Mate assist assembly for connecting electrical contacts

Certain embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a lever-based connection assembly for engaging resisting components. More particularly, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a mate assist assembly for connecting electrical contacts contained in separate housings. An electrical connector is provided including first and second housings configured to be matable with one another to join electrical contacts. The first and second housings are movable between initial and final positions, at which the electrical contacts partially and fully mate, respectively. The electrical connector includes a lever member that engages the first and second housings, moving the first and second housings between the initial and final positions. The lever member includes a cam arm having first, second, and third gear surfaces. The second housing includes first and second mating posts that are configured to engage the first, second, and third gear surfaces at first, second, and third distances, respectively, from the rotational axis as the lever member rotates through a range of motions to move the first and second housings between the initial and final positions. The first, second, and third distances are all different.