Fuse Holder Spring-Arm Mounting for Compact Busbar Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuse holding elements in terminal blocks require additional parts and labor for assembly with conducting bars, leading to increased costs and complexity, and there is a need for a more compact solution.

Innovation Solution

A fuse holding element with two parallel holding branches and a linking part featuring a spring arm fastener that directly mounts on the conducting bar without rivets, allowing for a compact and cost-effective assembly, where the spring arm and positioning arrangement ensure secure contact and easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rivet mechanism is used to fix fuse holding element to conducting bar, then secure fixation is achieved, but number of parts increases and assembly cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse holding element is merged with the conducting bar through direct integration, eliminating the need for separate rivet components. The holding element features a U-shaped configuration with arms that directly engage with the conducting bar, combining what were previously separate components into a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuse holding element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, electrical connection, and secure fixation to the conducting bar all through its integrated structure. The same component that holds the fuse also provides the mounting interface for the conducting bar, eliminating the need for dedicated fastening parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If rivet mechanism is used to fix fuse holding element to conducting bar, then secure fixation is achieved, but assembly labor cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidassembly labor cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse holding element is merged with the conducting bar through direct integration, eliminating the need for separate rivet components. The holding element features a U-shaped configuration with arms that directly engage with the conducting bar, combining what were previously separate components into a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuse holding element is pre-formed with integrated mounting features during its manufacturing process. The U-shaped configuration and engagement arms are created as part of the initial forming operation, so that during assembly, the component is ready for direct installation without requiring additional fastening steps or specialized assembly tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional fuse holding element design is used, then secure mounting is achieved, but construction size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidconstruction size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse holding element is merged with the conducting bar through direct integration, eliminating the need for separate rivet components. The holding element features a U-shaped configuration with arms that directly engage with the conducting bar, combining what were previously separate components into a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuse holding element is designed to nest around the conducting bar with its U-shaped arms, creating a compact integrated assembly. The holding element's structure allows it to envelop and secure the conducting bar in a space-efficient manner, with components fitting together rather than adding external bulk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The solution reduces the number of parts and assembly costs, provides a compact construction, and simplifies the mounting process while maintaining secure contact with the conducting bar, equivalent to traditional rivet-based fixation.

Implementation Method 1

the spring arm is configured to apply a constraint on the complementary part of the conducting bar according to a maintaining direction that is transverse to the extension plane of the contact surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The lever is designed to be moved by hand or with the help of a tool to move the spring arm and release the cooperation between the linking part and the conducting bar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3896715B1Fuse holding element configured to releasably cooperate with a conducting bar

Publication Date: 2024.04.24 TYCO ELECTRONICS FRANCE

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

Fuse holding element (1) configured to cooperate with a conducting end of a cylindrical fuse and with a conducting bar (6), the fuse holding element (1) comprising two holding branches (7) extending substantially parallel to a central plane (9) of the fuse holding element (1), the two holding branches (7) facing each other and defining a receiving location (11) for said conducting end (3); a linking part(13) on which the two holding branches (7) are attached, the linking part (13) being provided with a fastener configured to releasibly cooperate with a complementary part (17) of the conducting bar (6).