Fuse Terminal Design

Abstract

To provide fuse designs, and more specifically, fuse designs to facilitate outgassing of materials.SOLUTION: A fuse assembly 100 includes a fuse element 106 and a terminal vent channel. The fuse element is located between a first terminal 104a and a second terminal 104b. The fuse element breaks in response to an overcurrent event. The terminal vent channel 116 is located in the first terminal and provides a path for the outgassing of debris during the overcurrent event.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to fuse designs and, more particularly, to fuse designs that facilitate outgassing of materials. [Background technology]

[0002] A fuse is a current-sensitive device designed as an intentionally weak connection in an electrical circuit. The function of a fuse is to provide individual component or complete circuit protection by reliably melting under overcurrent conditions, thus safely interrupting the flow of electrical current.

[0003] When a fuse protecting a circuit blows, arc energy is created between the two terminals of the fuse. The arc energy causes metal and other material in the blowable portion of the fuse element to melt and deposit within the fuse housing. The debris path, including the molten material of the fuse element, the charred plastic of the housing, and the hot gases, may become conductive. Thus, a poorly designed fuse may transmit current between its terminals even when the fuse has blown.

[0004] One or more vents in the housing may provide a path to the exterior of the fuse for gas release. The vents are designed to prevent debris from forming a conductive path between the terminals. By molding the housing from a plastic material, the vents can be located in various locations on the housing. However, vents made in plastic materials may be damaged from assembly processes such as ultrasonic welding, causing the vents to not have the intended shape or size.

[0005] It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present improvements may be useful. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce certain concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] Exemplary embodiments of fuse assemblies according to the present disclosure may include a fuse element and a terminal exhaust channel. The fuse element is disposed between a first terminal and a second terminal. The fuse element ruptures in response to an overcurrent event. The terminal exhaust channel is disposed in the first terminal and provides a path for outgassing of debris during an overcurrent event.

[0008] Another exemplary embodiment of a fuse assembly according to the present disclosure may include a fuse element, a first fuse housing, a second fuse housing, and a terminal. The fuse element ruptures in response to an overcurrent event to generate outgassing debris. The first fuse housing has a first sidewall and the second fuse housing has a second sidewall. When the first fuse housing engages with the second fuse housing, the first sidewall engages with the second sidewall, thereby forming a cavity, and the fuse element is within the cavity. The terminal includes a terminal exhaust channel. The terminal exhaust channel is disposed on the first sidewall and forms a path for movement of the outgassing debris. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a fuse assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates a fuse assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] [Figure 2A] 1A-1B according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2B] 1A-1B according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG.

[0011] [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a fuse assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a fuse assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] [Figure 4A] 3A-3B according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4B] 3A-3B according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG.

[0013] [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a fuse assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The fuse assembly features a terminal exhaust channel formed in the terminal by coining or milling. The terminal exhaust channel is disposed on a side wall of the fuse housing and is sized such that an opening is formed on either side of the side wall when the terminal is disposed between two portions of the fuse housing. The opening provides a path for outgassing of debris during rupture of the fuse element. Various shapes of the terminal exhaust channel are possible. The terminal exhaust channel provides an alternative to an exhaust port formed in the housing of the fuse assembly.

[0015] For convenience and clarity, terms such as "top", "bottom", "up", "down", "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. The terminology used is not intended to be limiting and includes the specifically mentioned words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar importance.

[0016] 1A-1B are representative diagrams of a fuse assembly 100 for facilitating outgassing of debris, according to an example embodiment. The fuse assembly 100 includes a fuse housing 102a disposed on one side of a fuse element 106 and a fuse housing 102b (collectively, "fuse housing 102") disposed on the other side of the fuse element. The fuse housing 102 is made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, and forms a cavity for protecting the fuse element 106. When the fuse housing 102a engages with the fuse housing 102b, the fuse element 106 is disposed within an enclosure therebetween. In a non-limiting example, the fuse housing 102a may be identical to the fuse housing 102b.

[0017] As used herein, outgassing refers to the movement of gaseous materials following an explosion inside the fuse assembly 100 once the fuse element has ruptured. Outgassing debris refers to the movement of all materials, including gaseous and non-gaseous materials, examples of which include metal from the fuse element and plastic from the fuse housing, the latter of which may char during explosion. Outgassing debris therefore refers to any and all materials that move both inside and outside the fuse housing following rupture of the fuse element.

