Patent ID: 12212083

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in the figures may be used to refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with particular reference to the Drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may take on various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the described exemplary embodiments, but are to be controlled by the limitations set forth in the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, “lower,” “upper,” “beneath,” “below,” “above,” and “on top,” if used herein, are utilized for ease of description to describe spatial relationships of an element(s) to another. Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the particular orientations depicted in the figures and described herein. For example, if an object depicted in the figures is turned over or flipped over, portions previously described as below or beneath other elements would then be above those other elements.

Cartesian coordinates are used in some of the Figures for reference and are not intended to be limiting as to direction or orientation.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the disclosure as oriented with respect to the Cartesian coordinates in the corresponding Figure, unless stated otherwise. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

FIGS.1A-1Cillustrate a compressible electrical assembly100, including an inner compressible contact110, an outer compressible contact120, and a dielectric130. Both the inner compressible contact110and the outer compressible contact120are shown in a substantially relaxed state, with the dielectric130disposed therebetween. Each element, as shown in the assembly, is shown arranged with respect to a common longitudinal axis L1.

All the compressible electrical contacts disclosed herein are preferably manufactured from tubes using one or more precision cutting methods, e.g. laser cutting. The tube is also preferably manufactured from one or more electrically conductive materials. Suitable materials for the compressible electrical contact include, but are not limited to, brass, copper, beryllium copper and stainless steel. Preferably, these materials have spring-like properties, high strength, high elastic limit, and low moduli.

Overall dimensions for the compressible electrical contacts disclosed herein can range from micro- to large scale. Targeted sizes, however, are on a smaller basis given current industry trends. An exemplary tube size has an inner diameter of about 0.006 inches, an outer diameter of about 0.010 inches, and an overall length of about 0.070 inches. When the compressible electrical contact is manufactured, using a tube having these dimensions, the resulting cut angles range from about 1.5 to about 5 degrees.

Dimensions of the compressible electrical contacts disclosed herein, however, depend on various factors, including but not limited to application requirement, the contact's spring rate and the length of travel between a substantially relaxed state and a compressed state. In some configurations, the compressible electrical contacts can have an effective inner diameter of about 0.006 inches, an effective outer diameter of about 0.010 inches, and an overall length of about 0.070 inches, when manufactured from a tube having an inner diameter of about 0.006 inches, an outer diameter of about 0.010 inches, and an overall length of about 0.070 inches.

In the first embodiment of the compressible electrical assembly100, the inner compressible contact110includes a first inner contact end112a, a second inner contact end112bopposing the inner contact end, and a medial inner portion114positioned between the first inner contact end112aand the second inner contact end112b. The first inner contact end112aextends from an outermost face113to an inner face115of the first inner contact end112a. The second inner contact end112bextends from an outermost face117to an inner face119of the second inner contact end112b.

Defined in each inner contact end112a,112bis a divaricated-cut section111, having a plurality of divaricated cuts116. In this version of the inner compressible contact110, three divaricated cuts are shown are shown in each contact end. However, additional divaricated cuts may be included, depending on application requirements. Each divaricated cut in the inner compressible contact110is defined by at least one cut angle AC1n, where n equals the number of divaricated cuts and where the angle is measured from opposing inner surfaces of each respective divaricated cut. In this configuration, three cut are shown AC11, AC12, AC13are shown. When collapsed, the opposing inner surfaces form a slot.

The medial inner portion114is tubular, divaricated-cut free, defined by an inner diameter114iand outer diameter114oand a medial inner portion length, MIL, measured between inner faces115,119. The medial outer portion124also includes a radially disposed notch124n.

The outer compressible contact120includes a first outer contact end122a, a second outer contact end122bopposing the outer contact end, and a medial outer portion124positioned between the first outer contact end122aand the second outer contact end122b. The first outer contact end122aextends from an outermost face123to an inner face125of the first outer contact end122a. The second outer contact end122bextends from an outermost face127to an inner face129of the second outer contact end122b. Notably, the first inner contact end112aand the second inner contact end112bextend beyond the first outer contact end122aand the second outer contact end122b.

