Breakaway electrical connector system
US10673179B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/6691
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A smart breakaway electrical connector disconnects a powerline at a designed tensile load, detects the break, and wirelessly communicates the precise location of the break to repair dispatchers. Mating male and female housings hold the internal electrical connection points together. Locking arms pivotally connected to the female connector interlock by detent with the male connector and spring force on the locking arms is used to prevent disengagement of the detent until the design tensile force is exceeded. Photovoltaics combined with rechargeable batteries ensure power availability when the line is disconnected and utility power is unavailable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.