Fuse Lid Handle with Self-Locking Venting for Overpressure Release

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuse lids in medium voltage or high-voltage switchgear pose a risk of overpressure and ejection when opened, endangering operators and polluting the surroundings due to gas and dust release.

Innovation Solution

A handle for the fuse lid that allows controlled venting of overpressure through a self-locking mechanism with a pin and slot arrangement, preventing axial movement without external force, ensuring safe and controlled opening and closing of the fuse canister.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the fuse lid is opened directly to replace the fuse, then the operator can access the fuse for replacement, but overpressure causes the fuse lid to shoot out endangering the operator and polluting the surroundings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuse replacement accessibilityVSAvoidoperator safety and environmental pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The opening process is segmented into multiple stages: first rotating the handle to the first position to partially open the lid for pressure equalization, then rotating to the second position to fully open the lid for fuse replacement. This staged approach allows controlled venting of overpressure before complete opening, preventing the lid from shooting out while maintaining operator safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Before fully opening the fuse lid for fuse replacement, the handle is first rotated to the first position to perform preliminary pressure equalization. This preliminary action vents overpressure from the canister through the sealing ring gap, preventing dangerous pressure release when the lid is fully opened and protecting both the operator and environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the handle is designed to allow free movement of the fuse lid, then the lid can be easily opened and closed, but the lid cannot be held securely in place during pressure changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid opening and closing easeVSAvoidlid position stability under pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handle mechanism provides dynamic positioning with two distinct stable positions. At the first position, the lid is partially open allowing pressure equalization while still secured. At the second position, the lid is fully open for fuse replacement. The slot-pin mechanism dynamically adapts to different operational phases, providing both ease of operation and position stability under varying pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The slot in the handle acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's manual operation and the fuse lid positioning. The pin engaged in the slot provides controlled movement and secure positioning, mediating between the need for easy opening/closing and the requirement for stable positioning during pressure changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4376043B1Fuse lid handle
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP4376043B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4376043B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4376043B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a handle (20) of a fuse lid (2). The handle comprises a grip portion (21); a joint (22) via which the handle is pivotably attached to the fuse lid; and a slot (23) arranged to be in mesh with a pin (24) immovably attached to the canister (1). In a first pivot position of the handle, the pin can enter or exit the slot. In a second pivot position of the handle, the pin is self-lockingly located in the slot while allowing gas to vent from the canister. In a third pivot position of the handle, the pin is self-lockingly located in the slot while gas tightly sealing the canister.