Fuse with Integrated Axial Measuring Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety fuses lack an efficient and compact way to integrate a measuring function, especially in retrofit applications where space is limited, and existing solutions with communication modules require significant additional installation space, making them impractical for retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
A safety fuse design with a compact integrated measuring function, featuring a current transformer and electronic assembly arranged one behind the other in the axial direction, which uses electromagnetic induction for energy and transmits data wirelessly, allowing for reliable operation without an external power source and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a communication module is added to existing fuses to enable current measurement and data transmission, then the measuring function is improved, but the installation space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the current transformer, electronic assembly, and wireless transmission components into an integrated measuring device that is incorporated directly into the fuse body. This merging of functions allows the fuse to perform both its protective function and measurement function within the same compact structure, eliminating the need for separate communication modules and reducing overall installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides overcurrent protection through its fusible conductor while also performing current measurement via the integrated current transformer and wireless data transmission. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate devices, thereby reducing installation space.
2Measurement precision
If a current transformer and electronic assembly are integrated into the fuse body, then the measuring function is enabled, but the fuse structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse body is divided into distinct functional sections: a first receiving space for the fusible conductor and a second receiving space for the measuring device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining an organized overall structure that manages complexity through spatial separation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device, including the current transformer and electronic assembly, is nested within the fuse body structure. The components are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction, with the current transformer positioned to utilize the magnetic field generated by the fusible conductor, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes structural complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the current transformer is dimensioned to provide sufficient energy for the electronic assembly, then energy availability is improved, but the volume of the fuse increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current transformer operates by periodically inducing current from the alternating current flowing through the fusible conductor. This periodic electromagnetic induction allows the transformer to accumulate sufficient energy over each AC cycle to power the electronic assembly, enabling the use of a compact transformer design that fits within the fuse body without requiring excessive volume.
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 reliable current measurement and data transmission without additional installation space, making it suitable for retrofit applications and ensuring the fuse can operate effectively even with low operating currents, thus enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
uses electromagnetic induction for energy
Implementation Method 2
The fusible conductor, which has a reduced cross-section compared to the other conductors in the circuit, is heated by the current flowing through it and melts if the relevant nominal current of the fuse is significantly exceeded
Implementation Method 3
the quartz sand acts as an arc extinguishing agent: if the rated current of the fuse is significantly exceeded - for example due to a high short-circuit current - this leads to the fuse responding, during which the fuse element first melts and then vaporizes due to the high temperature development. This creates an electrically conductive plasma, via which the current flow between the electrical connections is initially maintained - an arc is formed. As the metal vapor of the evaporated fusible conductor is deposited on the surface of the quartz sand grains, the arc is cooled down again.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fuse having an integrated measuring function, said fuse comprising a fuse housing which in turn has a first receiving space delimited by a pressure body and a second receiving space which is spatially separated from the first receiving space and is delimited by a protective body, the first and second receiving spaces being arranged one behind the other in a direction of longitudinal extent. A fusible conductor is accommodated and mounted in the first receiving space and a measuring device is accommodated and mounted in the second receiving space. The measuring device has a current transformer and an electronic assembly which is electrically conductively connected to the current transformer, wherein the current transformer and the electronic assembly are arranged one behind the other in the direction of longitudinal extent. With the aid of the measuring device (120), it is possible to determine the electric current flowing through the fuse (100) in the immediate vicinity of the fuse (100). The energy required for this is generated from the primary current of the fuse (100) by electromagnetic induction with the aid of the current transformer (121), meaning that no external power source is required to supply the measuring device (120) with energy.