Water Resistant In-Line Fuse Holder Snap-Fit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for cost-effective, water-resistant fuse holders that can accommodate both standard and low profile blade fuses, as existing solutions are expensive and do not support low profile fuses.
Innovation Solution
The development of in-line fuse holders made from materials like plastic and rubber, featuring snap-fit designs with tapered projections and channels, which provide a frictional and moisture-resistant seal, allowing for compatibility with various fuse types, including standard and low profile blade fuses, and cartridge fuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing water resistant fuse holders are used, then moisture protection is provided, but cost increases and compatibility with low profile fuses is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse holder is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate both standard blade fuses and low profile blade fuses. The housing includes a recessed area that can receive either fuse type, and the electrical contacts are positioned to make proper connection with both variants, allowing one holder design to serve multiple fuse types.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse holder is divided into separate functional components: a moisture-resistant housing that provides environmental protection, an electrical contact system that interfaces with the fuse, and a mounting structure that secures the fuse in place. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compatibility.
2Ease of operation
If standard blade fuses with exposed terminals are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but moisture contact causes corrosion and short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse holder employs a molded plastic housing that acts as a flexible barrier, completely enclosing the electrical contacts and fuse terminals. This shell structure prevents moisture from reaching the conductive surfaces, eliminating corrosion while maintaining electrical connectivity through the sealed interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse holder housing serves as an intermediary barrier between the electrical components and the external environment. It provides a protected interface zone where electrical connections are made inside the sealed housing, preventing direct exposure to moisture while allowing current flow through the enclosed contacts.
3Volume of moving object
If low profile blade fuses are used, then space and cost are reduced, but existing fuse holders cannot accommodate them
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse holder is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate both standard blade fuses and low profile blade fuses. The housing includes a recessed area that can receive either fuse type, and the electrical contacts are positioned to make proper connection with both variants, allowing one holder design to serve multiple fuse types.
4Ease of operation
If blade fuses with terminals extending below housing are used, then electrical connection is made, but moisture reaches conductive parts causing problems
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse holder employs a molded plastic housing that acts as a flexible barrier, completely enclosing the electrical contacts and fuse terminals. This shell structure prevents moisture from reaching the conductive surfaces, eliminating corrosion while maintaining electrical connectivity through the sealed interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for an in-line fuse holder each include at least one housing and two mating pieces, which can snap-fit together and be held moveably together via a strap. Each embodiment houses at least one fuse, such as an automotive fuse. In one example, the fuse includes a first housing forming a first cavity, which is configured to house a first portion of the fuse. The first housing also includes a projection having sides that taper outwardly as the sides extend away from the first housing. The fuse holder also includes a second housing forming a second cavity, which is configured to house a second portion of the fuse. The second housing includes a channel having sides that taper outwardly as the sides extend into the second housing. The projection and channel snap-fit together in a water resistant relationship.