Radial Lead Fuse Body Segmentation for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radial fuses require complex mold tooling and a high bill of materials, leading to increased material and labor costs, necessitating a more cost-effective and simplified design for their bodies.
Innovation Solution
A protection device with a body composed of two sections that couple together to house a fusible link, featuring engagement members and channels for secure attachment, reducing material complexity and production costs while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing radial fuses use molded cap and socket parts, then the protective capabilities are maintained, but the material and labor costs increase due to complex mold tooling and high bill of materials
Solution Approach 1:
The body is divided into two separate sections that are coupled together to form the complete housing. This segmentation allows for simpler individual mold tooling for each section while maintaining the overall protective function when assembled together
Solution Approach 2:
The two body sections are coupled together using engagement members and channels to form a complete protective housing that maintains the same protective capabilities as traditional single-piece molded designs
2Strength
If existing radial fuses use molded cap and socket parts, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the material usage and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The body is segmented into two sections that can be manufactured separately with less material each, reducing the overall bill of materials while maintaining structural integrity through the coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement members and channels are integrated within the body sections themselves, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing overall material usage
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various protection devices and associated methods. In some embodiments, a protection device may include a fuse assembly having a fusible link extending between a first lead end and a second lead end, and a first lead extending from the first lead end and a second lead extending from the second lead end. The protection device may further include a body including a first section coupleable with a second section, wherein the first and second sections define a central cavity housing the fusible link. The first section may include an interior face operable to engage an opposite interior face of the second section, an engagement member extending away from the interior face towards the second section, and an engagement channel adjacent the engagement member, the engagement channel operable to receive a corresponding engagement member of the second section.