Movable Fuse Holder with Cam Mechanism for Compact Panel Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuse panel modules either compromise on panel space, contact stability, or fuse current capability, and pose challenges in accessing and replacing blown fuses due to the need for disassembly and use of tools.
Innovation Solution
A fuse panel module with a movable fuse holder featuring a fixed proximal fuse contact opened by a camming member and a distal fuse contact that maintains a stable, preloaded connection to the housing, allowing for easy insertion and removal of fuses while minimizing heat generation and occupying minimal panel space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If axial fuse holders are used to minimize panel space, then panel footprint is reduced, but heat transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse holder is segmented into a fixed proximal contact portion and a movable distal contact portion. The fixed proximal contact provides stable heat sinking at the panel mounting location, while the movable distal contact follows the fuse insertion motion. This segmentation allows the compact axial configuration to maintain effective heat transmission paths to the housing.
2Temperature
If radial fuse holders are used to improve heat transmission, then thermal performance is improved, but panel space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from the traditional radial configuration to an axial configuration by orienting the fuse insertion direction along the panel normal rather than radially outward. The heat transmission path is maintained through the axial alignment of the proximal contact with the housing, achieving effective thermal management in the compact axial footprint.
3Ease of operation
If movable fuse contacts are used to enable fuse insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but contact stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse holder incorporates a movable distal contact that dynamically follows the fuse insertion motion, while the proximal contact remains fixed to the housing for stable electrical connection. The movable portion includes a cam mechanism that transitions from a disengaged position during insertion to an engaged position that provides stable preloaded contact, combining operational ease with contact reliability.
4Reliability
If fixed fuse contacts are used to maintain stable connections, then contact stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact system is divided into fixed proximal contacts mounted on the housing for stable connections, and a movable distal contact assembly that facilitates easy fuse insertion. The segmentation allows each contact type to optimize its function: fixed contacts provide reliability while the movable assembly provides operational ease.
5Reliability
If dielectric covers are used to insulate fuses, then electrical insulation is improved, but heat transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses metal fuse contacts as intermediary elements between the dielectric cover and the fuse element. These metal contacts provide thermal conduction paths through the dielectric material, allowing heat to be conducted away from the fuse while the dielectric cover maintains electrical insulation. The cam mechanism also serves as a thermal intermediary, conducting heat from the movable contact to the fixed contact.
6Ease of repair
If separable contacts are used to connect fuses, then ease of repair is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable distal contact and fixed proximal contact are designed to merge into a single continuous electrical path when the fuse is properly installed. This merged contact path eliminates the separable connection interface, reducing contact resistance and heat generation while maintaining ease of fuse replacement through the movable holder design.
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 easy access and replacement of fuses without damage, combining the compactness of axial fuse holders with the thermal advantages of radial holders, providing superior heat transmission and stable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a fixed proximal fuse contact that is mounted in a housing of a fuse panel module and which is opened by a camming member while a distal end of the fuse passes through the proximal contact
Implementation Method 2
The first fuse contact is resiliently deformable and is mounted on a post of the housing
Implementation Method 3
A movable fuse holder is provided which is moveable relative to the housing and relative to the first fuse contact. The movable holder is movable from a first position in which a portion of the movable fuse holder extends from the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A panel fuse module (10) for use with one or more fuses (15). The panel fuse module (10) includes a housing (12) with a first fuse contact (40) and a second fuse contact (42). The first fuse contact (40) is resiliently deformable and is mounted on a post (30) of the housing (12). A movable fuse holder (70) is provided which is moveable relative to the housing (12) and relative to the first fuse contact (40). A cam member (74) is provided on the movable fuse holder (70). As the movable fuse holder (70) is moved from a first position toward a second position, the cam member (74) cooperates with the first fuse contact (40) to move the first fuse contact (40) from a less stressed first position to a more stressed second position to allow the respective fuse (15) of the one or more fuses (15) to be inserted into the housing (12) without engaging the first fuse contact (40).