Patent ID: 6293803
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
An interconnect for electrically connecting two conductors associated with solar cell circuits used on satellites comprising:a base element, an intermediate element, and a top element, each element being elongated with a longitudinal dimension and formed of a conducting material and having opposed ends, said elements having a thin rectangular cross section and being without insulation and arranged in a generally Z-shape with said base element having one end adapted to be connected to one conductor associated with a solar cell circuit, said top element having one end adapted to be connected to another conductor associated with another solar cell circuit, and said intermediate element having its ends disposed against the other ends of said base and said top elements; andmeans mechanically and electrically interconnecting said intermediate element to said base and said top element proximate the corresponding ends of said elements, whereby when said respective ends of said base and said top elements are connected to the conductors, an electrical connection is formed therebetween, having a length that changes corresponding to temperature changes of the environment, and when said conductors are relatively moved or the elements themselves expand or contract due to the temperature changes the elements absorb the corresponding separation distance and the associated compression and tension forces.