Integrated Fuse Current Measurement Without External Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuses lack an efficient and compact solution for integrating a measurement function, particularly in retrofit applications where installation space is limited, and there are concerns about the reliability of sensors at high temperatures over the fuse's service life.
Innovation Solution
A fuse design with a housing that includes a first section for the fuse element and a second section for a measurement device, featuring a transformer and electronics assembly, where the transformer generates energy for the measurement device and allows for wireless data transmission, maintaining compactness and reliability while minimizing mechanical stress on the measurement device housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measurement device is integrated into the fuse housing, then current measurement and data transmission capabilities are improved, but the fuse size and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device is integrated into the fuse housing by combining the transformer with the housing structure itself. The transformer is formed as an integral part of the housing, with the measurement device embedded within the housing cavity, eliminating the need for separate external components and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse housing serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for the fuse element, acts as the transformer core for the measurement device, and houses the electronics assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a measurement device with transformer is integrated into the fuse housing, then wireless data transmission capability is improved, but the available space for other fuse components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics assembly is arranged laterally to the transformer in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extent of the fuse, utilizing radial space rather than axial space. This dimensional arrangement allows the measurement device and electronics to coexist within the housing without compromising the fuse's overall length or interfering with the fuse element.
3Volume of stationary object
If the transformer height corresponds to the second reception space height, then space utilization is improved, but the electronics assembly arrangement becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics assembly is positioned asymmetrically relative to the transformer, arranged laterally in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extent. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes space utilization while maintaining electrical connection and functional integration.
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 external power sources, facilitating remote monitoring and reducing installation complexity, suitable for retrofitting existing systems without increasing the fuse's size or assembly costs.
Implementation Method 1
The measurement device has a transformer and an electronics assembly electrically conductively connected to the transformer
Implementation Method 2
The fuse element, which has a reduced cross section in comparison with the rest of the conductors in the circuit, is heated by the current flowing through it and melts when the critical nominal current of the fuse is significantly exceeded for a predetermined time
Implementation Method 3
Since the metal vapor of the evaporated fuse element precipitates on the surface of the grains of quartz sand, the light arc is in turn cooled
Data Source
AI summary
A fuse includes an integrated measuring function. In an embodiment, the fuse includes a fuse housing including a first receiving space delimited by a pressure body and a second receiving space spatially separated from the first receiving space. A fusible conductor is 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, electrically conductively connected to the current transformer. Viewed in a direction of longitudinal extent, a height of the current transformer essentially corresponds to a height of the second receiving space. With the aid of the measuring device, it is possible to determine the electric current flowing through the fuse in the immediate vicinity of the fuse. Energy required is generated from the primary current of the fuse by electromagnetic induction, meaning no external power source is required.