Compact Fuse Assembly With Magnetic Arc Deflection for High-Voltage Quenching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuse assemblies struggle to effectively manage increased arc energy at higher system voltages, such as 1000 VDC or 1500 VDC, while maintaining a compact size, leading to inadequate arc suppression and interrupting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a magnetic arc suppression system using permanent magnets within the fuse blocks and holders, which generates an external magnetic field that combines with the internal magnetic field produced by the electrical current, deflecting and cooling the arc to enhance arc suppression without altering the fuse construction or increasing the form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fuse assemblies are used at higher system voltages (1000 VDC or 1500 VDC), then the form factor can be maintained, but the arc suppression and interrupting capability become inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing permanent magnets that generate a magnetic field to alter the physical behavior of the electrical arc. The magnetic field changes the arc's path and cooling characteristics, enabling effective arc suppression at higher voltages without changing the fuse's physical dimensions or construction
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnets act as an intermediary element between the electrical current and the arc. The magnets create a magnetic field that mediates the arc's behavior, deflecting and cooling it to achieve better suppression at higher voltages while maintaining the same form factor
2Reliability
If the fuse assembly is designed for higher voltage operation with improved arc suppression, then the interrupting capability increases, but the device complexity increases due to additional magnetic components
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnets are self-service components that generate the magnetic field passively without requiring external power or control systems. The magnets automatically provide arc suppression whenever the fuse operates, simplifying the overall control architecture while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic arc suppression function is segmented into discrete permanent magnet components that can be independently positioned and optimized. This segmentation allows the complex function of high-voltage arc suppression to be achieved through multiple simple, modular magnetic elements rather than a single complex mechanism
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 allows fuses of the same physical size to operate at higher voltages by effectively quenching electrical arcs, thereby improving the interrupting capability and arc suppression, enabling reliable operation in higher voltage systems without modifying the fuse or its form factor.
Implementation Method 1
at least one permanent magnet coupled to the nonconductive housing and imposing a magnetic field in the fuse receptacle
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic field being oriented inside the fuse receptacle to provide a radial arc deflecting force or an axial arc deflecting force acting upon the overcurrent protection fuse
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Fuse assemblies in the form of fuse blocks and fuse holders include embedded permanent magnet arc suppression features that facilitated higher voltage operation of fusible circuit protection without increasing the size of the fuse assemblies. The embedded magnets apply an extemal magnetic field upon an overcurrent protection fuse and produce an arc deflection force to enhance arc quenching capability of the fuse without increasing its form factor.