Apparatus for mechanically attaching two structures and optionally making electrical connections between electronic devices
US7850459B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R33/9555
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A base unit is mechanically connected to the structure of a first electronic device. The base unit is round and includes conductive threads around the inside surface of an outer ring. The base unit may also include a center threaded post with conductive threads. The first electronic device is electrically connected to the base unit. A replaceable unit is sized such that it may screw into the base unit, the replaceable unit including matching threads which engage with the threads of the base unit. The threads of the replaceable unit are also electrically conductive, and are electrically connected to a second electronic device which is encapsulated within the replaceable unit. When the two pieces are screwed together the two electronic devices are thereby electrically connected. The first electronic device may be a solar panel. Another version of the invention does not include electrical connections.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.