Fuse Box System with LED Status Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuse box systems do not provide a clear visual indication of whether individual fuses are broken, making it difficult for users to identify faulty components, especially in polarized and non-polarized systems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) into the fuses, which illuminate when functioning and remain off when broken, allowing for easy identification of faulty fuses, with configurations adapted for both polarized and non-polarized systems, and an embodiment using only LEDs to reduce heat and voltage drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional fuses are used without visual indicators, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to detect broken fuses is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes through light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit visible light to indicate the operational status of fuses. When a fuse is intact, the LED remains off; when a fuse breaks, the LED illuminates to provide clear visual detection. This resolves the contradiction by adding visual indication capability without significantly complicating the overall fuse structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces diodes as intermediary components that facilitate the detection function. These diodes act as mediators between the electrical circuit and the visual indication system, enabling the LED to respond to fuse status changes. This intermediary approach allows detection functionality to be added while maintaining relatively simple fuse construction.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple diodes including LEDs are integrated into each fuse, then visual indication of fuse status is achieved, but heat generation and voltage drop increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs partial action by using a minimal number of diodes (typically one indicator diode and one current-limiting diode) rather than multiple complex indication components. This partial implementation provides sufficient visual indication while minimizing the number of energy-consuming components, thereby reducing heat generation and voltage drop to acceptable levels.
3Loss of energy
If only LEDs are used without additional diodes, then heat generation and voltage drop are reduced, but the ability to handle polarized and non-polarized systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the diode configuration to work with both polarized and non-polarized electrical systems. The arrangement of diodes and LEDs is configured so that the same fuse structure can indicate status regardless of the system type, making the fuse universally applicable across different electrical configurations without requiring separate designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry in the diode configuration to accommodate polarized systems. By strategically positioning diodes with specific orientation, the fuse can detect and indicate status in polarized systems while the same structure also functions in non-polarized systems. This asymmetric design allows the fuse to adapt to different system types without increasing component count significantly.
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 users to visually determine if fuses are working or broken, enhancing maintenance efficiency and reliability while reducing heat and voltage loss, and is economically viable for manufacturing and market availability.
Implementation Method 1
The fuse includes a number of diodes, including a plurality if light emitting diode (LED) that will be lit up when the fuse is working and will not be lit up when the fuse is broken
Data Source
AI summary
A fuse box system that combines a series of specially designed fuses in a fuse box that allows an individual to see if one or more particular fuses within the fuse box are broken. The fuse has one of two different configurations, depending on whether the fuse is used in a system that is used in a polarized or non-polarized system. In each scenario, the fuse includes a number of diodes, one of which is a light emitting diode (LED) that will be lit up when the fuse is working and will not be lit up when the fuse is broken and/or not working. Another embodiment utilizes solely LEDs.