Internal chamber having blast attenuation geometry in fuse

A laminated fuse design with a special layer and geometric elements addresses the issue of uncontrolled explosions in melamine fuses by directing fragments and reducing impact strength, ensuring circuit safety.

JP7626317B2Active Publication Date: 2025-02-04LITTELFUSE INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023123870
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-08-03
Filing Date
2023-07-28
Publication Date
2025-02-04
Estimated Expiration
2043-07-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional melamine fuses lack effective mechanisms to control the blast path and prevent damage to circuit components during an overcurrent event, as they do not contain filling materials like sand or fire to manage sparks and explosions.

Method used

The introduction of a laminated fuse design with a special layer featuring geometric elements that divides the internal chamber into sub-chambers, providing a controlled path for the explosion fragments and reducing impact strength through geometric obstructions.

Benefits of technology

The laminated design effectively manages explosion fragments, reducing the impact strength and preventing damage to circuit components by directing the blast through controlled pathways, enhancing the fuse's ability to protect the circuit.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To have a mechanism of better controlling a blast path and improve an end-of-life operation of a fuse.SOLUTION: A fuse includes multiple stacked layers, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected to one end of a fusible element, and the second terminal is connected to the other end. The stacked layers include first and second intermediate layers and a special layer. The first intermediate layer, which has a centrally disposed opening, is stacked on the first terminal and the second terminal. The second intermediate layer, also having a centrally disposed opening, is stacked above the first intermediate layer, and the centrally disposed openings define a chamber above the fusible element. The special layer is located between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer and includes one or more geometric elements. The geometric elements divide the chamber into two sub-chambers, the first sub-chamber being above the second sub-chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2B
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to laminated layer or hollow body fuses, and more particularly to improving end of life operation of fuses. [Background technology]

[0002] Melamine fuses consist of layers of melamine that are riveted together to form the fuse body. Considered a very fast acting fuse, melamine fuses feature a window that indicates the fuse status. Melamine fuses are also known as lift truck fuses because they are found in lift trucks, scissor lifts, pallet movers, and other low voltage battery operated equipment used to move hazardous materials.

[0003] In contrast to some fuses, the layers of a melamine fuse do not contain any filler material, such as sand, to prevent fire or sparks from emerging from the fuse. When an overcurrent event occurs, the impact blast wave rises up the fuse chamber and then travels between the melamine layers. Melamine fuses could benefit from having a mechanism to better control that blast path.

[0004] It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present improvements may be useful. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form some of the concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] An exemplary embodiment of a fuse according to the present disclosure may include a fusible element, a first terminal, a second terminal, and multiple stacked layers. The first terminal is connected to one end of the fusible element, and the second terminal is connected to the other end. The stacked layers include first and second intermediate layers, and a special layer. The first intermediate layer having a centrally disposed opening is stacked over the first terminal and the second terminal. The second intermediate layer, also having a centrally disposed opening, is stacked over the first intermediate layer, the centrally disposed opening defining a chamber above the fusible element. The special layer is positioned between the first and second intermediate layers and includes one or more geometric elements. The geometric elements divide the chamber into two subchambers, the first subchamber being above the second subchamber.

[0007] Another exemplary embodiment of a fuse according to the present disclosure may include a fusible element, a first intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer, and a special layer. The fusible element is positioned between two terminals. The first intermediate layer is a rectangular plate with a centrally disposed notch. The second intermediate layer is also a rectangular plate with a centrally disposed notch. The fusible element is sandwiched between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer. The first intermediate layer forms a chamber above the fusible element, and the second intermediate layer forms a second chamber below the fusible element. The special layer is a rectangular plate with a geometric element. The special layer is laminated on the first intermediate layer and divides the first chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber. The geometric element provides a path between the first subchamber and the second subchamber. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 shows a melamine fuse according to the prior art. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 shows a melamine fuse according to the prior art. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 shows a melamine fuse according to the prior art. [Figure 1D]FIG. 1 shows a melamine fuse according to the prior art.

