System and method for connecting a battery to a mounting system

A system for connecting a battery to a mounting system, said battery coupled to a battery connector, said mounting system coupled to a mounting system connector, said system comprising:

• an inner housing of said battery connector configured to receive a plurality of cables from said battery;
• a respective plurality of first male connectors or first female receptacles coupled to said plurality of cables and positioned adjacent to a back end of said inner housing of said battery connector, said plurality of first male connectors or first female receptacles coupled to a respective plurality of second male connectors or second female receptacles through a respective plurality of fuse links, said plurality of second male connectors or second female receptacles configured to break away from said inner housing, and said plurality of first male connectors or first female receptacles configured to remain unexposed upon disconnecting said battery connector from said mounting connector during an unsafe event;
• and
• an outer housing of said battery connector surrounding said inner housing, said outer housing comprising a tapered wall.

A method for connecting a battery to a mounting system, said battery coupled to a battery connector, said mounting system coupled to a mounting system connector, said method comprising:

• receiving a plurality of cables from said battery into an inner housing of said battery connector;
• surrounding said inner housing of said battery connector with an outer housing comprising a tapered wall;
• coupling a respective plurality of male connectors or female receptacles within said inner housing to said plurality of cables;
• and
• configuring said plurality of male connectors or female receptacles of said battery connector to remain unexposed while disconnecting said battery connector from said mounting connector during an unsafe event.

A method for self-aligning a battery connector to a mounting system connector during connecting said battery connector and said mounting system connector, said method comprising:

• tapering a wall of an outer housing of said battery connector and said mounting system connector, said tapered wall having a respective tapered outer surface or tapered inner surface configured to self-align upon connecting said battery connector and said mounting system;
• positioning a portion of said outer housing of said battery connector between a plurality of collars;
• passing a bolt through said collars to permit self-alignment of said outer housing of said battery connector and said mounting system within the plane of said collars during said self-aligning of said battery connector and said mounting system;
• and
• tapering a plurality of slots within an inner housing of said battery connector and hybrid energy locomotive connector, said tapered slots being configured to provide axial tolerance during said self-alignment of said battery connector and said hybrid energy locomotive connector.