[0018] Fuse element 106 is disposed between first terminal 104a and second terminal 104b (collectively "terminals 104"). Fuse element 106 and terminals 104 are made of a conductive material, such as copper. Because fuse element 106 is the intentionally weak connection of fuse assembly 100, fuse element 106 may be thinner than terminals 104.

[0019] The ribs 108 are disposed on the interior surface of the fuse housing 102. Ribs 108 are visible in fuse housing 102b, although fuse housing 102a may also feature ribs (not shown). The ribs 108, which are typically formed from the same material as fuse housing 102, increase the surface area of ​​the interior of the fuse housing. The increased surface area of ​​the ribs 108 provides a place for the resulting debris to accumulate once the fuse element 106 ruptures. The ribs 108 may be arranged as a zigzag, cross-hatch, circle, pyramid, or any other pattern.

[0020] The fuse housing 102 includes projections and cavities for coupling the two elements together. As shown in FIG. 1B, the fuse housing 102b includes two projections 112a and 112b and two cavities 114a and 114b (collectively "projections 112" and "cavities 114"). The terminal 104 similarly includes holes 110a-d, with a first pair of holes 110a and 110b being part of the terminal 104a and a second pair of holes 110c and 110d being part of the terminal 104b (collectively "holes 110"). Hole 110a is disposed over projection 112a, hole 110b is disposed over cavities 114a, hole 110c is disposed over cavities 114b, and hole 110d is disposed over projection 112b. Once placed over the terminals 104, the projections of fuse housing 102a fit through their respective holes 110 into the cavities 114 of fuse housing 102b. Similarly, projections 112 of fuse housing 102b fit through their respective holes 110 into the cavities of fuse housing 102a. In this manner, the components may be fixably engaged with one another.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, the holes 110 are circular cutouts in the respective terminals 104. Similarly, the projections 112 and the voids 114 are cylindrical and have a diameter that approximates the diameter of the holes 110. Alternatively, the holes 110, projections 112, and voids 114 may be shaped differently than those illustrated, as the particular shapes of these elements of the fuse assembly 100 are not meant to be limiting.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, fuse assembly 100 features terminal exhaust channels to provide a path for outgassing of debris following rupture of fuse element 106 caused by an overcurrent event. Exhaust channels 116a and 116b are adjacent to one another and are disposed between holes 110a and 110b in terminal 104a. Exhaust channels 116c and 116d are adjacent to one another and are disposed between holes 110c and 110d in terminal 104b (collectively, "exhaust channel 116" and "terminal exhaust channel 116").

[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, fuse housing 102b includes sidewalls on which the terminal exhaust channels are disposed. Sidewall 120a is part of fuse housing 102a, and sidewalls 120b and 120c are part of fuse housing 102b (collectively "sidewalls 120"). Sidewall 120b includes protrusion 112a and gap 114a, and sidewall 120c includes protrusion 112b and gap 114b. When fuse housing 102a engages fuse housing 102b, sidewall 120a engages sidewall 120b. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, sidewall 120a is disposed above terminal exhaust channels 116a and 116b, sidewall 120b is disposed below terminal exhaust channels 116a and 116b, and sidewall 120c is disposed below terminal exhaust channels 116c and 116d.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the drainage channels 116 are formed in each terminal 104 by a material removal or reduction process. In some embodiments, the drainage channels 116 are formed in the terminals 104 by a coining operation. Coining is a closed die forging process that applies pressure to the surface of a material. Coining is a precision stamping method that places a metal workpiece under high stress to cause deformation to the shape of a die. In other embodiments, the drainage channels 116 are formed in the terminals 104 by a milling operation. Milling is a machining process that uses a rotary cutter to penetrate the workpiece and remove material. In either case, material is removed from the terminals 104 of the fuse assembly 100 to create channels of controlled dimensions.

[0025] In contrast to forming an exhaust channel in the plastic material of the fuse assembly 100 (such as the fuse housing 102), in some embodiments, the dimensions of the exhaust channel 116 can be more easily controlled using a metal fabrication process such as coining or milling. An exhaust channel formed in the plastic material of the housing can be damaged from assembly processes such as ultrasonic welding. Thus, when precise control of the exhaust channel of the fuse assembly is required, metal fabrication is more precise than plastic molding. Additionally, metal fabrication processes are more cost-effective than plastic molding processes in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the ability to customize the exhaust channel to form a precise path for debris evacuation is also easier with metal than with plastic.