[0009] [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2D] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 illustrates a special layer to be used in a melamine fuse according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 illustrates a special layer to be used in a melamine fuse according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 illustrates a special layer to be used in a melamine fuse according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse including a special layer according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse including a special layer according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse including a special layer according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4D] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse including a special layer according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4E] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse including a special layer according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4F] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse including a special layer according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4G] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse including a special layer according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4H]FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse including a special layer according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4I] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse including a special layer according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4J] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse including a special layer according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4K] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse including a special layer according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4L] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse including a special layer according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a melamine fuse having multiple special layers according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Fuses are disclosed with one or more special layers that facilitate efficient debris migration once there is an end-of-life event of a fusible element rupture. The fuses are of the type having stacked horizontal layers, such as in melamine and hollow body fuses. One or more of the horizontal layers are replaced with a special layer having geometric elements. The special layer causes the chamber holding the fusible element to be divided into sub-chambers, with the geometric elements providing a path for debris migration following the explosion of the fusible element. Variations in the number and type of special layers are possible, such as to support fuses of different ratings.

[0014] For convenience and clarity, terms such as "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," "transverse," "radial," "inner," "outer," "left," and "right" may be used herein to describe the relative locations and orientations of features and components with respect to the geometry and orientation of other features and components appearing in the perspective, exploded perspective, and cross-sectional views, respectively, provided herein. Such terminology is not intended to be limiting and includes the specifically mentioned words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0015] 1A-1D are representative diagrams of two prior art melamine fuses 100A and 100B (collectively "melamine fuses 100"). FIG. 1A is a perspective view of melamine fuse 100A, FIG. 1B is a side view of melamine fuse 100A; FIG. 1C is a perspective cross-sectional view of melamine fuse 100B, and FIG. 1D is an exploded view of melamine fuse 100B. The two melamine fuses 100A and 100B are similar, differing only in the number and type of layers. Each melamine fuse 100 comprises a fuse body 102, a first terminal 104, and a second terminal 106, with a fusible element 110 disposed between the two terminals. Body 102 is a multi-layer "sandwich" configuration consisting of terminals 104 and 106, a melamine layer, and a mica layer. Fuse body 102 features layer 112a having a larger opening or hole relative to one another, and layer 112b having a smaller opening or hole (collectively "layer 112" or "melamine layer 112"). The difference between layers 112a and 112b is apparent in FIG. 1B, but the size of each opening / hole is more apparent in the exploded view of FIG. 1D. Layer 112 is made from melamine, an organic compound. The openings / holes in layer 112 are small rounded rectangles for layer 112b and larger rounded rectangles for layer 112a, although the openings / holes may be defined in different shapes.

[0016] A layer of mica 118 is also part of the fuse body 102. Melamine fuse 100A has two mica layers 118, one near the top and one near the bottom (FIG. 1B). Melamine fuse 100B has two mica layers 118 on either side of fuse body 102. Layer 112b is on the top surface of fuse body 102. Mica layer 118 is transparent and, together with layer 112b, creates a status window 108 that indicates the state of fusible element 110 (e.g., whether the fusible element has broken).

[0017] Layer 112, mica layer 118, and terminals 104, 106 are held together with rivets (collectively "rivets 114"), shown in Figure 1B by top and bottom portions 114a and 114b. To accommodate rivets 114, layer 112, mica layer 118, and first terminal 104 and second terminal 106 have openings through which rivets 114 are inserted. Once rivets 114 are set, terminals 104 and 106 are held firmly in place by melamine layer 112 and mica layer 118.

[0018] The fusible element 110 is connected between the first terminal 104 and the second terminal 106. Although the fusible element 110 is shown connected below the first terminal 104 and the second terminal 106, the fusible element 110 may instead be connected above the two terminals. The configuration of the fusible element 110 with the first terminal 104 and the second terminal 106, and the layer 112a results in the formation of two chambers 116a and 116b (collectively "chambers 116"), with chamber 116a above the fusible element 110 and chamber 116b below the fusible element 110. As shown in Figures 1A and 1D, a spacer 120 is inserted between the terminals 104 and 106 and is flush with the terminals.

[0019] The fusible element 110 is designed to break in response to an overcurrent or overvoltage event, disrupting the flow of current between the first terminal 104 and the second terminal 106. Breaking, which is an end-of-life event for a fuse, creates an explosive blast that disperses the material of the fusible element 110 into debris. The arrows in FIG. 1B indicate the possible explosion path from the fusible element 110 upward into the first chamber 116a and then between one or more of the melamine layers 112.

[0020] The design of the fuse includes ensuring that no current flows between the terminals after the fusible element breaks. The arc energy and gas release that occurs with the fuse breaking can result in a debris path being formed by conductive residue from the fuse element and / or charred material from the fuse housing. When this occurs, a conductive path sufficient for current to travel across the terminals can be formed along the debris path. Thus, even though the fusible element has broken, the fuse has not served its intended purpose of preventing damage to other components in the circuit. Some fuses include filler materials such as sand to mitigate explosive currents, fires, and sparks, but melamine fuses typically do not include fillers.

