Methods for fabricating and using a plurality of electrical contact devices

A method for establishing electrical contact between electrical leads embedded within a pair of composite structures, wherein each composite structure includes at least one tubular member that is at least partially conductive and defines an electrical port, wherein the at least one tubular member is electrically connected at a first end to a respective electrical lead and has a second end opening through an edge surface of the composite structure, and wherein the method comprises the steps of:

• electrically engaging the tubular member that defines the electrical port of each composite structure with a respective electrical contact device, wherein the electrical contact device comprises an electrical contact pad and a conductive pin connected to and extending outwardly from said electrical contact pad such that said electrically engaging step comprises inserting the conductive pin of the electrical contact device into the tubular member that defines the electrical port of the respective composite structure to thereby establish electrical contact between the tubular member that defines the electrical port and the electrical contact device, wherein the inserting comprises inserting the conductive pin to thereby form an electrical circuit comprising the electrical contact device, the tubular member that defines the electrical port and the respective electrical lead;
• and
• at least partially aligning corresponding electrical contact pads of each respective composite structure to thereby establish electrical contact between corresponding electrical leads embedded within the pair of composite structures.