[0026] Figures 2A and 2B are representative views of the terminal discharge channel 116 of the fuse assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the terminal discharge channel 116, and Figure 2B is a side view of the terminal discharge channel disposed between the fuse housings 102. In Figure 2A, terminal discharge channels 116a and 116b are shown. In the exemplary embodiment, the terminal discharge channel 116 forms a triangular wedge-shaped cut in each terminal 104. In the exemplary embodiment, the triangular wedge shape has a length l, a width w, and a height h, and the height is significantly smaller than the length or the width. Mathematically stated, the terminal discharge channel 116 has the following characteristics: in dimensions l×w×h, h << l, and h << w.

[0027] The side wall 120b of the fuse housing 102b is shown in dotted lines. The side wall 120b has a dimension d1. In the exemplary embodiment, the width w of the terminal discharge channel 116 is greater than the dimension d1. Mathematically stated, w > d1. Beyond this limit, the discharge channel 116 may have a shape different from the rectangular shape illustrated in Figure 2A. This relationship regarding the width of the terminal discharge channel 116 with respect to the width of the side wall 120b ensures that there is an opening forming a path for debris to flow out during an overcurrent event.

[0028] In Figure 2B, the terminal 104a is disposed between the side wall 120a of the fuse housing 102a and the side wall 120b of the fuse housing 102b. By disposing the terminal discharge channel 116, an opening 202 is created between the terminal 104a and the fuse housing 102a. In the exemplary embodiment, the terminal discharge channel 116 provides a debris path 204 for debris to move from the internal chamber of the fuse assembly 100 to the outside of the fuse assembly.

[0029] The fuse assembly 100 illustrates that a material removal / reduction process such as coining / milling can add channels of controlled dimensions, such as the terminal exhaust channel 116, in an exemplary embodiment, to the terminals of a high voltage fuse. One of the specifications for a fuse is known as the open state resistance (OSR). This characteristic describes the likelihood that the fuse will maintain a high resistance (and therefore continue to interrupt current) after it has blown. A properly drained fuse may have a higher OSR than one that has not been drained. Additionally, high voltage fuses experience much more arc energy than low voltage fuses. When mated with the assembled plastic body of the fuse housing 102, the terminal exhaust channel 116, which is part of the terminal 104 of the fuse assembly 100, in an exemplary embodiment, creates a small opening for releasing pressure and debris during high rupture capacity. Additionally, because the exhaust channels 116 are formed in metal (terminal 104), in some embodiments, greater precision in their formation is possible, as opposed to the precision possible with exhaust channel formation in a plastic housing.

[0030] 3A and 3B are representative diagrams of a fuse assembly 300 for facilitating outgassing of debris, according to an example embodiment. The fuse assembly 300 includes a fuse housing 302a disposed on one side of a fuse element 306 and a fuse housing 302b (collectively, "fuse housing 302") disposed on the other side of the fuse element. The fuse housing 302 is made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, and forms a cavity to protect the fuse element 306. When the fuse housing 302a engages with the fuse housing 302b, the fuse element 306 is disposed within an enclosure therebetween. In a non-limiting example, the fuse housing 302a may be identical to the fuse housing 302b.

[0031] Fuse element 306 is disposed between first terminal 304a and second terminal 304b (collectively "terminals 304"). Fuse element 306 and terminals 304 are made of a conductive material, such as copper. Because fuse element 306 is the intentionally weak connection of fuse assembly 300, fuse element 306 may be thinner than terminals 304.

[0032] Ribs 308 are disposed on the interior surface of fuse housing 302. Ribs 308 are visible in fuse housing 302b, although fuse housing 302a may also feature ribs (not shown). Ribs 308, typically formed from the same material as fuse housing 302, increase the surface area of ​​the interior of the fuse housing. The increased surface area of ​​ribs 308 provides a place for the resulting debris to accumulate once fuse element 306 ruptures. Ribs 308 may be arranged as a zigzag, cross-hatch, circle, pyramid, or any other pattern.

[0033] The fuse housing 302 includes projections and cavities for coupling the two elements together. As shown in FIG. 3B, the fuse housing 302b includes two projections 312a and 312b and two cavities 314a and 314b (collectively "projections 312" and "cavities 314"). The terminal 304 similarly includes holes 310a-d, with holes 310a and 310b being part of the terminal 304a and holes 310c and 310d being part of the terminal 304b (collectively "holes 310"). Hole 310a is disposed over projection 312a, hole 310b is disposed over cavities 314a, hole 310c is disposed over cavities 314b, and hole 310d is disposed over projection 312b. Once disposed over the terminal 304, the projections of the fuse housing 302a fit through their respective holes 310 into the cavities 314 of the fuse housing 302b. Similarly, protrusions 312 of fuse housing 302b fit into cavities in fuse housing 302a through respective holes 310. In this manner, the components may be fixably engaged with one another.

