits  252  extend distally. In some variants, in the first configuration, the width of the slits  252  increases as the slits  252  extend distally. In some embodiments, the width of the tines  250  increase as the width of the slits  252  decrease. The increased width of the slits  252  at the proximal end of the tines  250  can allow for greater deformation of the tines  250 . 
     The elongate body  201  can comprise one or more annular grooves  254 ,  256 . The annular grooves  254 ,  256  can reduce the thickness of the tines  250  at certain regions, which can encourage the tines  250  to bend at those regions when under radial compression (e.g., in response to the activation nut  600  being turned). Certain embodiments, such as the example shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B , include an annular groove  254  positioned along the outer circumference of the elongate body  201  and/or an annular groove  256  positioned along the inner circumference of the elongate body  201  near the middle of the tines  250 . As shown, in some embodiments, the annular groove  254  is at or near the distal end of the tines  250  and/or the annular groove  256  is at or near the middle of the tines  250 . The elongate body  201  can include any number of the grooves  254 ,  256  along the length of the tines  250  or otherwise. For example, some embodiments have one, two, three, four, five, or more of the groove  254  and/or the groove  256 . The grooves  254 ,  256  can be positioned on the inner circumference and/or the outer circumference of the elongate body  201 . In some variants, one or more of the grooves  254 ,  256  can be positioned on the inner circumference at a length opposite one or more grooves positioned on the outer circumference. The grooves can be generally round, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B , or can comprise different shapes (e.g., rectangular cross-sections). The elongate body  201  can comprise grooves of different shapes and/or dimensions. The grooves may or may not extend around the entire circumference of the elongate body  201 . In some variants, different tines  250  can have different groove patterns. 
     The thickness of the tines  250  can decrease from the distal end of the tines  250  to the proximal end-face of the elongate body  201 , or along a portion therein. A reduction in the thickness can allow easier bending of the tines  250  as they are compressed by the tapered lumen of the outer housing  300 . The thickness can be more greatly reduced at more proximal portions of the tines  250  because those portions can experience more compression. In some embodiments, the thickness can be decreased by tapering the outer diameter, the inner diameter, or both the outer and inner diameter of the elongate body  201 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B , the outer diameter tapers inward from the second annular groove  256  to the proximal end-face, decreasing the thickness of the tines  250  toward the proximal end of the crimpless contact  200 . 
     As shown, the tines  250  can comprise a textured surface  258 . The surface  258  can be configured to engage against (e.g., bite into) the first conductor C 1 . The textured surface can facilitate gripping and/or securing the first conductor C 1  in the contact  200 . In some implementations, when under compression, the surface  258  can enhance the grip of the tines  250  on the first conductor C 1 . The enhanced grip can contribute to the ability of the crimpless connector  100  to resist pull-out of the first conductor C 1  when the crimpless connector  100  is in a second configuration (e.g., a deformed configuration). 
     The textured surface  258  can comprise of any suitable texturing, such as ridges, ribs, grooves, bumps, combinations thereof, etc. In some embodiments, the surface  258  comprises a tooth or teeth. The textured surface  258  can extend over a portion or the entirety of the longitudinal length and/or the circumferential width of the tines  250 . The example shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B  comprises a textured surface  258  formed by a series of adjacent grooves with pointed ridges between them. As illustrated, the surface  258  can extend from the second annular groove  256  to near the proximal end-face of the elongate body  201 . The proximal ends of the tines  250  can comprise beveled tips  259 . This can facilitate insertion of the first conductor C 1  into the proximal channel  302 . 
     The threaded portion  210  of the elongate body  201  of the crimpless contact  200  can comprise the distal most portion of the elongate body  201 . The threads of the threaded portion  211  can be oriented in a first orientation (e.g., right-handed or left-handed) and can be configured to mate with a threaded channel of the activation nut  600 . The length of the threaded portion  210  can be the same, greater than, or less than the length of the distal channel  205 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the length of the threaded portion  210  is less than the length of the channel  205 . The outer diameter of the threaded portion  210  can be configured to be substantially flush with the outer diameter of the adjacent non-threaded portion of the elongate body  201 . In some embodiments, a non-threaded portion of the inner diameter of the activation nut  600  can slidingly engage the non-threaded portion of the outer diameter of the crimpless contact  200  when assembled together, as shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C . 
     The interior portion  206 , which can be located longitudinally between the proximal channel  203  and the distal channel  305 , can comprise a bore  212  extending through the elongate body  201 . The bore  212  can be generally straight and/or generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The bore  212  can pass through the longitudinal axis along a diameter of the elongate body  201 . The bore  212  can comprise at least two openings within the elongate body  201 . The two openings can be positioned about 180 degrees from each other. The bore  212  can be generally cylindrical. 