Defined in each inner contact end122a,122bis a divaricated-cut section121, having a plurality of divaricated cuts126. In this version of the outer compressible contact120, at least three divaricated cuts are shown are shown in each contact end. However, additional divaricated cuts may be included, depending on application requirements.

Each divaricated cut in the inner compressible contacts disclosed herein can be defined by at least one cut angle ACOn, where n equals the number of divaricated cuts and where the angle is measured from opposing inner surfaces of each respective divaricated cut. In this compressible contact configuration, three cuts ACO1, ACO2, ACO3are shown.

The medial inner portion124is tubular, divaricated-cut free, defined by an inner diameter124iand outer diameter124oand a medial inner portion length, MOL, measured between inner faces125,129. The medial outer portion124also includes a radially disposed notch124n.

In the compressible electrical assembly100, the dielectric130is positioned between the inner compressible contact110and the outer compressible contact120, as shown particularly inFIGS.1B and1C. The dielectric130has a dielectric body132, with a first body end132aand a second body end132bopposing the first body end132a. Defined in this configuration of the dielectric is a channel134. Preferably, the channel134extends fully along the length LD1of the dielectric130. The dielectric130is further defined by an inner arc length AIL, an outer arc length AIL, and a dielectric thickness TD1. In addition, the dielectric has a centrally located upwardly extending portion136that fits within notch124n.

FIG.1Dshows an exemplary connector system1000, which includes two compressible electrical assemblies100, a housing140, printed circuit boards150a,150b, and contacts160a,160b.

The housing140helps to align the respective compressible electrical assembly100for signal transmission. Defined in the housing140are two thru-holes142. Each thru-hole142is configured to house the compressible electrical assembly100, including the inner compressible contact110, the outer compressible contact120, and the dielectric130. This configuration of the housing140may also be suited for other compressible electrical assembly configurations, which will be further described herein.

Each printed circuit board150a,150bincludes a base152and a plurality of engagement elements154that couple with the compressible electrical assembly100. Also each printed circuit board has at least two apertures156for positioning of contacts therein.

Each contact160has a male configuration and is soldered or otherwise attached to the printed circuit boards. Each contact160a,160bpreferably includes a rounded portion162, a medial portion164, and a tapered portion166. The overall contact configuration ensures concentricity within the connector system and alignment with the printed circuit boards150a,150band the compressible electrical assembly100. Each rounded portion162is configured for positioning in apertures156.

FIGS.2A-2Cillustrate another compressible electrical assembly200, including an inner compressible contact210, an outer compressible contact220, and a dielectric230. Both the inner compressible contact210and the outer compressible contact220are shown in a substantially relaxed state, with the dielectric230disposed therebetween. Each element, as shown in the assembly, is shown arranged with respect to a common longitudinal axis L2.

The inner compressible contact210includes a first inner contact end212a, a second inner contact end212bopposing the inner contact end, and a medial inner portion214positioned between the first inner contact end212aand the second inner contact end212b. The first inner contact end212aextends from an outermost face213to an inner face215of the first inner contact end212a. The second inner contact end212bextends from an outermost face217to an inner face219of the second inner contact end212b. The medial inner portion214includes a radially disposed crimped area218centrally positioned along the length of the medial outer portion214.

Defined in each inner contact end212a,212bis a divaricated cut section211having a plurality of divaricated cuts216. In this version of the inner compressible contact210, at least three divaricated cuts are shown are shown in each contact end. However, additional divaricated cuts may be included, depending on application requirements.

The medial inner portion214is tubular, divaricated-cut free, defined by an inner diameter214iand outer diameter114oand a medial inner portion length, M2L, measured between inner faces215,219. The medial outer portion224also conforms to the radially disposed crimp area218to form a crimped portion224c.

