Spring-actuated electrical connector for high-power applications

An electrical connector assembly for use in a high-power application that exposes the connector assembly to elevated temperatures and thermal cycling, the connector assembly comprising:

• a first electrically conductive connector formed from a first material, the first connector having a side wall arrangement defining a receiver that extends from an open first end towards a second end, the side wall arrangement having at least one side wall with (i) an aperture and (ii) a contact beam extending from a first portion of the side wall, across an extent of the aperture, and towards a second portion of the side wall, and wherein the contact beam includes a free end that terminates inward of an outer surface of the side wall;
• an internal spring member formed from a second material and dimensioned to reside within the receiver of the first connector, the spring member having a base and at least one spring arm that extends from the base;
• a second electrically conductive connector with a receptacle dimensioned to receive both the first connector and the spring member residing within the receiver of the first connector to define a connected position that withstands elevated temperatures and thermal cycling resulting from the high-power application;
• wherein in the connected position, the spring arm of the spring member exerts an outwardly directed force on the contact beam of the first connector to outwardly displace the contact beam into engagement with an inner surface of the receptacle of the second connector to maintain the first and second connectors in the connected position.