     The bore  212  can comprise a diameter configured to receive the outer diameter of an anti-rotation pin  500 . The anti-rotation pin  500  can be used to secure the crimpless contact  200  to the outer housing  300  and/or to inhibit or prevent relative rotation between the crimpless contact  200  and the outer housing  300 . In some embodiments, the bore  212  does not radially extend through the entire elongate body  201 . For example, the bore  212  can terminate within the interior portion  206 . In such embodiments, the anti-rotation pin  500  can only extend through one radial side of the outer housing  300  and crimpless contact  200  to secure the two components together. In some embodiments, the pin  500  extends through both radial sides of the outer housing  300  and the crimpless contact  200 . 
     Outer Housing 
       FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate an example of the outer housing  300 . The outer housing  300  can be configured to receive the proximal end of the crimpless contact  200 . In various embodiments, engagement of the outer housing  300  and the crimpless contact  200  facilitates securing the crimpless contact  200  to the first conductor C 1 . For example, as previously mentioned, the engagement of the crimpless contact  200  and the tapered wall  316  can radially compress the tines  250  against the first conductor C 1 . The tines  250  can provide a clamping force on the first conductor C 1 . In several embodiments, the clamping force increases in response to the first conductor C 1  being pulled. 
     As shown, the outer housing  300  can comprise an elongate body  301  that includes a proximal end  302  and a distal end  304 . The elongate body  301  can be generally cylindrical. The proximal end  302  can be configured to receive and/or couple the first conductor C 1  and the distal end  304  can be configured to couple with the crimpless contact  200 . 
     The outer housing  300  can comprise a lumen  306  (also called a conduit). The lumen  306  can extend along a longitudinal axis from the proximal end  302  of the outer housing  300  to the distal end  304  of the outer housing  300 . The housing lumen  306  can be generally cylindrical and can comprise an inner diameter at its distal end  304  that is configured to slidably receive the outer diameter of the proximal side of the crimpless contact  200 . The open end-face of the distal end  304  of the elongate body  301  can comprise a flat-faced sidewall for abutting the activation nut  600 . In some embodiments, the outer housing  300  insulates a portion of the crimpless contact  200  from the ambient environment. 
     In several embodiments, the housing lumen  306  comprises the tapered lumen  315 . At least a portion of the length of the housing lumen  306  can comprise a decreasing inner diameter as the lumen  306  extends distally, such as from the distal end  304  toward the proximal end  302  of the outer housing  300 . The length over which the inner diameter decreases comprises a tapered portion  308 . The rate of change in the inner diameter can be constant such that the taper is linear. In some embodiments, the rate of change can be non-linear (e.g., the tapered portion  308  can comprise a rounded convex surface, a rounded concave surface, or a surface having incremental step changes in diameter). In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3B , a length of the housing lumen  306  on the distal end  304  comprises a fixed diameter and/or a length of the housing lumen  306  on the proximal end  302  comprises a fixed diameter. The length of the tapered portion  308  along the longitudinal axis can be configured to be at least the longitudinal length of the tines  250  of the crimpless contact  200 . 
     The tapered portion  308  can be configured to coordinate and/or engage with the tines  250 . In several embodiments, when the crimpless connector  100  is in the second configuration, the tines  250  extend substantially the entire longitudinal length of the tapered portion  308 . The shape of the taper formed by the tapered portion  308  can match or resemble the shape of the tines  250 . For example, the angle of the taper can match or approximate the angle of the outer surface of the tines  250  when they are in the second configuration. The length of the housing lumen  306  between a distal end of the tapered portion  308  and the open end-face of the distal end  304  of the elongate body  301  can be equal to or less than a length of the crimpless contact  200  between the distal end of the tines  250  and the position where the activation nut  600  sits on the crimpless contact  200  in the second configuration. The length of the housing lumen  306  between the proximal end of the tapered portion  308  and the open end-face of the proximal end  302  can comprise an inner diameter that is less than or equal to the smallest diameter of the tapered portion and can be any suitable length. 
     The proximal end  302  can include insertion facilitating features. In some embodiments, the proximal end  302  of the tapered portion  308  comprises the open end-face of the proximal end  302  of the elongate body  301 . The open end-face of the proximal end  302  of the elongate body  301  can comprise a beveled sidewall  310 . This can facilitate insertion of the first conductor C 1  into the housing lumen  306 . The beveled sidewall  310  can comprise an angled surface, a rounded surface, or any other suitable shape. 
