Adapter for Cylindrical Fuses in NH Switching Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Switching devices designed for NH fuses with lateral contact blades are not compatible with cylindrical fuses, such as class J fuses, which lack protruding contact blades, making it cumbersome to adapt them for use in these devices.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a housing with U-shaped metal contacts and a pivoting cover, allowing cylindrical fuses to be inserted and secured, with contact blades formed by sections that mimic the shape and size of standard contact blades, enabling their use in switching devices originally designed for NH fuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If switching devices are designed for NH fuses with lateral contact blades, then they can securely hold and electrically connect NH fuses, but they cannot accommodate cylindrical fuses without protruding contact blades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different fuse typesVSAvoidcontact section design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that bridges the incompatibility between cylindrical fuses and Lyre contact sections. The adapter comprises a cylindrical body with internal contact pieces that have lateral contact blades, allowing it to interface with both the cylindrical fuse and the Lyre contact section simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds the cylindrical fuse, provides electrical contact through its contact pieces, and interfaces with the Lyre contact section. This multi-functionality allows a single device design to accommodate both NH fuses and cylindrical fuses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adapters are used to enable cylindrical fuses in NH fuse switching devices, then compatibility is achieved, but the installation process becomes cumbersome requiring manual sideward pushing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with cylindrical fusesVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The contact pieces are designed with elastic properties, allowing them to be flexible during insertion and then spring into place to secure the fuse. This dynamic behavior enables automatic engagement without requiring manual sideward pushing or complex installation procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic contact pieces automatically engage with the cylindrical fuse and the Lyre contact section through spring action, eliminating the need for manual sideward pushing. The system performs the connection action itself through the elastic recovery of the contact pieces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If adapters are used for cylindrical fuses, then they can be installed in NH fuse devices, but it is difficult to ensure complete sideward insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with cylindrical fusesVSAvoidinsertion depth
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic contact pieces dynamically adjust during insertion, providing tactile feedback and mechanical guidance that ensure complete sideward insertion. The spring action naturally drives the contact pieces to their full engagement position, eliminating uncertainty about insertion depth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the use of cylindrical class J fuses in standard NH fuse switching devices without requiring special conversion or different device designs, ensuring secure and efficient electrical contact.

Implementation Method 1

two elastic contact pieces which, in the inserted state, protrude in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical fuse to be inserted, towards the opening of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2385541B1Device for holding a fuse and switching device
Publication Date: 2015.12.30 WOHNER GMBH & CO KG ELEKTROTECHNISCHE SYST
  • EP2385541B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2385541B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2385541B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for receiving a cylindrical fuse, with a housing which has pairs of legs projecting from a housing base and spaced apart from each other, in which an approximately U-shaped contact is inserted between the legs of each pair of legs and the pairs of legs are provided for receiving the fuse, in which each approximately U-shaped contact is formed by two contact legs, at least one of which is provided with a contact tongue that projects laterally beyond the contact legs, wherein the contact tongue or the contact tongues define a contact blade.