Surge Protection Device Fuse Module Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing overvoltage protection devices without fuses are cost-effective but require additional installation space for fuses, making them difficult to retrofit in existing electrical installations, especially in tight spaces.

Innovation Solution

An overvoltage protection device ensemble that integrates a fuse module with form-fitting security modules that can be retrofitted without additional space, allowing flexible installation and easy assembly by interlocking with existing connections, enabling the use of a fuse in tight spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fuse is installed nearby via external wiring to protect surge protection devices, then surge protection is improved, but installation space requirements increase and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurge protectionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse module is integrated directly into the surge protection device housing, merging two previously separate components (fuse and SPD) into a single compact unit. This eliminates the need for external wiring and additional installation space while maintaining surge protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuse module is designed with universal compatibility to fit standard surge protection device housings, allowing the same fuse module design to be used across different SPD models. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity and standardizes the protection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a fuse is installed nearby via external wiring, then surge protection is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurge protectionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the fuse module directly into the SPD housing, the invention reduces installation complexity from multiple external connections to a single modular insertion. The form-fitting design ensures proper alignment and connection without requiring complex wiring procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuse module is designed as a separate, self-contained unit that can be independently manufactured, tested, and then easily installed into the SPD housing. This segmentation allows for simplified production and easier field replacement without affecting the main SPD unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If surge protection devices are provided without fuses to reduce costs, then manufacturing cost is improved, but reliability and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidprotection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse is provided as a separate, inexpensive modular component that can be easily added to the SPD if needed. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce base SPD units at lower cost while offering optional fuse modules for enhanced protection, maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving reliability flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic configuration where the fuse module can be added or removed based on specific application requirements. This provides flexibility to optimize between cost and reliability depending on the operational needs, allowing the system to adapt to different protection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3803926B1Assembly of surge protection devices
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3803926B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP3803926B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3803926B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an overvoltage protection device assembly (1) having an overvoltage protection device (SPD) comprising an overvoltage protection unit (ÜSE) in a first housing (SPD-G), wherein the first housing (SPD-G) has at least two connections (SPD-A1, SPD-A2) for contact-connecting the overvoltage protection unit (ÜSE), characterized in that the overvoltage protection device assembly (1) furthermore has a fuse module (S) comprising a fuse (F) in a second housing (S-G), wherein the second housing (S-G) has at least two connections (S-A1, S-A2) for contact-connecting the fuse (F), characterized in that the second housing (S-G) is introduced together with one of the connections (S-A1) of the fuse module (S) in a form-fitting manner into one connection (A1; A2) of the at least two connections (A1, A2) of the overvoltage protection device (SPD), wherein the fuse module (S) provides on the introduced side an electrical connection between the fuse module (S) and the overvoltage protection device (SPD).