     As illustrated, the outer diameter of the elongate body  301  can comprise a threaded portion  312 . The threads of the threaded portion  312  can be oriented in a second orientation (e.g., right-handed or left-handed). The second orientation of the threads can be opposite the first orientation of threads discussed above. The threaded portion  312  can be configured to mate with threads of an external structure, such as a dielectric insulator, to which the crimpless connector  100  can be joined and/or embedded in. As shown in  FIG. 3B , the outer diameter of the threaded portion  312  of the elongate body  301  can be less than the outer diameter of a distal portion of the elongate body  301 . This can allow easy insertion of the threaded portion  312  into a threaded lumen of an external structure and/or can create a shoulder  313  for abutting with a surface of the external structure (e.g., when the threaded portion  312  is fully inserted). The shoulder  313  can inhibit or prevent further longitudinal translation of the outer housing  300  in the proximal direction during assembling of the crimpless connector  100  into the external structure (not shown). In some embodiments, when the threaded portion  312  is fully inserted to the point of an abutment, the threads can inhibit or prevent rotation of the outer housing  300  in a first direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). The length of the threaded portion  312  can be any suitable length. The outer housing  300  can comprise other variations in its outer diameter along the length of the elongate body  301 . These variations can configure the outer housing  300  for mating with the external structure (e.g., dielectric insulating shell). In some embodiments, the housing  300  is made of a dielectric material. 
     The outer housing  300  can comprise one or more (e.g., two) elongated pin slots  314  in the sidewall of its elongate body  301 . As shown, the pin slots  314  can be at or near the distal end  304 . The pin slots  314  can be generally elongated in shape, such as having a length at least three times the width. The pin slots  314  can extend in a direction generally parallel with the longitudinal axis. The pin slots  314  can have identical shapes and lengths. The width of the pin slots  314  can be configured to receive a portion of the anti-rotation pin  500 . In some embodiments, the anti-rotation pin  500  does not substantially move or rotate in a circumferential direction relative to the outer housing  300  and/or crimpless contact  200 . The width of the pin slots  314  can be greater than or equal to the diameter of the bore  212  of the crimpless contact  200 . The pin slot  314  can be configured to allow the anti-rotation pin  500  to translate, such as in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the pin slot  314 . The pin slots  314  can be positioned about circumferentially opposite each other (e.g., about 180 degrees apart). The pin slots  314  can be substantially aligned along and/or generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the anti-rotation pin  500  extends generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis through one pin slot  314 , across the diameter of the elongate body  301 , and through the second pin slot  314 . 
     The length of the pin slots  314  can modulate the amount of translation between the assembled outer housing  300  and the crimpless contact  200  and the total distance into the outer housing  300  that the crimpless contact  200  can extend. By doing so, the length of the pin slots  314  can modulate the amount of compression achievable by the tines  250 . In some embodiments, the length of the pin slots  314  can be the same as or less than the length of the tines  250 . In certain implementations, the crimpless contact  200  is not insertable to an extent where portions of the crimpless contact  200  proximal to the tines  250  are encountering and/or engaging the tapered portion  308  of the outer housing  300 . Some embodiments comprise one pin slot  314  configured such that an inserted anti-rotation pin  500  is only able to extend through the one pin slot  314  and into the elongate body  301 . 
     Contact Facilitator 
       FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate an example of the contact facilitator  400 . The contact facilitator  400  can be configured to be received between the distal channel  205  of the crimpless contact  200  to facilitate an electrical connection between the crimpless contact  200  and the second conductor C 2 , which can be inserted through the contact facilitator  400 . As shown, the contact facilitator  400  can comprise a generally cylindrical body comprising a proximal end  402  and a distal end  404 . The cylindrical body can include a proximal ring-like portion  403  and a distal ring-like portion  405 . The proximal and distal ring-like portions  403 ,  405  can each comprise a thin annular body and a gap  406  extending parallel to the longitudinal axis from a proximal side to a distal side of the ring-like portion  403 ,  405 . The gaps  406  can comprise a small fraction of the circumference of the annular bodies of the ring-like portions  403 ,  405 . The ring-like portions  403 ,  405  can comprise similar or identical diameters and gaps  406  of similar or identical widths. The ring-like portions  403 ,  405  can be substantially circumferentially aligned so that the gaps  406  are generally aligned along a straight axis. 
     The contact facilitator  400  can further comprise a series of circumferentially spaced struts  408  extending between the distal end of the proximal ring-like portion  403  and the proximal end of the distal ring-like portion  405 . The struts  408  can be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and can be substantially uniformly spaced about the circumference of the contact facilitator  400 . The struts  408  can have substantially uniform widths. The contact facilitator  400  can include any suitable number of struts, including, but not limited to, 1-100 struts, 3-80 struts, 4-60 struts, 5-50 struts, 6-45 struts, 8-40 struts, 10-35 struts, 20-30 struts, ranges in between, more than 100 struts, etc. The struts  408  can curve radially inward between the proximal ring-like portion  403  and the distal ring-like portion  405 . The struts  408  can all have similar or identical curvatures. The struts  408  can extend a maximal radial distance inward approximately half way between the proximal ring-like portion  403  and the distal ring-like portion  405 , where they comprise an inner diameter of the contact facilitator  400 . The outer diameter of the proximal and distal ring-like portions  403 ,  405  can comprise an outer diameter of the contact facilitator  400 . 