[0021] To reduce the incident shock intensity, shock attenuation strategies can be considered. Geometric obstructions can be placed in front of the target in the flow path. The geometric obstructions generate shock reflections and attenuate the shock intensity. Various geometric obstructions such as gratings, orifice plates, perforated plates, array-type baffle plates, matrices of solid obstacles of various shapes, etc. can provide good shock attenuation based on the flow path created by these obstructions. Such strategies can be useful when considering fuse housing designs.

[0022] 2A-2D are representative diagrams of a melamine fuse 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional perspective view; FIG. 2B is an exploded view; FIG. 2C is a side view of the melamine fuse 200; and FIG. 2D is a close-up view of a special layer used in the melamine fuse 200. The melamine fuse 200 comprises a fuse body 202, a first terminal 204, and a second terminal 206, with a fusible element 210 disposed between the two terminals. Alternatively, the melamine fuse 200 may have three or more terminals. The body 202 is a multi-layer "sandwich" configuration of the terminals 204 and 206, and a melamine layer. In contrast to the melamine fuse 100, the melamine fuse 200 does not feature a status window and therefore does not include a mica layer. Instead, fuse body 202 features an intermediate layer 212 having a centrally disposed opening or hole, a cover layer 222, a special layer 224a (above fusible element 210), and a second special layer 224b (below fusible element 210) (collectively "special layers 224"). Intermediate layer 212, cover layer 222, and special layer 224 are made of melamine. The principles described herein may be applied to other types of hollow body fuses in addition to melamine fuses.

[0023] 2B, the cover layer 222, the intermediate layer 212, and the special layer 224 are rectangular plates, each plate being approximately the same size. The centrally disposed opening or hole in the intermediate layer 212 is an elongated circular cutout 228 in the center of each rectangular plate. When the plates are stacked on top of each other, the circular cutout 228 forms the chamber 216. In a non-limiting example, the elongated circular cutout 228 may instead be an elongated rectangle, a rounded rectangle, a circle, an oval, or some other shape. The rectangular plate forming the special layer 224 is stamped with one or more geometric elements designed to form an obstruction structure within the chamber 216.

[0024] The intermediate layer 212, cover layer 222, special layer 224, and terminals 204, 206 are held together using rivets 214. Thus, the intermediate layer 212, cover layer 222, special layer 224, and terminals 204, 206 have openings through which the rivets 214 are inserted. Once the rivets 214 are set, the terminals 204 and 206 are held firmly in place by the various melamine layers. The fusible element 210 is connected between the first terminal 204 and the second terminal 206. A spacer 220 is inserted between the terminals 204 and 206 and is flush with the terminals.

[0025] Recall that the connection of the fusible element 110 between the terminals 104 and 106 from the prior art melamine fuse 100 creates two chambers 116a and 116b. As the arrows indicate in FIG. 1B, the rupture of the fusible element 110 causes material from the explosion blast to disperse through the upper chamber 116a. In an exemplary embodiment, the special layer 224 has the effect of dividing the interior space of the melamine fuse 200 into additional chambers, three of which are chambers 216a, 216b, and 216c (collectively "chambers 216") depicted in FIG. 2C. Because the melamine fuse 200 would otherwise have a single chamber, the presence of the special layer 224a divides the chamber into two chambers 216a and 216b. Additionally, while chambers 116a and 116b of the prior art melamine fuse 100 can be said to be closed chambers, chambers 216a and 216b are open to one another because special layer 224 has holes 226a, 226b, and 226c (collectively "holes 226") that form pathways between chambers 216. For example, three holes 226a-c in special layer 224a create three pathways between chambers 216b and 216a. Holes 226 are thus geometric obstructions that generate shock reflections and attenuate the blast shock strength of the fusible element detonation. When an overcurrent event occurs in the exemplary embodiment, the detonation travels through chamber 216b, then chamber 216a, all the way to the top surface of melamine fuse 200, and then between the melamine layers.

