Bridge Assembly for PCB Thermal Fuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing thermal fuse solutions for printed circuit boards require punching holes and additional fixing work, increasing the workload and complexity for workers, as they need a separate hole for fixing the fuse, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A bridge assembly with a first and second leg fixed to the printed circuit board using soldering, connected by an elastic part and covered by a housing that prevents separation when the soldered joint melts, eliminating the need for hole punching and allowing stable operation without additional fixing work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fuse fixing method is used with hole punching and separate fixing work, then the fuse can be securely fixed to the printed circuit board, but the workload of workers increases and additional holes need to be formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuse body and fixing structure into a single integrated component. The fuse housing includes integrated fixing ears that directly engage with the printed circuit board, eliminating the need for separate fixing operations and additional holes. This merging of functions reduces both workload and structural complexity while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the fuse element, acts as a mounting structure through integrated fixing ears, and eliminates the need for separate fixing components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts and simplifies the assembly process.
2Reliability
If a traditional fuse fixing method with separate fixing work is used, then the fuse can be fixed to the printed circuit board, but the workload of workers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing ears are pre-integrated into the fuse housing during manufacturing, so that when the fuse is installed on the printed circuit board, the fixing function is already prepared. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate fixing operations during assembly, reducing worker workload and improving productivity while ensuring reliable fixation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a bridge is fixed using soldering without additional constraints, then the installation is simple, but the bridge may separate when the soldered portion melts at threshold temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cover that surrounds the bridge and elastic part, providing mechanical constraint before thermal stress occurs. When the soldered portion melts at threshold temperature, the cover and elastic part work together to prevent the bridge from separating, thus cushioning against the harmful effect of thermal expansion and solder melting while maintaining installation simplicity.
4Reliability
If a cover is added to constrain the bridge, then the bridge position is maintained when solder melts, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic part (flexible element) that connects the bridge to the cover, allowing the cover to maintain bridge position stability while accommodating thermal expansion and solder melting. The flexible nature of this component prevents the need for complex rigid constraint mechanisms, thus maintaining position stability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces worker workload, allows for easy installation and replacement of the bridge, and ensures stable operation by maintaining the bridge's position within the cover even when the soldered joint is melted, preventing accidental separation and ensuring thermal protection.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic part connecting between the first leg and the second leg and applying an elastic force to any one of the first and second legs
Implementation Method 2
when the printed circuit board is in an abnormal state, for example, a soldered portion at which the fuse is fixed to the upper surface of the printed circuit board is melted at a threshold temperature or more
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bridge assembly. The bridge assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a bridge configured to include a first leg fixed to an upper surface of a printed circuit board, a second leg fixed to the printed circuit board to be spaced apart from the first leg, and an elastic part connecting between the first leg and the second leg and applying an elastic force to any one of the first and second legs; and a cover configured to be positioned at an upper side of the bridge to receive the elastic part.