     The outer diameter of the contact facilitator  400  in a non-deformed configuration can be configured to be received in the expanded diameter portion  208  of the crimpless contact  200 . When the ring-like portions  403 ,  405  are compressed radially inward, they can temporarily assume a diminished diameter configuration configured to be received through the distal-most portion of the distal channel  205 . The width of the gaps  406  in the circumferences of the ring-like portions  403 ,  405  can be temporarily reduced when the ring-like portions  403 ,  405  are compressed (e.g., the width of the gaps can be reduced to about zero). The length of the contact facilitator  400  in a non-deformed configuration can be slightly less than the length of the expanded diameter portion  208  of the crimpless contact  200 . The struts  408  can be configured to be pressed radially outward by the second conductor C 2  when the second conductor C 2  is inserted through the contact facilitator  400 . When pressed radially outward, the curvature of the struts  408  can be reduced, expanding the length of the struts  408  along a proximal-to-distal direction and increasing the separation distance between the proximal and distal ring-like portions  403 ,  405 . The length of the expanded diameter portion  208  of the crimpless contact can be configured to accommodate the expanded length of the contact facilitator when deformed by the second conductor C 2 . 
     Anti-Rotation Pin 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example of the anti-rotation pin  500 . Some implementations of the crimpless connector  100  can include an anti-rotation pin  500  configured to inhibit or prevent the crimpless contact  200  and the outer housing  300  from rotating relative to one another about the longitudinal axis of the connector  100 . As shown, the anti-rotation pin  500  can comprise an elongate body  501 . The anti-rotation pin  500  can be generally cylindrical. The cross-sectional view of the crimpless connector  100  shown in  FIG. 1B  illustrates the anti-rotation pin  500  assembled with the crimpless contact  200  and the outer housing  300  in a first configuration.  FIG. 1C  illustrates the anti-rotation pin  500  assembled with the crimpless contact  200  and the outer housing  300  in a second configuration. 
     As mentioned above, the anti-rotation pin  500  can be configured to be received within the bore  212  of the crimpless contact  200  and/or the pin slots  314  of the outer housing  300 . The anti-rotation pin  500  can comprise a length greater than or equal to the length of the bore  212  of the crimpless contact  200  and/or a length greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the distal end  304  of the elongate body  301  of the outer housing  300 . The anti-rotation pin  500  can extend the entire length of the bore  212  and extend into or through one or two pin slots  314 , thereby substantially securing the outer housing  300  and the crimpless contact  200  together in the circumferential direction. The length of the anti-rotation pin  500  can be less than or equal to the outer diameter of the distal end  304  of the elongate body  301  of the outer housing  300 . The diameter of the anti-rotation pin  500  can be slightly less than the diameter of the bore  212  and/or slightly less than the width of the pin slots  314 . 
     Activation Unit 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate an example of the activation unit  600 . The activation unit  600  can be operatively configured to transition the crimpless connector  100  between the first configuration (e.g., for allowing easy insertion and removal of the first conductor C 1 ) and the second configuration (e.g., for resisting pull-out of the first conductor C 1 ). As shown, the activation unit  600  can generally be configured as an activation nut. The activation nut  600  can be configured to receive the distal end  204  of the crimpless contact  200 . The activation nut  600  can comprise a generally cylindrical body  601  having a proximal end  602  and a distal end  604 . The proximal end  602  can comprise a generally open end-face and the distal end  604  can comprise a flat, generally closed end-face  605 . 
     The activation nut  600  can include a channel  606  extending from the proximal open end-face  602  to the proximal side of the distal closed end-face  605 . The channel  606  can comprise a threaded portion  608 . The threaded portion  608  can be positioned near the distal end of the channel  606  and can be configured to mate with the threaded portion  212  of the crimpless contact  200 . The length of the threaded portion  608  of the channel  606  can be greater than or equal to the length of the threaded portion  212  of the crimpless contact  200 . The threads of the threaded portion  608  can be oriented in a first orientation (e.g., right-handed or left-handed). The first orientation can be opposite the second orientation of the threaded portion  312  of the outer housing  300 . For example, the threaded portion  608  can comprise right-hand threading and the threaded portion  212  can comprise left-hand threading, or vice versa. The opposite threading can reduce the chance of the crimpless connector  100  being unthreaded from the external structure (e.g., dielectric shell) when the activation nut  600  is turned. 
