Fuse Switch Module Rotatable Cartridge Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuse switches face challenges in safety during maintenance, high power losses due to ancillary components, and increased manufacturing complexity and cost, as well as the risk of accidental electric discharge when accessing the fuse for inspection or replacement.

Innovation Solution

A fuse switch module where the fuse serves as both an overcurrent protection element and a moving contact, integrated within an electrically insulating casing with a rotatable fuse cartridge and a locking mechanism to prevent access during active operation, allowing safe maintenance only when the switch is open.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ancillary components like fuse holder, blades and electric connections are provided for fuse connection, then the fuse can be connected to the switch, but manufacturing cost, complexity and size of the switch are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuse connection reliabilityVSAvoidswitch complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse is integrated directly into the switch mechanism, merging the fuse function with the switch moving contact. The fuse body itself serves as the moving contact that opens and closes the circuit, eliminating the need for separate fuse holder, blades and connection components. This integration maintains reliable electrical connection while dramatically reducing device complexity and component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuse performs multiple functions: it provides overcurrent protection as a fuse element, and simultaneously serves as the moving contact for switching operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated switching components, reducing both complexity and cost while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If ancillary components and electric connections are provided, then the fuse can be connected to the switch, but power losses increase due to more hot spots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuse connection reliabilityVSAvoidpower losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the fuse and moving contact into a single integrated component, the number of electrical connections and interfaces is minimized. The direct integration eliminates multiple contact points and joints that would otherwise create hot spots and energy losses, reducing overall power losses while maintaining reliable current conduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of repair

If the fuse is accessible for inspection or replacement when in conducting position, then maintenance can be performed, but accidental electric discharge risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuse accessibilityVSAvoidelectric discharge risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The switch mechanism is designed so that the fuse (as moving contact) cannot be accessed or removed while the switch is in the closed conducting position. The mechanical design prevents access to the fuse compartment unless the switch is open, thereby preliminarily preventing the harmful action of accidental electric discharge during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Reliability

If the fuse is used as a static component with only protection function, then overcurrent protection is provided, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveovercurrent protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse is designed to perform dual functions: overcurrent protection and switching operation. By making the fuse the moving contact itself, the invention eliminates the need for separate switching mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining reliable overcurrent protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11450501B2Fuse switch module

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 GORLAN TEAM S L U

AI summary

The invention refers to a fuse switch module (1) that comprises a casing (2) having an aperture (3) and a cover (4) for closing and opening the aperture (3), and a rotatable fuse cartridge (11) for receiving a fuse (8). The fuse cartridge (11) is rotatable between a switch module closed position in which a fuse (8) is connected with fixed contacts (5,6) to enable current circulation, and a switch module open position in which current circulation through the fixed contacts (5,6) is impeded. The cover (4) and the fuse cartridge (11) are engaged when the cover (4) is closing the aperture (3) and when the fuse cartridge (11) is in the switch closed position, thus, the cover (4) is locked by the fuse cartridge (11) and opening of the cover (4) is impeded while current is circulating through the switch module.