Tolerance-absorbing interconnect system using a spring-loaded connector

A connector assembly, comprising:

• an electrical connector having a connector body;
• a standoff having a first end and an opposite end, the standoff being movably coupled at the first end to the connector body of the electrical connector and fixedly coupled at the other end to a structural member, the electrical connector sliding along the standoff when the electrical connector is urged towards the structural member;
• and
• a spring member disposed between the connector body of the electrical connector and the structural member, one end of the spring member opposing the connector body and the other end of the spring member opposing the structural member, the spring member compressing when the electrical connector is urged towards the structural member.

A tolerance-absorbing interconnect system for use in an electronics enclosure, the interconnect system comprising:

• a chassis having an open end and a first securing mechanism;
• a structural member;
• a first connector having a connector body with a flange having a hole therein;
• a fastener having an elongated barrel portion passing through the hole in the flange to movably couple the connector body of the first connector to the fastener so that the connector body can slide on the barrel portion of the fastener when the first connector is urged towards the structural member;
• means for fixedly coupling the fastener to the structural member;
• a spring member coiled around the barrel portion of the fastener between the flange and the structural member;
• and
• an assembly having a second connector and a second securing mechanism for coupling to the first securing mechanism when the assembly slides a predetermined distance into the chassis through the open end, the distance being such that, in order for the securing mechanisms to couple, the first and second connectors mate and push against each other to compress the spring member, whereupon when the securing mechanisms couple, the spring member remains compressed and urges one of the connectors against the other connector.