The outer compressible contact220includes a first inner contact end222a, a second inner contact end222bopposing the inner contact end, and a medial outer portion224positioned between the first outer contact end222aand the second outer contact end222b. The first outer contact end222aextends from an outermost face223to an inner face225of the first inner contact end222a. The second inner contact end222bextends from an outermost face227to an inner face229of the second outer contact end222b.

Defined in each inner contact end222a,222bis a plurality of divaricated cuts226. In this version of the outer compressible contact220, three divaricated cuts are shown are shown in each contact end. However, additional divaricated cuts may be included, depending on application requirements. Each divaricated cut in the inner compressible contact220is defined by at least one cut angle ACOn, where n equals the number of divaricated cuts and where the angle is measured from opposing inner surfaces of each respective divaricated cut. In this configuration, three cut are shown ACO1, ACO2, ACO3are shown.

The medial inner portion224is tubular, divaricated-cut free, defined by an inner diameter224iand outer diameter224oand a medial inner portion length, MOL, measured between inner faces225,229. The medial outer portion224also includes a radially disposed notch224n.

In the compressible electrical assembly200, the dielectric230is positioned between the inner compressible contact210and the outer compressible contact220, as shown particularly inFIGS.2B and2C. The dielectric230has a dielectric body232, with a first body end232aand a second body end232bopposing the first body end232a. The dielectric130is further defined by an inner diameter ID2an outer diameter OD2, and a dielectric thickness TD2.

FIGS.3A-3Cillustrate another embodiment of a compressible electrical assembly300, including an inner compressible contact310, an outer compressible contact320, and a dielectric330. Both the inner compressible contact310and the outer compressible contact320are shown in a substantially relaxed state, with the dielectric330disposed therebetween. Each element, as shown in the assembly, is shown arranged with respect to a common longitudinal axis L3.

In this embodiment of the compressible electrical assembly300, the inner compressible contact310includes a first inner contact end312a, a second inner contact end312bopposing the inner contact end, and a medial inner portion314positioned between the first inner contact end312aand the second inner contact end312b. The first inner contact end312aextends from an outermost face313to an inner face315of the first inner contact end312a. The second inner contact end312bextends from an outermost face317to an inner face319of the second inner contact end312b.

Defined in each inner contact end312a,312bis a divaricated-cut section311, having a plurality of divaricated cuts316. In this version of the inner compressible contact310, three divaricated cuts are shown are shown in each contact end. However, additional divaricated cuts may be included, depending on application requirements. Each divaricated cut in the inner compressible contact310is defined by at least one cut angle AC1n, where n equals the number of divaricated cuts and where the angle is measured from opposing inner surfaces of each respective divaricated cut. In this configuration, three cut are shown AC13, AC12, AC13are shown.

The medial inner portion314is tubular, divaricated-cut free, defined by an inner diameter314iand outer diameter314oand a medial inner portion length, MIL, measured between inner faces315,319. The medial outer portion324also includes a radially disposed notch324n.

The outer compressible contact320includes a first outer contact end322a, a second outer contact end322bopposing the outer contact end, and a medial outer portion324positioned between the first outer contact end322aand the second outer contact end322b. The first outer contact end322aextends from an outermost face323to an inner face325of the first outer contact end322a. The second outer contact end322bextends from an outermost face327to an inner face329of the second outer contact end322b. Notably, the first outer contact end322aand the second outer contact end322bextend beyond the first outer contact end312aand the second outer contact end312b.

Defined in each inner contact end322a,322bis a divaricated-cut section321, having a plurality of divaricated cuts326. In this version of the outer compressible contact320, at least three divaricated cuts are shown are shown in each contact end. However, additional divaricated cuts may be included, depending on application requirements.

The medial inner portion324is tubular, divaricated-cut free, defined by an inner diameter324iand outer diameter324oand a medial inner portion length, MOL, measured between inner faces325,329. The medial outer portion324also includes a radially disposed notch324n.

