Receptacle contact

A receptacle contact for receipt of a mating contact therein, the receptacle contact comprising:

• side walls, each of the side walls having an opening provide therein;
• a first resilient contact arm extending between the side walls, the first resilient contact arm having a fixed end and a free end with at least one first contact area positioned proximate to the first free end, projections extending from the first resilient contact arm, the projections extending through the openings of the side walls, a weak area provided on the first resilient contact arm, the weak area being positioned between the fixed end of the first resilient contact arm and the projections of the first resilient contact arm, a second contact area is positioned proximate the weak area;
• a second resilient contact arm extending between the side walls, the second resilient contact arm having a fixed end and a free end with a third contact area positioned proximate to the free end of the second resilient contact arm, the third contact area positioned laterally between the at least one first contact area of the first resilient contact arm and the weak area of the first resilient contact arm;
• whereby the projections engage a wall of the opening as the mating contact is inserted into the receptacle contact, causing the second contact area proximate the weak area to move into engagement with the mating contact, thereby providing multiple areas of contact between the first and second resilient contact arms and the mating contact to provide a stable and reliable electrical connection therebetween.

A method of inserting a mating contact into a receptacle contact, the receptacle contact having side walls and a first resilient contact arm, the method comprising:

• engaging the first resilient contact arm with the mating contact, forming a first contact area proximate a distal end of the first resilient contact arm between the first resilient contact arm and the mating contact;
• moving the first resilient contact arm from an unstressed position;
• engaging a wall of an opening with at least one projection of the first resilient contact arm to prevent further movement of a weak area of the first resilient contact arm;
• moving a portion of the first resilient contact arm about the weak area of the first resilient contact arm after the at least one projection has engaged the wall of the opening, forming a second contact area proximate the weak area and the at least one projection between the first resilient contact arm and the mating contact.