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AssigneesTRW Inc., The United States of America as represented the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
InventorsThomas M. Rust, Edward M. Gaddy, Michael J. Herriage, Robert E. Patterson, Richard D. Partin
Estimating the term…
An interconnect, having some length, that reliably connects two conductors separated by the length of the interconnect when the connection is made but in which one length if unstressed would change relative to the other in operation. The interconnect comprises a base element an intermediate element and a top element. Each element is rectangular and formed of a conducting material and has opposed ends. The elements are arranged in a generally Z-shape with the base element having one end adapted to be connected to one conductor. The top element has one end adapted to be connected to another conductor and the intermediate element has its ends disposed against the other end of the base and the top element. Brazes mechanically and electrically interconnect the intermediate element to the base and the top elements proximate the corresponding ends of the elements. When the respective ends of the base and the top elements are connected to the conductors, an electrical connection is formed therebetween, and when the conductors are relatively moved or the interconnect elements change length the elements accommodate the changes and the associated compression and tension forces in such a way that the interconnect does not mechanically fatigue.
An interconnect for electrically connecting two conductors associated with solar cell circuits used on satellites comprising:
In a solar array having separated surfaces on which a wiring harness and a plurality of solar cell circuits are respectively mounted, an improved interconnect for electrically connecting the wiring harness to the solar cell circuit comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.