Removable Fuse Holder Socket for Flexible Current Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power distribution units (PDUs) add bulk and cost to power systems, and existing fuse connectors do not efficiently accommodate different fuse sizes or current protection needs in power distribution circuits.
Innovation Solution
A socket assembly for a fuse connector comprising a first bus bar, a fuse bus bar, and a removable fuse holder that allows for interchangeable fuses of varying sizes and values, ensuring current protection is matched with circuit requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PDU is used to control power distribution, then current protection and power control are improved, but system bulk and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse is extracted from the PDU as a separate, removable component. The PDU no longer contains built-in fuse protection, instead relying on externally replaceable fuses that can be attached to the power distribution system as needed. This separates the protection function from the main PDU structure, reducing its bulk while maintaining protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PDU is designed with a universal fuse interface that can accommodate multiple fuse types and ratings. The same PDU structure can work with different fuses to protect various circuit configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized PDUs and reducing overall system bulk.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed fuse connectors are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different fuse sizes and current protection needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse connector transitions from a fixed, permanent connection to a dynamic, removable connection. The fuse can be inserted and removed from the connector, allowing the system to adapt to different fuse sizes and current ratings while maintaining a simple, standardized connector design that doesn't require complex manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design accommodates variations in fuse parameters (size, current rating) through standardized dimensional tolerances and electrical contact specifications. The connector itself remains simple and unchanged, while the fuse parameters can be varied to meet different protection requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable fuses are accommodated, then adaptability to different power delivery circuits is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse protection system is segmented into separate components: a simple standardized connector in the PDU and interchangeable fuses with varying specifications. This segmentation allows adaptability through component selection rather than through complexity in the connector design itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse is designed as a disposable, replaceable component rather than a permanent part of the PDU. This allows different fuses to be used for different applications without requiring complex, reconfigurable connector designs. The simple connector accommodates various fuses through standardized interfaces, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A socket assembly for a fuse connector comprises a first bus bar, a fuse bus bar, and a fuse holder. The first bus bar comprises a contact blade extending toward a proximal end of the socket assembly and a fuse contact assembly. The fuse bus bar comprises a first fuse contact assembly and a distal end positioned adjacently to a distal end of the socket assembly. The fuse holder is removably engaged with the socket assembly and comprises an end wall at a distal end of the fuse holder. The end wall is configured to pass through the fuse contact assembly of the first bus bar and through the first fuse contact assembly of the fuse bus bar when removed from or inserted into the socket assembly.