A modular female electrical terminal

摘要

A modular female electrical terminal (10) includes a receptacle portion (12) for receiving a male electrical terminal. A first module comprises a base member (16) formed of a first material and having a first thickness. The base member (16) preferably provides the principal current flowpath through the female terminal (10). A second module comprises a cover member (18) which is formed of a second material having a second thickness. The cover member (18) is secured to the base member (16) in a overlying relationship so as to define in cooperation with the base member (16) a cavity (20) suitable for receiving the desired male terminal shape. At least one of the first module or the second module includes means for biasing the male electrical terminal into electrical and frictional contact with the receptacle portion (12) of the terminal (10). A process comprises selecting one of the second module types and securing in to the base member (16). The base member (16) material is preferably selected to provide a higher conductivity and/or a greater thickness than used for the cover member (18). The base member (16) and the cover member (18) may be joined by welding although mechanical interlocking can be employed.