     The channel  606  can comprise an unthreaded portion proximal to the threaded portion  608 . The unthreaded portion can be configured to slidably receive the outer diameter of the distal end  204  of the crimpless contact  200 , such as an unthreaded portion proximal to the threaded portion  212  of the crimpless contact  200 . The length of the unthreaded portion can extend such that the proximal end  602  of the activation nut  600  abuts the outer housing  300 . In some embodiments, the activation nut  600  can aid in insulating portions of the crimpless contact  300  from the ambient environment. 
     The closed-end face  605  can include an aperture  607 . The aperture  607  can extend from the proximal side to the distal side of the closed-end face  605 . The aperture  607  can be generally aligned along the longitudinal axis. The aperture  607  can be configured to receive the second conductor C 2 . The second conductor C 2  can extend through the aperture  607  of the activation nut  600  into the distal channel  205  of the crimpless contact  200 . The aperture  607  can be configured to receive an activation tool (e.g., a hexagonal wrench) for rotating the activation nut  600 , thereby transitioning the crimpless contact  200  between the first and second configurations. The aperture  607  can be polygonal (e.g., pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) or any shape configured to mate with a complementary shaped or at least partially complementary shaped activation tool. The activation tool can rotate the activation nut  600  by applying a torque to the activation nut  600  about the longitudinal axis. The closed end-face  605  can be sufficiently thick and/or strong for the activation tool to frictionally mate with the aperture  607 . 
     In some embodiments, the activation nut  600  can be turned by applying a torque to the outer diameter of the activation nut  600 . In certain implementations, the outer diameter of a portion of the activation nut  600  can be configured to facilitate the application of torque to the activation nut  600 . For example, the outer diameter can comprise one or more flattened surfaces or can be polygonal for mating with a wrench or other suitable activation tool. In some implementations, the activation nut  600  can be manually turned by a user without the use of an activation tool. A portion of the outer surface of the activation nut  600  can be textured for facilitating the grip of a user. 
     Assembly, Disassembly, and Operation of the Connector 
     Various components disclosed herein can be reversibly assembled into the crimpless connector  100 . Referring back to  FIGS. 1A-1C , an example of the assembled crimpless connector  100  is shown.  FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict the crimpless connector in the first configuration (a non-deformed configuration).  FIG. 1C  depicts the crimpless connector in the second configuration (a deformed configuration). The components can generally be assembled in any order. In some implementations, the contact facilitator  400  is configured to be inserted into the crimpless contact  200  prior to coupling the crimpless contact  200  with the activation nut  600 . In some implementations, the anti-rotation pin  500  is configured to be inserted through the crimpless connector  100  after the coupling of the crimpless contact  200  and the outer housing  300 . 
     The proximal end  202  of the crimpless contact  200  can be received in the distal end  304  of the outer housing  300 . A user (e.g., an assembler) can slidably insert the proximal end  202  of the crimpless contact  200  into the outer housing  300  approximately until a point where a resistance is sensed. The resistance can be caused by the frictional interaction between the tines  250  and the tapered portion  308  of the outer housing  300 . The assembler can rotate the crimpless contact  200  in either direction until an opening to the bore  212  in the crimpless contact  200  is visibly aligned with a pin slot  314  in the outer housing. The assembler can align the pin slot  314  with the bore  212 , such as prior to or during the insertion of the crimpless contact  200  into the outer housing  300 . In some embodiments, the connector  100  is configured to enable the assembler to gauge the length of insertion by visually discerning the longitudinal alignment of the bore  212  within the length a pin slot  314 . The assembler can adjust the length of insertion so that the bore  212  is aligned at the distal end of a pin slot  314 . This configuration can comprise the first configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the first configuration comprises a non-deformed configuration, in which the tines  250  are not compressed radially inward and the width of the slits  252  between the tines  250  remains substantially unchanged. In some embodiments, the first configuration comprises a slightly deformed configuration. For example, the tines  250  can be compressed radially inward such that the passage  251  has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first conductor C 1  but less than the diameter of the passage  251  when the crimpless contact  200  is separate from the outer housing  300 . The portion of the tines  250  received within the tapered portion  308  of the outer housing  300  in the first configuration can be configured with an outer diameter that decreases in the proximal direction to create angled surface. The angled surface of the non-deformed tines  250  can generally match the taper of the tapered portion  308 . 
     In some embodiments, when the bore  212  in the crimpless contact  200  is circumferentially and longitudinally aligned with a pin slot  314  of the outer housing  300 , the anti-rotation pin  500  can be inserted through the pin slot  314  and into the bore  312 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C , the outer housing  300  comprises two circumferentially and longitudinally aligned pin slots  314 . The anti-rotation pin  500  can be inserted through the crimpless contact  200  such that the anti-rotation pin  500  extends through both pin slots  314 . The anti-rotation pin  500  can be a length sufficient to extend through a diameter of the crimpless contact  200  and into both pin slots  314 . The length can be configured not to expand the cross-sectional profile of the crimpless connector  100 , which can be advantageous for inserting (e.g., slidably inserting) the crimpless contact  100  in an external channel, such as the channel of a dielectric insulator. In some embodiments, the bore  212  in the crimpless contact  200  can terminate in the interior portion  206  of the crimpless contact  200  and/or the outer housing  300  can comprise only one pin slot  314 . During assembly of the anti-rotation pin  500  with the crimpless contact  200  and the outer housing  300 , the anti-rotation pin  500  can inhibit or prevent rotation in either a first or second direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) around the longitudinal axis of the crimpless contact  200  and the outer housing  300  relative to one another. 
