US 12,438,502 B1 · Three-pin connector for solar accessory

Abstract

A multi-pin power connector for a solar accessory is described. In some examples, the power connector has three pins that can be used for identifying a proper solar accessory for an electronic device. In one particular example, a power connector apparatus includes a connector head that is configured to supply power from a solar device to an electronic device. The connector head includes a first electrical connector that is positioned on a first side of the connector head, a second electrical connector that is positioned on a second side of the connector head, and a third electrical connector that is offset from the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A solar panel device, comprising:

a photovoltaic cell coupled to an electrical cord;
and
the electrical cord comprising a connector head, the connector head including:
a first electrical connector coupled to a voltage supply line of the solar panel device,
a second electrical connector coupled to a ground line and a first resistor of the solar panel device, and
a third electrical connector coupled to the ground line across the first resistor of the solar panel device.

3 more elements

An electrical cord comprising:

a connector head including:
a first electrical fork connector including a first set of tines,
a second electrical fork connector including a second set of tines aligned on a plane with the first set of tines, the second electrical fork connector aligned with the first electrical fork connector with respect to a first axis, and a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and
a third electrical fork connector that is:
not aligned with the first electrical fork connector with respect to the first axis,
not aligned with the second electrical fork connector with respect to the first axis,
not aligned with the first electrical fork connector with respect to the second axis, and
not aligned with the second electrical fork connector with respect to the second axis.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

18/208,839Filed 12 Jun 2023

Granted

7 Oct 2025

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

H02S 40/34
Electrical components: comprising specially adapted electrical connection means to be structurally associated with the PV module, e.g. junction boxes
H01R 13/207
Pins, blades, or sockets shaped, or provided with separate member, to retain co-operating parts together: by screw-in connection
H01R 11/12
End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or…: end…
H01R 11/32
End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or…: end…

Three-pin connector for solar accessory

Life of this patent

Three-pin connector for solar accessory

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13