Pivoting Fuse Tool for Low-Force Clip Spreading and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuse removal and installation tools require significant effort, often causing damage to circuit card assemblies due to prying actions, complicating the process and increasing the risk of damage to fuse holder spring clips.
Innovation Solution
A dual-arm tool with interchangeable fuse holder spreader and pusher fingers that pivot in response to handle movement, minimizing the force required for fuse extraction and installation by opposing forces that spread the fuse holder spring clip and push the fuse away from the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fuse puller tools are used to extract the fuse from the fuse holder spring clip, then the fuse can be removed, but significant effort is required and damage may occur to the circuit card assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the fuse holder spring clip into two separate halves by inserting spreader fingers between them, allowing each half to be independently manipulated and released without requiring excessive force on the entire assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The tool introduces intermediary pusher fingers that engage with the fuse and push it upward out of the fuse holder, mediating the extraction process to avoid direct prying actions that could damage the circuit card assembly
2Productivity
If traditional fuse puller tools are used, then the fuse can be removed, but prying action is needed which increases the risk of damage to the fuse holder spring clip
Solution Approach 1:
The tool segments the fuse holder spring clip into two halves that can be separated, eliminating the need for prying actions that could damage the integrity of the spring clip structure
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader fingers are designed to automatically spread the spring clip halves apart through their own elastic deformation when inserted, without requiring additional prying force from the user
3Quantity of substance
If miniaturization of electronic components continues, then component density increases, but fuse removal and installation becomes more difficult in difficult to access locations
Solution Approach 1:
The tool approaches the fuse from a lateral dimension by inserting spreader fingers from the sides of the fuse holder spring clip, rather than requiring access from the top or bottom, enabling operation in difficult to reach locations
Solution Approach 2:
The tool features nested finger sections where pusher fingers can be retracted into the handles and spreader fingers can be collapsed, allowing the tool to fit into compact spaces while maintaining full functionality
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
The tool reduces the complexity and risk of damage by evenly distributing the force, allowing for efficient and damage-free removal and installation of fuses, adapting to various fuse types and addressing ergonomic concerns.
Implementation Method 1
a second tool arm pivotally mounted to the first tool arm about an axis
Implementation Method 2
the second fuse holder spreader finger section movable away from the first fuse holder spreader finger section and the second fuse pusher finger section movable toward the first fuse pusher finger section in response to the first handle section being moved relative to the second handle section
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for the removal or installation of a fuse includes a first tool arm and a second tool arm pivotally mounted to the first tool arm about an axis. A second fuse holder spreader finger section is movable away from a first fuse holder spreader finger section and a second fuse pusher finger section is movable toward a first fuse pusher finger section in response to a first handle section being moved toward a second handle section.