Structural Fuse With Integral Spacers for Uniform Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural fuses require separate spacers that must match the fuse plate in thickness and grain properties for even load distribution, which can be challenging to fabricate and install, and may lead to misalignment and loss during installation.
Innovation Solution
The structural fuse integrates spacers as part of the fuse plate, ensuring they remain attached and aligned with the plate, providing uniform properties and simplifying fabrication and installation by maintaining tight tolerance and grain alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate spacers are used that must match the fuse plate in thickness and grain properties, then load distribution can be even, but fabrication and installation become challenging and may lead to misalignment and loss
Solution Approach 1:
The spacers are integrally formed as part of the fuse plate, combining two previously separate components (fuse plate and spacers) into a single monolithic structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate fabrication and installation of spacers, ensuring perfect alignment and eliminating the risk of loss during installation, while maintaining even load distribution through precise dimensional control during integral fabrication
2Reliability
If separate spacers are used, then they can be installed to distribute loads, but they may become misaligned or lost during installation
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the spacers as part of the fuse plate structure, the invention eliminates the separate installation step entirely. The spacers are permanently positioned and aligned during the fuse plate fabrication process, ensuring reliable load distribution function without the risks of misalignment or loss associated with separate component installation
3Manufacturing precision
If spacers are integrally formed as part of the fuse plate, then alignment and attachment are ensured, but fabrication complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integral formation of spacers as part of the fuse plate actually simplifies the overall fabrication process by reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps. While the fuse plate itself requires precise fabrication to incorporate the spacers, this eliminates the need for separate spacer fabrication, machining, and assembly operations, thereby reducing overall device complexity and improving alignment precision
Data Source
AI summary
A structural fuse is disclosed including a fuse base and a fuse plate extending from the fuse base. The fuse plate may include a reduced diameter yield section configured to yield at loads on the structural fuse above a threshold. The reduced diameter yield section includes a pair of slots on either side of the yield section, which slots receive a pair of spacers. The spacers are integrally formed as part of the fuse plate, and remain attached to the fuse plate during fabrication of the structural fuse.