[0026] Due to the presence of special layer 224, in the exemplary embodiment, an explosion of fusible element 210 occurs in chamber 216b, and then the blast flow circulates, with most of the blast being absorbed by the walls of central chamber 216b. Excess shock waves will travel into hole 226 in special layer 224, instead of traveling out through the melamine layer, which is what happens with prior art melamine fuse 100. Any remaining shock waves will travel through hole 226 into chambers 216a and 216c simultaneously.

[0027] The presence of multiple interleaved layers of melamine fuse 200 presents an opportunity to add additional geometric obstructions with special layers. Figures 3A-3C are representative diagrams of special layers that may replace one or more layers of a melamine fuse, such as melamine fuse 200, according to an exemplary embodiment. Special layer 324a is shown in Figure 3A, special layer 324b is shown in Figure 3B, and special layer 324c is shown in Figure 3C (collectively "special layer 324"). As with the other layers of the melamine fuse, special layer 324 has four rivet holes 310 that allow rivets to be inserted through each layer.

[0028] Special layer 324a features five holes 302a-e (collectively "holes 302") aligned along a vertically disposed centerline 312 of special layer 324a, where holes 302 are in the same plane, and holes 302 are equidistant between rivet holes 310. Alternatively, holes 302 may be positioned such that they are not all in the same plane, but are distributed such that hole 302a is to the left of centerline 312, hole 302b is to the right of centerline, hole 302c is to the left of centerline, hole 302d is to the right of centerline, and hole 302e is to the left of centerline. As another option, holes 302 may be randomly positioned along special layer 324a.

[0029] Special layer 324b features six small rectangles 304a-f (collectively "small rectangles 304") and two large rectangles 306a-b (collectively "large rectangles 306") aligned along a vertically disposed centerline 314, with the large rectangles 306 at the ends of special layer 324b, the small rectangles 304 between the large rectangles 306, and all of the rectangles aligned in the plane between the rivet holes 310. Alternatively, small rectangles 304a, 304c, and 304e may be disposed to the left of centerline 314, while small rectangles 304b, 304d, and 304f are disposed to the right of centerline 314. Alternatively, large rectangles 306 and small rectangles 304 may be randomly arranged without reference to centerline 314. Many other configurations are possible.

[0030] Special layer 324c features four lines 308a-d (collectively "lines 308"), which may also be depicted as long rectangles. Lines 308 are aligned along a horizontally disposed centerline 316, adjacent to one another, and disposed between rivet holes 310. As with other geometric elements, lines 308 may be arranged in different ways. For example, lines 308a and 308c may be one length, while lines 308b and 308d are different lengths. Many other configurations are possible.

[0031] Many variations of the special layer 324 are possible. By laminating one or more of the special layers 324 among the other layers of the melamine fuse, the holes 302, small rectangles 304, large rectangles 306, and lines 308 create structures (e.g., perforations) that create geometric obstructions in the fusible element chamber. These geometric obstructions create shock reflections and attenuate the blast shock strength of the fusible element detonation. As a result, there is less chance of a debris path that allows current to pass between the two terminals. The special layers 224 (FIG. 2B) and 324 (FIGS. 3A-3C) provide an alternative to using filler materials to mitigate the explosion current. In an exemplary embodiment, the special layers 224, 324 are made with the same materials used for the other layers.

[0032] Figures 4A-4L are representative diagrams of melamine fuses having one or more special layers according to exemplary embodiments. The drawings are exploded views of melamine fuses, similar to melamine fuse 200 of Figure 2B. In Figures 4A-4F, both sides of the melamine fuse include special layers. In Figures 4G-4H, both sides of the melamine fuse include special layers, but they are different from each other. In Figures 4I-4L, one side of the melamine fuse includes a special layer. The configurations presented in these figures are not meant to be limiting, and designers skilled in the art will recognize many variations therein.

[0033] In describing the location of the special layers, FIG. 4A shows a legend where the location of each layer is relative to the end. Thus, for example, cover layer 222 is in a first position relative to the end. In FIG. 4A, special layer 324b is in a fourth position on each side of fusible element 210. In FIG. 4B, special layer 324a is in a fourth position on each side of fusible element 210. In FIG. 4C, special layer 324c is in a fourth position on each side of fusible element 210. In FIG. 4D, special layer 224 (FIG. 2B) is in a fourth position and special layer 324c is in a third position, both on each side of fusible element 210. In FIG. 4E, special layer 324c is in a fourth position and special layer 324b is in a third position, both on each side of fusible element 210. In FIG. 4F, special layer 224 is in a fourth position, special layer 324c is in a third position, and special layer 324a is in a second position, all three on each side of fusible element 210. In FIG.