     The contact facilitator  400  can be received in the distal channel  205  of the crimpless contact  200 . The contact facilitator  400  can be configured to be compressed radially inward so that it can be received through the distal end of the distal channel  205  of the crimpless contact  200 . The contact facilitator  400  can be compressed by applying pressure to the circumference of the proximal ring-like portion  403  and/or the distal ring-like portion  405  to temporarily decrease the outer diameter of the contact facilitator  400  by decreasing the width of the gaps  406  in the outer circumference of the ring like portions  403 ,  405 . The compressed outer diameter of the deformed contact facilitator  400  can be configured to be slightly less than the diameter of the distal channel  205  at the distal end-face of the crimpless contact  200 . The proximal ring-like portion  403  and the distal ring-like portion  405  can be compressed (e.g., by the assembler) simultaneously or just prior to the insertion of each ring like portion  403 ,  405  into the distal channel  205 . The contact facilitator  400  can be pushed proximally into the distal channel  205  until it comes to sit in the expanded diameter portion  208  of the distal channel  205 . In the expanded diameter portion  208 , the contact facilitator  400  may or may not remain at least partially compressed. The outer diameter of the contact facilitator  400  can be configured to contact the elongate body  201  of the crimpless contact  200  along the length of the partially expanded portion  208  to establish an electrical connection. 
     The distal end  204  of the crimpless contact  200  can be received in the proximal end  602  of the activation nut  600 . The activation nut  600  can be coupled to the distal end  204  of the crimpless contact  200  by slidably inserting the distal end  204  of the crimpless contact  200  into the channel  606  until the threaded portion  210  of the elongate body  201  of the crimpless contact  200  encounters the threaded portion  608  of the channel  606  of the activation nut  600 . The activation nut  600  can then be rotated in a second direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) to engage the threads of the threaded portion  210  and threaded portion  608 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , the activation nut  600  can be threaded onto the distal end  204  of the crimpless contact  200  until the distal end  204  of the crimpless contact  200  abuts the proximal side of the distal closed end-face  605  and/or until the proximal end  602  of the activation nut  600  abuts the distal end  304  of the outer housing  300 . In some embodiments, this puts the crimpless connector  100  in the first configuration. In the first configuration of the crimpless connector  100 , the axial separation along the longitudinal axis between the distal end  204  of the crimpless contact  200  and the proximal side of the face  605  of the activation nut  600  can be at a minimum. 
     The first conductor C 1  can be inserted into the proximal end  102  of the crimpless connector  100 . A free end of the first conductor C 1  can be received through the open end-face of the proximal end  302  of the outer housing  300  and by the proximal channel  203  of the crimpless contact  200 . The first conductor C 1  can be inserted so that the free end abuts the end of the proximal channel  203 . The first conductor C 1  can be inserted after assembly of the crimpless contact  200  and outer housing  300  or after assembly of the entire crimpless connector  100 . The crimpless connector  100  can be configured to receive the first conductor C 1  when in the first configuration (e.g., a non-deformed configuration) and/or to physically secure the first conductor C 1 , inhibiting and/or preventing pull-out, in the second configuration (e.g., a deformed configuration). In several embodiments, connector  100  is configured such that the securement (e.g., clamping force) of the first conductor C 1  in the connector  100  increases in response to a pulling force on the first conductor C 1 . 
     The crimpless connector  100  can be transitioned between the first configuration and the second configuration by rotation of the activation nut  600  about the longitudinal axis. Rotation in a first direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) can transition the crimpless connector  100  from the first configuration to the second configuration, while rotation in a second, opposite direction can transition the crimpless connector  100  from the second configuration to the first configuration. The activation nut  600  can be rotated by applying a torque in a first or second direction to the activation nut  600  via an activation tool (e.g., an Allen key) inserted in the aperture  607  of the activation nut  600 . In some embodiments, the assembler can apply a torque to the outer circumference of the activation nut  600  (e.g., by manually turning the activation nut  600 ). The crimpless contact  200  can be prevented from rotating in the same direction as the activation nut  600  by the anti-rotation pin  500 . The anti-rotation pin  500  can be prevented from rotating in the same direction as the activation nut  600  by the outer housing  200 . The outer housing  200  can be prevented by rotating in the same direction as the activation nut  600  by an externally applied force. The external force can be applied manually by the assembler or can be applied by an externally coupled structure, such as a dielectric insulator. For example, if the threaded portion  312  of the outer housing  300  is engaged with a threaded lumen in a fixated external structure, the external structure can prevent rotation of the outer housing  200 . 