In the compressible electrical assembly300, the dielectric330is positioned between the inner compressible contact310and the outer compressible contact320, as shown particularly inFIGS.3B and3C. The dielectric330has a dielectric body332, with a first body end332aand a second body end332bopposing the first body end332a. Defined in this configuration of the dielectric is a channel334. Preferably, the channel334extends fully along the length LD3of the dielectric330. The dielectric330is further defined by an inner arc length AIL, an outer arc length AIL, and a dielectric thickness TD3. In addition, the dielectric has a centrally located upwardly extending portion336that fits within notch324n.

FIGS.4A-4Cillustrate another embodiment of a compressible electrical assembly400, including an inner compressible contact410, an outer compressible contact420, and a dielectric430. Both the inner compressible contact410and the outer compressible contact420are shown in a substantially relaxed state, with the dielectric430disposed therebetween. Each element, as shown in the assembly, is shown arranged with respect to a common longitudinal axis L4.

Referring particularly toFIG.4C, in this embodiment of the compressible electrical assembly400, the inner compressible contact410includes a first inner contact end412a, a second inner contact end412bopposing the inner contact end, and a medial inner portion414positioned between the first inner contact end412aand the second inner contact end412b. The first inner contact end412aextends from an outermost face413to an inner face415of the first inner contact end412a. The second inner contact end412bextends from an outermost face417to an inner face419of the second inner contact end412b.

Defined in each inner contact end412a,412bis a divaricated-cut section411, having a plurality of divaricated cuts416. In this version of the inner compressible contact410, three divaricated cuts are shown are shown in each contact end. However, additional divaricated cuts may be included, depending on application requirements. Each divaricated cut in the inner compressible contact410is defined by at least one cut angle AC1n, where n equals the number of divaricated cuts and where the angle is measured from opposing inner surfaces of each respective divaricated cut.

The medial inner portion414is tubular, divaricated-cut free, defined by an inner diameter414iand outer diameter414oand a medial inner portion length, MIL, measured between inner faces415,419. The medial outer portion424also includes a radially and centrally positioned opening470. Disposed within the opening470is a retaining element480, which is preferably curable and configured to retain the center contact and dielectric in the assembly400. The retaining element470may be an adhesive, an epoxy-based material or the like, which can be used for retention purposes.

The outer compressible contact420includes a first outer contact end422a, a second outer contact end422bopposing the outer contact end, and a medial outer portion424positioned between the first outer contact end422aand the second outer contact end422b. The first outer contact end422aextends from an outermost face423to an inner face425of the first outer contact end422a. The second outer contact end422bextends from an outermost face427to an inner face429of the second outer contact end422b. Notably, the first outer contact end422aand the second outer contact end422bextend beyond the first inner contact end412aand the second inner contact end412b.

Defined in each inner contact end422a,422bis a divaricated-cut section421, having a plurality of divaricated cuts426. In this version of the outer compressible contact420, at least three divaricated cuts are shown are shown in each contact end. However, additional divaricated cuts may be included, depending on application requirements.

The medial inner portion424is tubular, divaricated-cut free, defined by an inner diameter424iand outer diameter424oand a medial inner portion length, MOL, measured between inner faces425,429. The medial outer portion424also includes a radially disposed notch424n.

In the compressible electrical assembly400, the dielectric430is positioned between the inner compressible contact410and the outer compressible contact420, as shown particularly inFIGS.4B and4C. The dielectric430has a dielectric body432, with a first body end432aand a second body end432bopposing the first body end432a. Defined in this configuration of the dielectric is a channel434. Preferably, the channel434extends fully through the dielectric430, as shown inFIG.4C. The dielectric130is further defined by an inner diameter ID4an outer diameter OD4, and a dielectric thickness TD4.

