Fuse Link Switch Insulating Shielding for Arc-Safe Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuse link switches have vulnerabilities that allow birds to be electrocuted and kites/branches to come into contact with conductive parts, and pose difficulties for engineering staff in using load break tools due to incomplete coverage and electric arcs during operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electrically insulating shielding layer, made from materials like silicone rubber, covering critical components of the fuse link switch through overmolding to prevent electrical contact and enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If upper cover and lower cover are used for semi-enclosing, then protection against bird electrocution is improved, but incomplete coverage leaves vulnerable areas where birds can still be electrocuted and kites/branches can contact conductive parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from semi-enclosed covers to comprehensive shielding layers that provide uniform electrical insulation across all vulnerable components. The shielding layers are specifically applied to cover conductive parts including upper-end fixing units, pull hooks, connection portions, lower-end fixing units, and toggle mechanisms, ensuring complete protection without leaving vulnerable areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrically insulating shielding layers as intermediary protective elements between external objects (birds, kites, branches) and conductive components. These shielding layers act as mediators that prevent direct electrical contact while maintaining the functional operation of the fuse link switch.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If upper cover is used for enclosing upper-end components, then bird electrocution is prevented, but engineering staff cannot control load break tool to connect pull ring and pull hook
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding layers are designed with local quality considerations, providing comprehensive electrical insulation while incorporating specific design features that allow operational access. The layers cover conductive components for protection but are configured to permit engineering staff to control load break tools and connect pull rings and pull hooks when needed.
3Ease of operation
If load break tool directly pulls fuse tube during operation, then operation is simple, but electric arc is produced between conductive plate spring and first electrical connecting element
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically insulating shielding layers serve as intermediaries that prevent direct electrical contact between conductive components during operation. When the load break tool pulls the fuse tube, the shielding layers isolate the conductive plate spring from the first electrical connecting element, preventing electric arc generation while allowing the mechanical pulling operation to proceed.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding layers provide beforehand protection by being pre-applied to conductive components before operation. This prior cushioning of electrical insulation ensures that when mechanical operations occur, electric arcs cannot form between conductive parts, thereby preventing harmful effects before they can occur.
4Ease of manufacture
If polyhedron housing with accommodation space is used, then manufacturing is simple, but upper cover fails to comprehensively contact upper-end fixing unit and upper-end conductor connecting unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protection function from the structural housing and transfers it to dedicated shielding layers applied directly to conductive components. This separation allows the housing to maintain its simple polyhedral form for ease of manufacture, while the shielding layers provide the necessary comprehensive contact and electrical insulation for reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on the housing geometry to provide comprehensive contact, the patent applies local quality through shielding layers that are directly applied to each conductive component requiring protection. This ensures complete coverage and contact with upper-end fixing units, connection portions, and other conductive elements regardless of housing shape.
Data Source
AI summary
A protection structure is disclosed and is applied in a fuse link switch. The fuse link switch comprises: an insulator, a fuse tube including an upper connection portion and a lower connection portion, an upper-end fixing unit, a lower-end fixing unit, and a toggle mechanism, wherein the upper connection portion is connected with a pull hook. The protection structure comprises at least one electrically insulating shielding layer covering at least one of the upper-end fixing unit, the pull hook, the upper connection portion, the lower connection portion, the lower-end fixing unit, and the toggle mechanism through overmolding technique.