     As mentioned above, the threaded portion  608  of the activation nut  600  and the complementary threaded portion  210  of the crimpless contact  200  can be configured in a first orientation and the threaded portion  312  of the outer housing  300  and a complementary threaded lumen of an external structure can be configured in a second orientation, opposite the first orientation. In some embodiments, rotation of the activation nut  600  in a first rotational direction unthreads a portion of the crimpless contact  200  out of threaded engagement with the activation nut  600 , thereby translating the crimpless contact  200 , as can be seen from  FIGS. 1B and 1C . In some embodiments, rotation in the first direction of the activation nut  600  further tightens the threaded engagement between the threaded portion  312  of the outer housing  300  and the external structure. 
     In certain variants, rotation of the activation nut  600  in a first direction can increase the separation distance between the face  605  of the activation nut  600  and the distal end  204  of the crimpless contact  200 , while rotation of the outer housing  200  in the first direction can decrease the separation distance between the outer housing  300  and an external structure. If the separation distance between the outer housing  300  and external structure is incapable of being decreased, the two components can be incapable of rotating relative to one another. For instance, if the shoulder  313  of the outer housing  300  is abutting a corresponding shoulder of the fixated external structure (e.g., the outer housing  300  cannot move further in the proximal direction), the outer housing  300  can be inhibited or prevented from rotating in the first direction around the longitudinal axis. Frictional resistance between the elongate body  301  of the outer housing  300  and a corresponding channel of an external structure can also inhibit rotation of the outer housing  300 . 
     In some embodiments, an external structure can be assembled around the crimpless connector  100 , confining it to a channel of a fixed length. The fixed length of the channel in the external structure can inhibit or prevent the axial separation of the outer housing  300  if engaged with a threaded lumen of the external structure, even if the threads of the outer housing  300 , external structure, crimpless contact  200 , and activation nut  600  all are configured with the same orientation (right handed or left handed). The outer housing  300  can rotationally fix the anti-rotation pin  500 , preventing it from rotating around the longitudinal axis. The anti-rotation pin  500  can inhibit or prevent the crimpless contact  200  from rotating around the longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the connector  100  has a substantially constant longitudinal length. For example, as can be seen in  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the longitudinal length in the first configuration can be substantially equal to the longitudinal length in the second configuration. In some variants, the connector  100  has a variable longitudinal length. 
     In various embodiments, rotation of the activation nut  600  results in translation of the crimpless contact  200  relative to the activation nut  600  and/or the outer housing  300 . For example, in some implementations, when the crimpless contact  200  is fixed so that it cannot rotate in the first direction, rotation of the activation nut  600  in the first direction can force an increase in the separation distance between the activation nut  600  and the crimpless contact  200 . 
     If movement of the activation nut  600  in the distal direction is prohibited or inhibited (e.g., by the external structure E or a manually applied force in the distal direction during rotation), the crimpless contact  200  will be induced to translate in the proximal direction. In some embodiments, an external structure can be assembled around the crimpless connector  100 . The external structure can include a neck portion that allows the activation tool to access the activation nut  600  which inhibits or prevents movement of the activation nut  600  in a distal direction. 
     Various embodiments provide movement of the crimpless contact  200  in a proximal direction during rotation of the activation nut  600  in the first direction. If the outer housing  300  is axially fixed along the longitudinal axis (e.g., by an external structure abutting should  313 ), the proximal end  202  of the crimpless contact  200  will be forced further inside the lumen  306  of the outer housing  300  by a distance equivalent to the change in distance between the face  605  of the activation nut  600  and the distal end  204  of the crimpless contact  200 . 
     In various embodiments, the crimpless contact  200  can be engaged with the tapered portion  308  of the lumen  306  of the outer housing  300 . For example, during rotation of the activation nut  600  in the first direction, the tines  250  of the crimpless contact  200  can be forced against the tapered portion  308  of the lumen  306  of the outer housing  300 . The tines  250  can be compressed radially inward by the decreasing diameter of the tapered portion  308 . The compression of the tines  250  can force the tines  250  around the circumference of the first conductor C 1 . In some embodiments, the tines  250  apply substantially uniform pressure around the circumference of the first conductor C 1 . The textured surface  258  can facilitate the grip of the tines  250  on the first conductor C 1  along a length of the tines  250 . The pressure applied by the tines  250  in the second configuration and/or in intermediate configurations between the first and second configurations can apply a counterforce to a retraction force on the first conductor C 1 , which helps the first conductor C 1  resist pull-out. The pressure applied by the tines  250  can ensure a good electrical connection between the first conductor C 1  and the crimpless contact  200 . 