FIGS.5A-5Cillustrate another embodiment of a compressible electrical assembly500, including an inner compressible contact510, an outer compressible contact520, and a dielectric530. Both the inner compressible contact510and the outer compressible contact520are shown in a substantially relaxed state, with the dielectric530disposed therebetween. Each element, as shown in the assembly, is shown arranged with respect to a common longitudinal axis L5.

Referring particularly toFIG.5C, in this embodiment of the compressible electrical assembly500, the inner compressible contact510includes a first inner contact end512a, a second inner contact end512bopposing the inner contact end, and a medial inner portion514positioned between the first inner contact end512aand the second inner contact end512b. The first inner contact end512aextends from an outermost face513to an inner face515of the first inner contact end512a. The second inner contact end512bextends from an outermost face517to an inner face519of the second inner contact end512b.

Defined in each inner contact end512a,512bis a divaricated-cut section511, having a plurality of divaricated cuts516. In this version of the inner compressible contact510, three divaricated cuts are shown are shown in each contact end. However, additional divaricated cuts may be included, depending on application requirements. Each divaricated cut in the inner compressible contact510is defined by at least one cut angle AC1n, where n equals the number of divaricated cuts and where the angle is measured from opposing inner surfaces of each respective divaricated cut.

The medial inner portion514includes a divaricated cut section511with a plurality of divaricated cuts516and is also a medial inner portion length, MIL5, measured between inner faces515,519.

The outer compressible contact520includes a first outer contact end522a, a second outer contact end522bopposing the outer contact end, and a medial outer portion524positioned between the first outer contact end522aand the second outer contact end522b. The first outer contact end522aextends from an outermost face523to an inner face525of the first outer contact end522a. The second outer contact end522bextends from an outermost face527to an inner face529of the second outer contact end522b. Notably, the first outer contact end522aand the second outer contact end522bextend beyond the first inner contact end512aand the second inner contact end512b.

Defined in each inner contact end522a,522bis a divaricated-cut section521, having a plurality of divaricated cuts526. In this version of the outer compressible contact520, at least three divaricated cuts are shown are shown in each contact end. However, additional divaricated cuts may be included, depending on application requirements.

The medial inner portion524is tubular, divaricated-cut free, defined by an inner diameter524iand outer diameter524oand a medial inner portion length, MOL, measured between inner faces525,529.

In the compressible electrical assembly500, the dielectric530is positioned between the inner compressible contact510and the outer compressible contact520, as shown particularly inFIGS.5B and5C. The dielectric530has a dielectric body532, with a first body end532aand a second body end532bopposing the first body end532a. Defined in this configuration of the dielectric is a channel534. Preferably, the channel534extends fully through the dielectric530, as shown inFIG.5C. The dielectric130is further defined by an inner diameter ID5an outer diameter OD5, and a dielectric thickness TD5.

FIG.5Dshows an exemplary connector system1100, which includes the compressible electrical assembly500, housings540a,540b, printed circuit boards550a,550b, and contacts560a,560b.FIGS.9A-9Cshow additional views of the housings540assembled with contacts560.

Each housing540a,540bhelps to align the compressible electrical assembly500for signal transmission. Defined in the housing540are bores542a,542b,542c,542a′,542b′,542c′. Bores542c,542c′ also have chamfers543,543′ that facilitate insertion of the contact ends522a,522binto the housings.

Each printed circuit board550a,550bincludes a base552a,552band an engagement element554a,554bthat couple with the compressible electrical assembly500. Also each printed circuit board has at least one aperture556a,556bfor positioning of contacts therein.

Each contact560has a male configuration and is soldered or otherwise attached to the printed circuit boards. Each contact560a,560bpreferably includes a rounded portion562, medial contact portions564,565, and a tapered portion566. The overall contact configuration ensures concentricity within the connector system and alignment with the printed circuit boards550a,550band the compressible electrical assembly500. Each rounded portion562is configured for positioning in apertures556a,556b.

