Non-linear Conductor Fuse with Localized Plasma Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conductor fuses for printed circuit boards are costly to produce and do not effectively prevent plasma from reaching other live contacts during a fault, leading to potential further damage.
Innovation Solution
A printed conductor fuse with a non-linear burn-through area and a contiguous covering area that minimizes the exposed triggering area, using a non-conductive material to contain plasma and prevent it from spreading to other contacts, while being easy to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional conductor fuse with full covering is used, then plasma is contained effectively, but manufacturing cost increases and production becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing covering areas only in specific regions where plasma containment is critical, rather than covering the entire burn-through area. The covering areas are strategically positioned to contain plasma at the connection areas while leaving the triggering area exposed, thus reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining effective plasma containment where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The burn-through area is segmented into distinct functional regions: a triggering area that remains exposed for reliable fuse activation, and connection areas that are covered for plasma containment. This segmentation allows differential treatment of different regions, optimizing both safety and manufacturing efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If a non-linear burn-through area with minimal covering is used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but plasma may spread to other contacts during fault
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying covering areas selectively only where plasma containment is necessary (at the connection areas), while leaving the triggering area exposed. This localized approach prevents plasma spread to other contacts while minimizing the amount of covering material needed, thus reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering areas act as intermediary structures that contain plasma between the burn-through area and other circuit board elements. By positioning these covering areas strategically, they serve as a barrier that prevents plasma from reaching other contacts while allowing the triggering area to remain accessible for fuse activation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the triggering area is fully covered, then plasma containment is improved, but fuse reliability decreases due to inhibited activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the covering requirements of different regions: the triggering area is left uncovered to ensure reliable fuse activation through direct exposure to fault conditions, while the connection areas are covered to contain plasma. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between plasma containment and activation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The burn-through area is segmented into a triggering area (uncovered for reliable activation) and connection areas (covered for plasma containment). This segmentation allows each region to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
4Ease of manufacture
If a linear burn-through area is used, then production is simplified, but plasma containment effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by positioning covering areas at critical locations (connection areas) regardless of the burn-through area's geometric complexity. Whether linear or non-linear, the covering areas are placed where plasma containment is most needed, thus maintaining production simplicity while ensuring effective plasma containment.
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
The solution enhances operational reliability by allowing safe and efficient power shutdown during faults, reducing manufacturing costs and preventing additional damage from plasma spread.
Implementation Method 1
The fusible element is heated by the current flowing through it and will melt or vaporize if the rated current of the fusible element is significantly exceeded
Implementation Method 2
Care must be taken to ensure that any arcing that occurs is extinguished in a controlled manner... it should be prevented that plasma occurring when the safety fuse melts or evaporates finds a new, live contact pair
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a conductor fuse (1) for an electrical or electronic device, comprising a first and a second connecting region (2a, 2b), a blow region (3), which is arranged between the first and second connecting regions (2a, 2b) and does not extend linearly, and a continuous cover region (4), which is arranged at least partly over the first and second connecting regions (2a, 2b) and the blow region (3), wherein the blow region (3) and the cover region (4) are arranged relative to each other such that at least one tripping region (3a) of the blow region (3) is not covered by the cover region (4), but delimited on both sides by the cover region.