     In various embodiments, the crimpless connector  100  is configured to avoid or reduce pulling or retracting the first conductor C 1  into the outer housing  300  and/or crimpless contact  200  during assembly and/or operation. This can reduce strain on the first conductor C 1  and/or can reduce the likelihood of the first conductor C 1  becoming disconnected at another location (e.g., at another end of the first conductor C 1 ). In some implementations, the crimpless connector  100  pushes a portion of the first conductor C 1  out of the crimpless connector  100  in transitioning from the first to the second configuration. In some embodiments, as the tines  250  are being radially compressed and/or during rotation of the activation nut  600  in a first direction, a portion of the first conductor C 1  is moved axially a distance out of the connector  100 . 
     As the crimpless contact  200  transitions between the first configuration and second configuration, the anti-rotation pin  500  can slide along the length of the pin slots  314  from the distal ends of the pin slots  314  to the proximal ends of the pin slots  314 . The proximal ends of the pin slots  314  can limit the amount of translation of the crimpless contact  200  and can inhibit the activation nut  600  from rotating when the second configuration is achieved. Some embodiments of the crimpless connector  100  do not comprise an activation nut  600 . In certain embodiments, the crimpless contact  200  can be inserted or retracted from the outer housing  300  by the direct manual application of a force in the proximal or distal direction, respectively. 
     In some embodiments, the second conductor C 2  is inserted into the crimpless connector  100 . In some embodiments, this occurs after securing the first conductor C 1  and/or after the activation tool has been removed from the aperture  607  of the activation nut  600 . A free end of the second conductor C 2  can be received through the aperture  607  of the activation nut  600  and by the distal channel  205  of the crimpless contact  200 . The second conductor C 2  can be inserted so that the free end abuts the end of the distal channel  205 . Upon insertion of the second conductor C 2 , the outer diameter of the second conductor C 2  can be greater than the inner diameter of the contact facilitator  400  in a non-deformed or partially deformed state. The second conductor C 2  can press against the struts  408  of the contact facilitator  400  forcing the inner diameter of the contact facilitator  400  to expand as the struts  408  are forced to partially straighten, reducing the curvature of the struts  408 . As the struts  408  are pressed outward, the length of the contact facilitator  400  can increase as the proximal and distal ring-like portions  403 ,  405  are forced further apart. The length of the expanded portion  208  of the distal channel  205  can limit the expansion of the contact facilitator  400 . In some embodiments, the struts  408  of the contact facilitator can continue to be deformed even after the contact facilitator  400  has expanded to the full length of the expanded portion  208  of the distal channel  205 . 
     After insertion of the second conductor C 2 , the struts  408  can apply physical pressure to the outer circumference of the second conductor C 2 , thereby facilitating a good electrical connection between the second conductor C 2  and the contact facilitator  400 . The contact facilitator  400  can be pressed into the expanded portion  208  of the distal channel  205  of the crimpless contact  200  by the second conductor C 2  and/or the contact facilitator  400  can exert a counterforce on the crimpless contact  200  if the expanded portion  208  of the distal channel  205  of the crimpless contact  200  is configured to compress the contact facilitator  400  into at least a partially deformed state. The pressure exerted by the contact facilitator  400  on the crimpless contact  200  can facilitate a good electrical connection between the contact facilitator  400  and the crimpless contact  200 . The crimpless contact  200  can establish an electrical connection between the first conductor C 1  and the second conductor C 2  in the second configuration. In some embodiments, the crimpless contact  200  establishes an electrical connection between the first and second conductors C 1 , C 2  in the first configuration and/or intermediate configurations. 
     Upon removal of the second conductor C 2 , rotation of the activation nut  600  can transition the crimpless connector from the second configuration to the first configuration, facilitating the removal of the first conductor C 1  from the proximal end  202  of the crimpless contact  200 . The crimpless connector  100  can easily be disassembled as needed by reversing the steps employed to assemble each component to another component. The crimpless connector  100  can be reusable and can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled as needed. The first and second conductors C 1 , C 2  can also be reused upon removal from the crimpless connector  100 . 
     Certain Terminology 
     Although connectors have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the connectors extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Use with any structure is expressly within the scope of this invention. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the assembly. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described herein. 
     Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features can be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination can be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination. 
     Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “proximal,” “distal,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular” or “cylindrical” or “semi-circular” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations. 
     Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments. 
     Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. can be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. 
     The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context can dictate, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” can refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context can dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees. 
     Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein can be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps. 
     SUMMARY 
     In summary, various embodiments and examples of connectors have been disclosed. Although the connectors have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.