[0034] In FIG. 4G, special layer 324b is in a fourth position on one side of fusible element 210 while special layer 324c is in a fourth position on the other side of the fusible element. In FIG. 4H, special layer 324a is in a fourth position on one side of fusible element 210 while special layer 324b is in a fourth position on the other side of the fusible element. In FIG. 4I, special layer 324c is in a fourth position on one side of fusible element 210. In FIG. 4J, special layer 224 is in a fourth position and special layer 324c is in a third position on one side of fusible element 210. In FIG. 4K, special layer 324c is in a fourth position and special layer 324b is in a third position on one side of fusible element 210. In FIG. 4L, on one side of fusible element 210, special layer 224 is in a fourth position, special layer 324c is in a third position, and special layer 324a is in a second position.

[0035] 5 is a representative diagram of a melamine fuse 500 according to an exemplary embodiment. Melamine fuse 500 has a layer 502 that includes an opening or hole (so that the special layer is visible), a special layer 504, a second different special layer 506, and a third different special layer 508. Spacers 510 are used where terminals (not shown) would be.

[0036] The principles described herein may be extended to a variety of different types of fuses, not just those using melamine. Any fuse that has multiple layers sandwiched together, some of which are shaped to form a chamber for a fusible element, may be a candidate for replacing one or more layers with special layers that create geometric obstructions in the chamber. Additionally, the number and configuration of the special layers may be tailored to support fuses of different ratings.

[0037] As used herein, elements or steps described in the singular following the word "a" or "one" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of elements or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0038] While the present disclosure refers to particular embodiments, many modifications, alterations, and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the sphere and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the described embodiments, but rather have its full scope defined by the language of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. fusible element; a first terminal coupled to a first end of the fusible element; a second terminal coupled to a second end of the fusible element; and a plurality of stacked layers, the plurality of stacked layers comprising: a first intermediate layer laminated over the first terminal and the second terminal, the first intermediate layer including a centrally disposed opening; a second intermediate layer laminated onto the first intermediate layer, wherein the second intermediate layer includes a centrally disposed opening, wherein the centrally disposed openings of the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer define a chamber above the fusible element; and a first special layer disposed between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer, the first special layer including one or more geometric elements, the one or more geometric elements dividing the chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber, the first subchamber being above the second subchamber; having The plurality of stacked layers are a third intermediate layer laminated beneath the first terminal and the second terminal, the third intermediate layer including a centrally disposed opening; and a fourth intermediate layer underlying the third intermediate layer, wherein the fourth intermediate layer includes a centrally disposed opening, wherein the centrally disposed openings of the third intermediate layer and the fourth intermediate layer define a second chamber below the fusible element; and the plurality of stacked layers further comprises a second special layer disposed between the third intermediate layer and the fourth intermediate layer, the second special layer including one or more geometric elements, the one or more geometric elements dividing the second chamber into a third subchamber and a fourth subchamber, the third subchamber being above the fourth subchamber; the one or more geometric elements of the second special layer are different from the one or more geometric elements of the first special layer; fuse.

2. A fuse as described in claim 1, wherein the one or more geometric elements of the first special layer or the second special layer include a plurality of holes positioned along a center line of the first special layer.

3. A fuse as described in claim 1, wherein the one or more geometric elements of the first special layer or the second special layer include a plurality of horizontally arranged rectangles positioned along a center line of the first special layer.

4. A fusible element; a first terminal coupled to a first end of the fusible element; a second terminal coupled to a second end of the fusible element; and a plurality of stacked layers, the plurality of stacked layers comprising: a first intermediate layer laminated over the first terminal and the second terminal, the first intermediate layer including a centrally disposed opening; a second intermediate layer laminated onto the first intermediate layer, wherein the second intermediate layer includes a centrally disposed opening, wherein the centrally disposed openings of the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer define a chamber above the fusible element; and a first special layer disposed between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer, the first special layer including one or more geometric elements, the one or more geometric elements dividing the chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber, the first subchamber being above the second subchamber; having the one or more geometric elements include a plurality of holes positioned along a centerline of the first special layer. fuse.

