Flat Surge Protector Layout for Ultra-Thin Tripping Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surge protectors are too large to meet the requirements of compact, ultra-thin products, as they typically have a single-pole width of 18 mm and a corresponding low-temperature soldering spot tripping mechanism width of about 15 mm.

Innovation Solution

The surge protector design incorporates a flat-shaped surge protection component with a fuse component arranged on one side, utilizing a tripping assembly that includes a separation component with an elastic component to reduce the width of the tripping assembly, allowing for a compact ultra-thin design with a single-pole width of about 9 mm or 12 mm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a conventional surge protector design is used, then the protection function is reliable, but the width is too large (18 mm) to meet compact product requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewidth of surge protectorVSAvoidsurge protection function
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the tripping assembly from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement along the height direction. The fuse component is entirely located at one side of the surge protection component in the height direction, changing the spatial dimension of component layout. This dimensional change reduces the width from 18 mm to 9-12 mm while maintaining all protection functions through the vertical stacking of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If the tripping assembly width is reduced, then the overall surge protector width decreases, but the solder connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewidth of tripping assemblyVSAvoidsolder connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse component is divided into multiple segments: a first segment connected to the line pin, a second segment connected to the surge protection component via solder, and an intermediate segment connecting these two segments. This segmentation allows the solder connection to be positioned optimally within the compact structure, maintaining connection reliability while enabling reduced overall width. The intermediate segment provides mechanical and electrical continuity between the distributed connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design effectively reduces the width of the surge protector to meet the demands of ultra-thin products while maintaining the necessary protection functions, facilitating the formation of compact surge protection apparatuses.

Implementation Method 1

a separation component coupled between the fuse component and the surge protection component via an elastic component, and adapted to be moved to a tripping position under an action of an elastic force of the elastic component when the solder is melted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the solder is adapted to be melted in a case where a tripping condition is satisfied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP4521441A1Surge protector and surge protection apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.03.12 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4521441A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4521441A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4521441A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a surge protector and a surge protection apparatus. The surge protector comprises: a housing comprising a line pin and a ground pin; a surge protection component accommodated in the housing and coupled to the ground pin, wherein the surge protection component has a width less than a height and a length to form a flat shape; and a tripping assembly, comprising: a fuse component arranged in the housing and entirely located at one side of the surge protection component in the height direction; and a separate component coupled between the fuse component and the surge protection component via an elastic component and adapted to be moved to a tripping position when the solder is melted.