[0034] In the exemplary embodiment, holes 310 are circular cutouts in the respective terminals 304. Similarly, protrusions 312 and voids 314 are cylindrical and have a diameter that approximates the diameter of holes 310. Alternatively, holes 310, protrusions 312, and voids 314 may be shaped differently than illustrated, as the particular shapes of these elements of fuse assembly 300 are not meant to be limiting.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, fuse assembly 300 features a terminal exhaust channel to provide a path for outgassing of debris following rupture of fuse element 306 caused by an overcurrent event. Exhaust channel 316 (also referred to herein as "terminal exhaust channel 316") is disposed between holes 310a and 310b in terminal 304a. Although not shown in FIG. 3B, a second exhaust channel can be disposed between holes 310c and 310d in terminal 304b.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the exhaust channel 316 is formed in each terminal 104 by a material removal or pressing process. In some embodiments, the exhaust channel 316 is formed in the terminal 304a by a stamping or punching operation, which is a machining process used to create holes in metal, such as sheet metal. In other embodiments, the exhaust channel 316 is formed in the terminal 304a by a milling operation. In either case, material is removed from the terminal 304a of the fuse assembly 300 to create a channel of controlled dimensions.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, fuse housing 302b includes sidewalls 320a, 320b, and 320c (collectively "sidewalls 320"). Sidewall 320b includes protrusion 312a and gap 314a. Similarly, sidewall 320c includes gap 314b and protrusion 312b. Sidewalls 320 engage when the respective fuse housings 302a and 302b engage with one another. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, sidewall 320b is disposed below terminal ejection channel 316.

[0038] 4A and 4B are representative diagrams of the terminal exhaust channel 316 of the fuse assembly 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the terminal exhaust channel 316, and FIG. 4B is a side view of the terminal exhaust channel disposed between the fuse housings 302. Referring also to FIG. 3B, the fuse housing 302b has side walls 320b and 320c, and the terminal exhaust channel 316 is disposed on the side wall 320b. In a non-limiting example, the terminal exhaust channel 316 is shown as having an elongated shape, but the terminal exhaust channel may be of a different shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal exhaust channel 316 has a dimension d2 at its longest point, while the distance across the side wall 320b is d3. In an exemplary embodiment, d2 is greater than d3 (d2>d3). In other words, the terminal exhaust channel 316 overlaps the width of the side wall 320b. Positioning the terminal exhaust channel 316 to overlap the side wall 320b results in two openings 402a and 402b (collectively "openings 402"), with opening 402b above the fuse chamber and opening 402a outside the fuse chamber.

[0039] In Figure 4B, terminal 304a is disposed between fuse housing 302a and fuse sidewall 320b of fuse housing 302b. Openings 402a and 402b, also shown in Figure 4A, are disposed on either side of fuse housing 302. The location of terminal exhaust channel 316 creates an opening 402 between terminal 304a and fuse housing 302. In an exemplary embodiment, terminal exhaust channel 316 provides a debris path 404 for debris to travel from the interior chamber of fuse assembly 300 to the exterior of the fuse assembly.

[0040] Fuse assembly 100 shows four terminal exhaust channels 116, two in one terminal and two in the other. Fuse assembly 300 shows a single terminal exhaust channel in one of the two terminals. Combinations of these configurations are possible. For example, fuse assembly 300 may have two terminal exhaust channels 316 located adjacent to each other between holes 310 of terminals 304. Furthermore, both terminals 304 of fuse assembly 300 may include a terminal exhaust channel 316. Alternatively, fuse assembly 100 may have a single terminal exhaust channel 116 located between holes 110 of terminals 104. Furthermore, fuse assemblies 100 and 300 may feature both types of terminal exhaust channels 116 and 316. Other combinations are possible as well, as the illustrations are not meant to be limiting.

