Automotive Fuse Notch and Protrusion Design for Arc Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuse designs for automobiles are complex and expensive, failing to effectively prevent the insertion of wrong fuses and the occurrence of persistent electric arcs, which can lead to electrical hazards.
Innovation Solution
A simple-structured fuse with a notch on its insulating housing, allowing only compatible fuses to be inserted into the fuse box, and a protrusion in the fuse box that blocks persistent electric arcs by positioning itself between the fuse's connecting portions, preventing incorrect fuse insertion and arc persistence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shape of insulating housing is modified to prevent mistaken insertion, then wrong product insertion is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating housing is designed with an asymmetric notch structure that creates a unique geometric profile. This asymmetric feature ensures that only fuses with the corresponding asymmetric protrusion shape can be inserted, preventing mistaken insertion of incorrect fuse types while maintaining simple housing construction.
2Reliability
If blocking wall is added to prevent persisting electric arc, then electric arc blocking is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion on the insulating housing serves as an intermediary element that performs dual functions: it prevents wrong fuse insertion through shape compatibility and blocks persisting electric arcs by positioning itself between the root portions of the fuse element. This single intermediary structure eliminates the need for separate blocking walls.
3Device complexity
If simple notch structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but prevention of wrong insertion and arc blocking may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The notch structure with protrusion is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical guidance for correct fuse insertion, prevents insertion of incompatible fuses through shape mismatch, and blocks electric arcs by positioning the protrusion between root portions. This multi-functional design maintains simplicity while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a fuse, a fuse box, and a fuse device capable of preventing insertion of wrong products into the box or device and persistent electric arc. In certain aspects, the fuse includes a pair of electro-conductive terminals, a fuse element having a fusion portion provided between the electro-conductive terminals, and an insulating housing mounted so as to cover at least a part of the fusion portion and the electro-conductive terminals, wherein a notch is provided on a lower-end side of the insulating housing, the notch is located between the pair of electro-conductive terminals and at a position that does not interfere with the shape of the fusion portion provided between the pair of electro-conductive terminals, and the notch is formed in a manner that a protrusion provided in a fuse box for housing the fuse can be fitted therein.