Breakaway Fuse Holder Moisture-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuse holding assemblies for outdoor applications, such as breakaway lighting poles, lack effective moisture resistance and secure latching mechanisms, which can lead to electrical component damage and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A fuse holding assembly comprising two housing sections with overlapping engagement surfaces and a silicone o-ring seal, constructed from moisture-resistant materials like thermoplastic vulcanizate and polypropylene, with latching features and anti-rotational tabs to prevent miscoupling and ensure a watertight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fuse holding assemblies are used in outdoor applications, then basic fuse holding function is achieved, but moisture resistance is insufficient leading to electrical component damage
Solution Approach 1:
A silicone o-ring seal is incorporated into the fuse holder assembly to create a flexible sealing barrier that prevents moisture and water ingress while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction of the housing components
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is constructed from thermoplastic vulcanizate, a composite material that combines the properties of thermoplastics and rubber, providing both structural integrity and inherent moisture resistance for outdoor environmental protection
2Reliability
If existing fuse holding assemblies are used, then simple structure is maintained, but secure latching mechanism is lacking causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient latch member is used that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states, providing secure latching during normal operation while allowing for controlled release when needed, adapting to operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient latch member automatically engages with the housing upon assembly, providing self-latching functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while ensuring security
3Reliability
If housing sections are coupled together, then fuse holder is secured, but moisture can still penetrate without proper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The silicone o-ring seal creates a flexible sealing interface between housing sections that accommodates manufacturing tolerances and thermal movements while maintaining effective moisture and water protection
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into separate sections (first housing section and second housing section) that can be assembled together with the o-ring seal positioned between them, allowing for modular assembly and effective sealing at the joint interface
4Reliability
If fuse holders are held securely in housing, then electrical connection is stable, but water ingress can still occur at coupling interface
Solution Approach 1:
The silicone o-ring seal is positioned at the coupling interface between housing sections to create a flexible waterproof barrier that prevents water ingress while allowing the electrical components within to remain securely connected and stable
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding an electric fuse assembly having a fuse carried by a first end fuse holder and a second end fuse holder. The assembly includes a first housing section having a cavity formed therein for receiving the first end fuse holder and a second housing section having a cavity formed therein for receiving the second end fuse holder. An end of the second housing section is adapted to be separably coupled with an end of the first housing section by placing an interior surface at the end of the first housing section into overlapping engagement with an exterior surface of the second end fuse holder and an interior surface of the second end fuse holder into overlapping engagement with an exterior surface at the end of the first housing section. Such a coupling functions to provide a moisture resistant seal. Respective surfaces of the first end fuse holder and the second end fuse holder may also be placed into overlapping engagement with each other when the first housing section and the second housing section are placed into engagement. At least one of the first and second housing sections may also be adapted to latch to the first and second fuse holders, respectively.