Electrical connector with ergonomic axial mating assist device

A method of operating a connector system, comprising:

• providing a first connector having a connector housing and a cam member rotatably attached to the connector housing, wherein the cam member defines an engaging lug extending along an axis substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the cam member, and a user moveable member slidably attached to the connector housing, wherein the user moveable member defines a first cam slot in which the engaging lug is received, wherein the first cam slot has a substantially straight entrance portion configured to receive the engaging lug, a substantially straight end portion arranged substantially perpendicularly to the entrance portion, and a curved camming portion having one or more radii located between the entrance portion and the end portion;
• arranging the cam member on the connector housing such that the engaging lug is in a position to be received within the entrance portion of the first cam slot;
• inserting a camming post of a second connector within the cam member;
• moving the user moveable member relative to the connector housing, thereby rotating the cam member by moving the engaging lug along the first cam slot;
• and
• drawing the first and second connectors together by movement of a camming post of the second connector along a second cam slot defined by the cam member due to the rotation of the cam member.

A method of assembling a connector system, comprising:

• rotatably attaching a cam member defining an engaging lug to a connector housing, wherein the engaging lug extends along an axis substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the cam member;
• slidably attaching a user moveable member defining a first cam slot to the connector housing;
• inserting the engaging lug within the first cam slot, wherein the first cam slot is shaped such that the cam member is rotated by movement of the engaging lug through the first cam slot as the user moveable member is moved longitudinally relative to the connector housing;
• attaching a cable strain relief device over wire electrical cables attached to electrical terminals disposed within cavities defined by the connector housing;
• and
• disposing the cable strain relief device within a retainer cavity in the connector housing.