[0041] 5 is a representative diagram of a fuse assembly 500 for facilitating outgassing of debris, according to an exemplary embodiment. The fuse assembly 500 includes a fuse housing 502a disposed on one side of a fuse element 506 and a fuse housing 502b (collectively, "fuse housing 502") disposed on the other side of the fuse element. The fuse housing 502a is transparent so that other features of the fuse assembly 500 are visible. The fuse housing 502 is made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, and forms a cavity to protect the fuse element 506. When the fuse housing 502a engages with the fuse housing 502b, the fuse element 506 is disposed within an enclosure therebetween. In a non-limiting example, the fuse housing 502a may be identical to the fuse housing 502b.

[0042] Fuse element 506 is disposed between first terminal 504a and second terminal 504b (collectively "terminals 504"). Fuse element 506 and terminals 504 are made of a conductive material, such as copper. Because fuse element 506 is the intentionally weak connection of fuse assembly 500, fuse element 506 may be thinner than terminals 504.

[0043] Fuse assembly 500 features other elements found in fuse assemblies 100 and 300, such as ribs, protrusions, and voids. For ease of illustration, these elements are not labeled in FIG. 5. Nevertheless, terminals 504 of fuse assembly 500 are disposed between fuse housings 502 in a similar manner as fuse assemblies 100 and 300.

[0044] Although holes 510a and 510b are noted as part of terminal 504a, terminal 504b similarly includes the illustrated holes (collectively "holes 510"). In an exemplary embodiment, between holes 510a and 510b, fuse assembly 500 features a terminal exhaust channel 516 to provide a path for outgassing of debris following rupture of fuse element 506.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, fuse housing 502b includes a sidewall 520 on which terminal exhaust channel 516 is disposed. Sidewall 520 is noted because its width, similar to the width of sidewalls 120 (fuse assembly 100) and 320 (fuse assembly 300), determines the dimensions of terminal exhaust channel 516. That is, terminal exhaust channel 516 is wider than sidewall 520 to ensure an opening within the enclosure of fuse assembly 500 (where fuse element 506 is disposed) and an opening on the exterior surface of fuse housing 502. In an exemplary embodiment, terminal exhaust channel 516 includes a bend closer to hole 510a than hole 510b. Terminal exhaust channel 516 may be described as somewhat S-shaped. In some embodiments, the bend of terminal exhaust channel 516 may be based on the shape of fuse element 506. Although not shown in FIG. 5, terminal 504 may include a terminal exhaust channel as well.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal ejection channel 516 is formed in the terminal 504 by a material removal or reduction process, such as milling or coining, in which material is removed from the terminal 504 of the fuse assembly 500 to create a channel of controlled dimensions.

[0047] Thus, fuse assemblies 100, 300, and 500 provide terminal exhaust channels that facilitate outgassing of debris following an overcurrent event in which the fuse element ruptures. Unlike conventional fuse assemblies, in some embodiments, the terminal exhaust channels are formed in the terminals rather than in the housing, because forming exhaust channels in plastics is less precise and more expensive than in metals. Additionally, in exemplary embodiments, the ability to customize the exact shape of the exhaust channel is more successful in metals than in plastics, in exemplary embodiments.

[0048] As used herein, elements or steps described in the singular following the word "a" or "an" 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.

