Shape Memory Fuse Element for Thermal Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical devices with safety devices, such as fuses and pyrotechnic systems, are limited in detecting non-electrical faults and require manual reset after a fault, with pyrotechnic devices being disposable and only addressing short circuits and earth faults.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a shape memory material fuse element that bridges or short-circuits electrical conductors in error-free operation, assuming a fault-detecting shape only when a predetermined temperature is exceeded, such as in a fire, to prevent further damage and allow for reproducible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fuses or FI switches are used as safety devices, then electrical faults such as short circuits and earth faults can be detected, but manual reset is required after fault elimination and only electrical faults are detected
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device automatically detects faults and interrupts the electrical conductor without requiring manual intervention. The shape memory material fuse element self-actuates by changing its shape in response to temperature increase, thereby opening the circuit automatically when a fault is detected.
2Reliability
If pyrotechnic safety devices are used to separate power supply in accident cases, then sparks that could cause further damage are avoided, but the device must be completely replaced after triggering and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of being completely discarded after use like pyrotechnic devices, the shape memory material fuse element can recover its original shape after deformation through heating. This allows the safety device to be reset and reused, eliminating the need for complete replacement after triggering.
3Extent of automation
If a shape memory material fuse element is used to bridge an interrupted electrical conductor, then the conductor is restored in fault-free operation and automatically interrupted when temperature exceeds a predetermined value, but the device complexity increases compared to traditional fuses
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse element utilizes temperature as a critical parameter to trigger its shape change. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined value indicative of a fault, the shape memory material undergoes a phase transformation that changes its shape, thereby automatically opening the electrical circuit without requiring additional sensing or control components.
4Reliability
If existing safety devices are used, then electrical faults are detected, but other fault cases such as fire or intense heat exposure cannot be taken into account
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory material fuse element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the electrical conductor bridge in normal operation and the fault detection sensor. By responding to temperature changes regardless of their source (electrical fault, fire, or intense heat exposure), the device achieves multi-functional safety coverage for both electrical and non-electrical faults.
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
Effectively detects and prevents damage from temperature-related faults, such as fires, by interrupting current or signal transmission only when necessary, and allows for automatic fault detection and prevention without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the interruption is performed in the event of a fault that the electrically conductive and consisting of a shape memory material fuse element assumes its originally trained shape
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to, inter alia, an electrical appliance with a safety device, wherein the appliance has at least one electric conductor (1), wherein the invention provides that the electrical conductor (1) is interrupted and the interruption is bridged, during fault-free operation of the appliance, by a fuse element (3), wherein, in the event of a fault, the interruption is produced by virtue of the fact that the electrically conductive fuse element (3), which consists of a shape memory material, assumes its originally trained shape.