Integrated Fuse-Holder Voltage Tap System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current voltage tap systems for fuse-holder bases with NH-type fuses lack protection and require external peripherals, leading to increased installation space and safety risks due to unprotected connections and potential short-circuits.

Innovation Solution

A flexible and movable conductive element connected to a contact point and an auxiliary protection element, such as a cylindrical fuse or thermal magnetic circuit breaker, integrated directly into the fuse-holder base, minimizing physical distance and providing protection against overvoltages and short-circuits without external elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voltage tap systems are connected directly to contact points or fuse elements, then voltage measurement is enabled, but the system lacks protection against short-circuits and overvoltages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against short-circuitsVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the voltage tap system with the fuse-holder base into a single integrated unit. The voltage tap contacts are directly mounted on the fuse-holder base, eliminating the need for separate external measurement devices. This merging provides both voltage measurement capability and protection functionality within one compact structure, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary protective structure between the voltage tap contacts and the main circuit. This intermediate element provides isolation and protection against short-circuits and overvoltages while still allowing voltage measurement. The intermediary component acts as a mediator that enables safe voltage tapping without exposing the measurement system to hazardous electrical conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If external peripheral elements are added for protection, then safety is improved, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety protectionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The protective elements are merged into the fuse-holder base structure itself rather than being added as external peripherals. The voltage tap contacts and protective components share the same mounting space within the fuse-holder base, eliminating the need for additional installation space. This integration maintains safety protection while avoiding increased footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage tap system is nested within the existing fuse-holder base structure. The protective components and voltage tap contacts are arranged to fit within the available space of the fuse-holder base, utilizing the existing structural envelope. This nesting approach allows protection functionality to be incorporated without expanding the overall installation footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If voltage taps are taken from multiple points (input, output, fuse elements), then measurement flexibility is improved, but accessibility and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage tap positionsVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse-holder base is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a protective device and as a voltage measurement platform. The same structure that houses the fuse and provides protection also contains the voltage tap contacts. This universal design enables voltage measurement without requiring separate access points or additional structural modifications, maintaining ease of operation while providing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3252795B1Voltage tap system for a fuse-holder base, fuse-holder base and measurement module incorporating said system
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 PRONUTEC
  • EP3252795B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3252795B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3252795B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention allows offering maximum protection for the auxiliary connection circuit against possible accidents or hazards due to discharges or overvoltages both for qualified technical personnel and for electronic devices that can be connected to them, without having to include or add external peripheral elements, comprising a conductive element (30) connected on one hand to a contact point (3) for tapping the voltage of the fuse-holder base (1), and on the other hand to an electric cable (4) or voltage tap output terminal.