Deflection analysis of spring connector

The spring part of the connector has a mechanically crucial role i.e. it ensures the normal force which determines the operating state of the electrical contact resistance between the pin and the socket. For the connector manufacturers, this coupling leads to the force minimization investigation while keeping a sufficiently lower and stable electrical resistance. Unfortunately, the spring connector logged inside the receptacle makes difficult to access and control all the characteristic parameters of insertion. Practically, a simple experimental spring lamella was designed and a non intrusive technique (laser) was used to view and measure both the deflection and its associated force. In this paper, we elaborate a behaviour model for a spring considered as an elastic arc and we propose a relationship between the contact force centred in the middle of the spring and the maximal deflection. The numerical and analytical computations for deflection parameters lead a good agreement with previous experimental data. Finally, the model is a useful tool to appreciate the contribution of geometrical and material parameters of the connector related to the insertion force.