FIGS.6A-6Cillustrate another embodiment of a compressible electrical assembly600, including an inner compressible contact610, an outer compressible contact620, and a dielectric630. Both the inner compressible contact610and the outer compressible contact620are shown in a substantially relaxed state, with the dielectric630disposed therebetween. Each element, as shown in the assembly, is shown arranged with respect to a common longitudinal axis L6.

Referring particularly toFIG.6C, in this embodiment of the compressible electrical assembly600, the inner compressible contact610includes a first inner contact end612a, a second inner contact end612bopposing the inner contact end, and a medial inner portion614positioned between the first inner contact end612aand the second inner contact end612b. The first inner contact end612aextends from an outermost face613to an inner face615. The second inner contact end612bextends from an outermost face617to an inner face619of the second inner contact end612b.

The outer compressible contact620includes a first outer contact end622a, a second outer contact end622bopposing the outer contact end, and a medial outer portion624positioned between the first outer contact end622aand the second outer contact end622b. The first outer contact end622aextends from an outermost face623to an inner face625of the first outer contact end622a. The second outer contact end622bextends from an outermost face627to an inner face629of the second outer contact end622b. Notably, the first outer contact end622aand the second outer contact end622bextend beyond the first outer inner end612aand the second inner contact end612b.

The medial inner portion614includes a divaricated cut section611with a plurality of divaricated cuts616and is also defined by a medial inner portion length, MIL6, measured between inner faces615,619. Each divaricated cut in the inner compressible contact610is defined by at least one cut angle, as described with respect toFIGS.1A-1C.

Defined in each inner contact end622a,622bis a divaricated-cut section621,621′ having a plurality of divaricated cuts626,626′. In this version of the outer compressible contact620, at least three divaricated cuts are shown are shown in each contact end. However, additional divaricated cuts may be included, depending on application requirements.

The medial inner portion624is tubular, divaricated-cut free, defined by an inner diameter624iand outer diameter624oand a medial inner portion length, MOL6, measured between inner faces625,629.

In the compressible electrical assembly600, two dielectrics630,630′ are positioned between the inner compressible contact610and the outer compressible contact620, as shown particularly inFIGS.6B and6C. Each dielectric630,630′ has a dielectric body632,632′ with a first body end632a,632a′ and a second body end632b,632b′ opposing the first body end632a,632a′. In this configuration, each dielectric has two overhang portion636a,636a′.626b,636b′. Each dielectric630,630′ is also defined by an inner diameter ID6, ID6′an outer diameter OD6, OD6′and a dielectric thickness TD6, TD6′.

FIG.6Dshows an exemplary connector system1200, which includes the compressible electrical assembly600, housings640a,640b, printed circuit boards650a,650b, and contacts660a,660b.FIGS.10A-10Cshow additional views of the housings640assembled with contacts660.

Each housing640a,640bhelps to align the compressible electrical assembly600for signal transmission. Defined in the housing640are bores642a,642b,642c,642a′,642b′,642c′. Bores642c,642c′ also have chamfers643,643′ that facilitate insertion of the contact ends622a,622binto the housings.

Each printed circuit board650a,650bincludes a base652a,652band an engagement element654a,654bthat couple with the compressible electrical assembly600. Also each printed circuit board has at least one aperture656a,656bfor positioning of contacts therein.

FIGS.7A-7Cillustrate another embodiment of a compressible electrical assembly700, including an inner compressible contact710, an outer compressible contact720, and a dielectric730. Both the inner compressible contact710and the outer compressible contact720are shown in a substantially relaxed state, with the dielectric730disposed therebetween. Each element, as shown in the assembly, is shown arranged with respect to a common longitudinal axis L7.

Referring particularly toFIG.7C, in this embodiment of the compressible electrical assembly700, the inner compressible contact710includes a first inner contact end712a, a second inner contact end712bopposing the inner contact end, and a medial inner portion714positioned between the first inner contact end712aand the second inner contact end712b. The first inner contact end712aextends from an outermost face713to an inner face715. The second inner contact end712bextends from an outermost face717to an inner face719of the second inner contact end712b.