5. The fuse of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of holes includes three holes.

6. The fuse of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of holes includes five holes.

7. A fusible element; a first terminal coupled to a first end of the fusible element; a second terminal coupled to a second end of the fusible element; and a plurality of stacked layers, the plurality of stacked layers comprising: a first intermediate layer laminated over the first terminal and the second terminal, the first intermediate layer including a centrally disposed opening; a second intermediate layer laminated onto the first intermediate layer, wherein the second intermediate layer includes a centrally disposed opening, wherein the centrally disposed openings of the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer define a chamber above the fusible element; and a first special layer disposed between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer, the first special layer including one or more geometric elements, the one or more geometric elements dividing the chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber, the first subchamber being above the second subchamber; having the one or more geometric elements include a plurality of horizontally disposed rectangles positioned along a centerline of the first special layer; fuse.

8. 8. The fuse of claim 7, wherein the one or more geometric elements further include a second horizontally disposed rectangle at a first end of the plurality of horizontally disposed rectangles and a third horizontally disposed rectangle at a second end of the plurality of horizontally disposed rectangles, where the second horizontally disposed rectangle is larger than any one of the plurality of horizontally disposed rectangles.

9. The fuse of claim 1 , wherein the one or more geometric elements include a plurality of vertically disposed rectangles positioned between a plurality of rivet holes.

10. A fusible element; a first terminal coupled to a first end of the fusible element; a second terminal coupled to a second end of the fusible element; and a plurality of stacked layers, the plurality of stacked layers comprising: a first intermediate layer laminated over the first terminal and the second terminal, the first intermediate layer including a centrally disposed opening; a second intermediate layer laminated onto the first intermediate layer, wherein the second intermediate layer includes a centrally disposed opening, wherein the centrally disposed openings of the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer define a chamber above the fusible element; and a first special layer disposed between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer, the first special layer including one or more geometric elements, the one or more geometric elements dividing the chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber, the first subchamber being above the second subchamber; having the one or more geometric elements include a plurality of vertically disposed rectangles positioned between a plurality of rivet holes; fuse.

11. a fusible element coupled between the two terminals; a first intermediate layer having a rectangular plate with a centrally disposed notch; a second intermediate layer having a rectangular plate with a centrally disposed notch, where the fusible element is sandwiched between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer, the first intermediate layer defining a first chamber above the fusible element and the second intermediate layer defining a second chamber below the fusible element; and a special layer having a second rectangular plate with a geometric element, said special layer being laminated on said first intermediate layer, said special layer dividing said first chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber, said geometric element providing a passage between said first subchamber and said second subchamber; Equipped with a cover layer disposed over the special layer, the cover layer defining an upper surface of the first subchamber; the geometric elements include a plurality of holes punched in the centerline of the special layer; Fuse element.

12. The fuse element of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of punched holes is rectangular.

13. The fuse element of claim 11 , wherein the first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, the specialty layer, and the cover layer are melamine.

14. A fusible element coupled between two terminals; a first intermediate layer having a rectangular plate with a centrally disposed notch; a second intermediate layer having a rectangular plate with a centrally disposed notch, where the fusible element is sandwiched between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer, the first intermediate layer defining a first chamber above the fusible element and the second intermediate layer defining a second chamber below the fusible element; and a special layer having a second rectangular plate with a geometric element, said special layer being laminated on said first intermediate layer, said special layer dividing said first chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber, said geometric element providing a passage between said first subchamber and said second subchamber; Equipped with a cover layer disposed over the special layer, the cover layer defining an upper surface of the first subchamber; the geometric element comprises a hole punched in the special layer; the first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, the specialty layer, and the cover layer are melamine; Fuse element.

15. 15. The fuse element of claim 11, further comprising a second special layer having a third rectangular plate with a second geometric element, the second special layer being stacked above the special layer.

16. A fusible element coupled between two terminals; a first intermediate layer having a rectangular plate with a centrally disposed notch; a second intermediate layer having a rectangular plate with a centrally disposed notch, where the fusible element is sandwiched between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer, the first intermediate layer defining a first chamber above the fusible element and the second intermediate layer defining a second chamber below the fusible element; and a special layer having a second rectangular plate with a geometric element, said special layer being laminated on said first intermediate layer, said special layer dividing said first chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber, said geometric element providing a passage between said first subchamber and said second subchamber; Equipped with a cover layer disposed over the special layer, the cover layer defining an upper surface of the first subchamber; a second special layer having a third rectangular plate with a second geometric element, the second special layer being stacked above the special layer; Fuse element.

17. The fuse element of claim 16 , wherein the second geometric element is different from the geometric element.

Citation Information

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