[0049] Although 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. [Other possible items] [Item 1] a fuse element disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal that ruptures in response to an overcurrent event; and a terminal exhaust channel disposed at said first terminal providing a path for outgassing of debris during said overcurrent event; 1. A fuse assembly comprising: [Item 2] a first pair of holes cut into the first terminal; and A second pair of holes cut into the second terminal The fuse assembly of claim 1 further comprising: [Item 3] 3. The fuse assembly of claim 2, wherein the terminal exhaust channel is disposed between the first pair of holes. [Item 4] 2. The fuse assembly of claim 1, wherein the terminal exhaust channel forms a triangular wedge cut in the first terminal. [Item 5] The fuse assembly of claim 1 , wherein the terminal exhaust channel has an elongated shape. [Item 6] 2. The fuse assembly of claim 1, wherein the terminal exhaust channel is an S-shaped notch in the first terminal. [Item 7] a second terminal exhaust channel providing a second path for outgassing of debris during said overcurrent event; The fuse assembly of claim 2 , further comprising: [Item 8] 8. The fuse assembly of claim 7, wherein the second terminal exhaust channel is formed in the first terminal adjacent the terminal exhaust channel. [Item 9] 8. The fuse assembly of claim 7, wherein the second terminal exhaust channel is formed in the second terminal and disposed between the second pair of holes. [Item 10] a fuse housing having a sidewall of a first dimension, wherein the terminal exhaust channel is disposed on the sidewall; The fuse assembly of claim 1 further comprising: [Item 11] 10. The fuse assembly of claim 1, wherein the terminal exhaust channel has a second dimension, the second dimension being greater than the first dimension. [Item 12] The fuse assembly of claim 1 , wherein the terminal exhaust channel is disposed on a side wall of a fuse housing. [Item 13] The fuse assembly of claim 12 , wherein the terminal exhaust channel has an elongated shape. [Item 14] 14. The fuse assembly of claim 13, wherein the oblong shape has a first dimension and the sidewall has a second dimension, the first dimension being greater than the second dimension. [Item 15] a fuse element that ruptures in response to an overcurrent event, causing outgassing debris; a first fuse housing having a first sidewall; a second fuse housing having a second sidewall, wherein when the first fuse housing is engaged with the second fuse housing, the first sidewall engages the second sidewall and the fuse element is disposed in a cavity therebetween; and a terminal having a terminal exhaust channel, the terminal exhaust channel being disposed on the first sidewall, the terminal exhaust channel forming a path for migration of outgassed debris; 1. A fuse assembly comprising: [Item 16] 16. The fuse assembly of claim 15, wherein the terminal exhaust channel has an elongated shape. [Item 17] 16. The fuse assembly of claim 15, wherein the terminal exhaust channel has a triangular wedge shape. [Item 18] 16. The fuse assembly of claim 15, wherein the terminal exhaust channel has an S-shape. [Item 19] 16. The fuse assembly of claim 15, wherein the first sidewall has a first dimension and the terminal exhaust channel has a second dimension different from the first dimension. [Item 20] 20. The fuse assembly of claim 19, wherein the second dimension is greater than the first dimension.

Claims

1. a fuse element disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal, the fuse element rupturing in response to an overcurrent event; a terminal exhaust channel disposed in the first terminal, the terminal exhaust channel providing a path for outgassing of debris during the overcurrent event; and a fuse housing having a sidewall of a first dimension, wherein the terminal exhaust channel is disposed on the sidewall; The terminal exhaust channel has a second dimension, the second dimension being greater than the first dimension.

2. a first pair of holes cut in the first terminal; and a second pair of holes cut into the second terminal The fuse assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The fuse assembly of claim 2 , wherein said terminal exhaust channel is disposed between said first pair of holes.

4. The fuse assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the terminal exhaust channel defines a triangular wedge cut in the first terminal.

5. A fuse element disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal, the fuse element rupturing in response to an overcurrent event; and a terminal exhaust channel disposed at the first terminal, the terminal exhaust channel providing a path for outgassing of debris during the overcurrent event; Equipped with the terminal exhaust channel defines a triangular wedge cut in the first terminal.

6. The fuse assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal exhaust channel has an elongated shape.

7. The fuse assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the terminal exhaust channel is an S-shaped notch in the first terminal.

8. A fuse element disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal, the fuse element rupturing in response to an overcurrent event; and a terminal exhaust channel disposed at the first terminal, the terminal exhaust channel providing a path for outgassing of debris during the overcurrent event; Equipped with the terminal exhaust channel is an S-shaped notch in the first terminal.

9. a second terminal exhaust channel providing a second path for outgassing of debris during said overcurrent event; The fuse assembly of claim 2 further comprising:

10. 10. The fuse assembly of claim 9, wherein the second terminal exhaust channel is formed in the first terminal adjacent the terminal exhaust channel.

11. 10. The fuse assembly of claim 9, wherein the second terminal exhaust channel is formed in the second terminal and disposed between the second pair of holes.

12. The fuse assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal exhaust channel is disposed on a side wall of the fuse housing.

13. The fuse assembly of claim 12 , wherein the terminal exhaust channel has an elongated shape.

14. 14. The fuse assembly of claim 13, wherein said oblong shape has a first dimension and said sidewall has a second dimension, said first dimension being greater than said second dimension.

15. A fuse element disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal, the fuse element rupturing in response to an overcurrent event; and a terminal exhaust channel disposed at the first terminal, the terminal exhaust channel providing a path for outgassing of debris during the overcurrent event; Equipped with the terminal exhaust channel is disposed on a side wall of the fuse housing; The terminal ejection channel has an elongated shape, The fuse assembly, wherein the oblong shape has a first dimension and the sidewall has a second dimension, the first dimension being greater than the second dimension.

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