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Break-away cable connector

  • US 10,044,137 B2
  • Filed: 09/07/2012
  • Issued: 08/07/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A break-away extension system for electrically connecting a first plurality of electrical contacts that are electrically connected to an electric vehicle charging station console to a second plurality of contacts that are electrically connected to a vehicle connector configured to connect to an electric vehicle, the break-away extension system being configured to mechanically fail at a critical load level, comprising:

  • a first extension including a plurality of electrical wires extending through the first extension, each wire being configured for connecting one respective contact of the first plurality of electrical contacts to one respective contact of the second plurality of electrical contacts;

    a second extension including a plurality of electrical wires extending through the second extension, each wire being configured for connecting one respective contact of the first plurality of electrical contacts to one respective contact of the second plurality of electrical contacts;

    a break-away connector having at least one unitary tubular portion, the break-away connector being configured to structurally break in tension by having the at least one unitary tubular portion break into a plurality of pieces at the critical load, wherein the break-away connector structurally connects the first extension to the second extension; and

    one or more longitudinally separable electrical connectors electrically connecting the plurality of wires of the first extension to the plurality of wires of the second extension;

    wherein the one or more separable electrical connectors are configured to detach upon the structural breaking of the break-away connector, said detachment electrically disconnecting the plurality of wires of the first extension to the plurality of wires of the second extension;

    wherein the break-away connector includes a housing that defines a cavity; and

    wherein an end of each wire of the first extension, an end of each wire of the second extension, and each longitudinally separable electrical connector of the one or more longitudinally separable electrical connectors is contained within the housing cavity.

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