The outer compressible contact720includes a first outer contact end722a, a second outer contact end722bopposing the outer contact end, and a medial outer portion724positioned between the first outer contact end722aand the second outer contact end722b. The first outer contact end722aextends from an outermost face723to an inner face725of the first outer contact end722a. The second outer contact end722bextends from an outermost face727to an inner face729of the second outer contact end722b. Notably, the first outer contact end722aand the second outer contact end722bextend beyond the first outer inner end712aand the second inner contact end712b.

The medial inner portion714includes a divaricated cut section711with a plurality of divaricated cuts716and is also defined by a medial inner portion length, MIL7, measured between inner faces715,719. Each divaricated cut in the inner compressible contact710is defined by at least one cut angle, as described with respect toFIGS.1A-1C.

Defined in each inner contact end712a,722bis a divaricated-cut section711,711′ having a plurality of divaricated cuts716,716′. In this version of the outer compressible contact720, at least three divaricated cuts are shown are shown in each contact end. However, additional divaricated cuts may be included, depending on application requirements.

The medial inner portion724is tubular, divaricated-cut free, defined by an inner diameter724iand outer diameter724oand a medial inner portion length, MOL7, measured between inner faces725,729.

In the compressible electrical assembly700, two dielectrics730,730′ are positioned between the inner compressible contact710and the outer compressible contact720, as shown particularly inFIGS.7B and7C. Each dielectric730,730′ has a dielectric body732,732′ with a first body end732a,732a′ and a second body end732b,732b′ opposing the first body end732a,732a′. Each dielectric730,730′ is also defined by an inner diameter ID7, ID7′an outer diameter OD7, OD7′and a dielectric thickness TD7, TD7′.

FIGS.8A-8Cillustrate another embodiment of a compressible electrical assembly800, including an inner compressible contact810, a forward housing890, and a rearward housing840threaded with the forward housing890. The inner compressible contact810is shown in a substantially relaxed state, with the dielectric830disposed between the inner compressible contact810, the forward housing890, and the rearward housing840. Each element, as shown in the assembly, is shown arranged with respect to a common longitudinal axis L8.

Referring particularly toFIG.8C, in this embodiment of the compressible electrical assembly800, the inner compressible contact810includes a first inner contact end812a, a second inner contact end812bopposing the inner contact end, and a medial inner portion814positioned between the first inner contact end812aand the second inner contact end812b. The first inner contact end812aextends from an outermost face813to an inner face815. The second inner contact end812bextends from an outermost face817to an inner face819of the second inner contact end812b.

Defined in each inner contact end812a,812bis a divaricated-cut section811,811′ having a plurality of divaricated cuts816,816′. The medial inner portion614is tubular, divaricated-cut free, and defined by an inner diameter614iand outer diameter614oand a medial inner portion length, MOL8, measured between inner faces815,819.

In the compressible electrical assembly800, one dielectric830is positioned between the inner compressible contact810, the forward housing890, and the rearward housing840, as shown particularly inFIGS.8B and8C. The dielectric830has a dielectric body832with a first body end832aand a second body end832bopposing the first body end832a. In this configuration, the dielectric830has an overhang portion836and is also defined by an inner diameter ID8, an outer diameter OD8, and a dielectric thickness TD8.

FIG.8Dshows an exemplary connector system1300, which includes the compressible electrical assembly800, housings840,890, and printed circuit boards850a,850b. Each housing840,890helps to align the compressible electrical assembly800for signal transmission. Defined in the housing840are bores842a,842b. Each printed circuit board850a,850bincludes a base852a,852band an engagement element854a,854bthat couple with the compressible electrical assembly800. Also each printed circuit board has at least one aperture856a,856bfor positioning of contacts therein.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed embodiments. Since modifications combinations, sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments, incorporating the spirit and substance of the embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art, the disclosed embodiments should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.