Touch safe fuse module with ampacity rejection

Invention Patent Descriptive Report for FUSE SET AND FUSE HOLDER SET.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates, in general, to fuses and fuse modules. More particularly, the invention relates to fuses and fuse modules, which facilitate the rejection of a fuse's ampacity, based on the configuration of the fuse terminals and fuse grooves.

BACKGROUND

[002] The fuse modules provide a means for fuses to be incorporated into an electrical system. A particular fuse module is selected to provide a specific degree of over current protection, so that a fuse installed in the fuse module opens when exposed to the current above the rated quantity. However, a fuse with the correspondingly adequate rating must be installed in the fuse module to adequately protect the electrical system.

[003] Conventional fuse modules are designed for use with a fuse, which is physically compatible with the fuse holder. Certain fuse modules will accept only the fuse having the proper rating that is comparable to the fuse module. Consequently, a fuse having a lower amp rating than the rated capacity of the fuse module cannot be used in the fuse module, even in an emergency. Other fuse modules will accept multiple fuses, regardless of the fuse rating. Therefore, an incorrectly sized fuse can be installed in a fuse holder. If the ampacity of the installed fuse is too low in relation to the ampacity for the protected circuit, then the electrical system is still

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2/27 protected, but the over current protection can be very sensitive. If the ampacity of the installed fuse is too high in relation to the ampacity for the protected circuit, then the electrical system may allow an excess of current, which may damage the electrical circuit or protected equipment in the electrical circuit, or may cause injury to a person close to the circuit.

[004] Typically, a fuse module relies on users to ensure that a fuse, with the proper ampacity, is installed in the fuse holder. Previous fuse fasteners were only able to restrict the installation of the fuse based on the size of the fuse being installed, where the fuse was rejected if it was much larger than the fit on the fuse fastener. A fuse holder, which selectively rejects the installation of the fuse, based on the configuration of the fuse terminal, does not exist.

[005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a fuse and fuse holder system, in which a fuse holder receives fuses of a certain specific amp, accepts fuses with a lower amp and rejects fuses with a higher amp .

SUMMARY

[006] The invention relates, in general, to a set of fuse fasteners and the corresponding fuses for installation in an electrical system. Each fuse holder in the set has a maximum rated current, to provide current protection in an electrical system up to that rated capacity. Each fuse in the set also has a maximum rated current, to provide current protection in an electrical system up to that rated capacity. The fuse holder and fuse set is configured so that each fuse holder will accept a fuse from the set that has a maximum rated current

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3/27 for the fuse holder, will accept a set fuse that has a rated capacity that is less than the maximum rated current for the fuse holder, and will not accept a set fuse that has a higher rated capacity than the maximum rated current for the fuse holder. These lower rated fuse compatibility and higher rated fuse compatibility ensure that a fuse of a specific amp is used in a fuse holder, while also enabling a fuse of a lower amp to be used. This interconnection is facilitated by a configuration of fuse terminals and fuse grooves, or in a size configuration of fuse clips and fuses.

[007] Each of the fuses in the set can have one of the multiple current rating capacities, while maintaining the same enclosure size. When fuses of different ampacities are manufactured in enclosures of the same size, the fuse terminals can be in an area defined by the location of the fuse terminals with the highest ampacity for a particular enclosure size. The size and location of the fuse terminals are then designed so that the area, or its footprint, of a fuse of the smallest fuse fits within the area of ​​the fuse terminals of the fuse with the next highest current rating. This process is repeated, until the fuse with the highest amp for a shell size is obtained. This configuration allows the use of a fuse of a lower ampacity in place of a fuse of a greater ampacity, while preventing a fuse with a very high ampacity from being used in a fuse holder having a lower ampacity. An additional aspect involves moving the fuse terminals within the fuse footprint of the next highest amp, which provides an additional level of protection to ensure

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4/27 that fuses of the correct ampacity range are used.

[008] For another aspect of the invention, the fuses and fuse fasteners described above can be used together to ensure that a minimum fuse rating is obtained. The invention can prevent fuses, which exceed the rated fuse holder rating, from being installed in the fuse holder. This mechanism ensures that the fuse fails before damage occurs to the circuit that the fuse holder is protecting.

[009] For another aspect of the invention, fuse fasteners can be designed to make use of the various forms of ampac rejection in fuses. Additionally, these fuse fasteners can be backwards compatible with other fuses currently on the market. This aspect is achieved by designing the fuse fasteners so that they use both the described amp rejection fuses and other known forms of fuse rejection.

[0010] For another aspect of the invention, the fuse terminals of the fuse can be oriented in a different way than parallel. In an exemplary embodiment, the fuse terminals can be perpendicular to each other. The ampacity rejection aspect can be achieved by the size and location of one or more of the fuse terminals.

[0011] These and other objects, and aspects of the invention will become evident to those skilled in the art, upon consideration of the detailed description presented below, exemplifying the best way to conduct the invention, as currently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] For a complete understanding of the invention and its advantages, then reference is made to the following description, together with the attached figures, in which:

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[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fuse system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, with the fuse separate from the fuse holder;

[0015] Figure 3a is a perspective view of a 15 fuse

A with 15A fuse terminals of a first width, centered at the ends of the 15A fuse, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0016] Figure 3b is a perspective view of a 20 mm fuse

A with 20 A fuse terminals, having a second width offset from the longitudinal center of the 20 A fuse, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0017] Figure 3c is a perspective view of a 30 fuse

A with 30A fuse terminals of a third width centered at the ends of the 30A fuse, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4a illustrates a 15 A fuse holder with 15 A fuse slots of a first width centered at the ends of the 15 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4b illustrates a 20 A fuse holder with 20 A fuse slots, having a second width offset from the center of the ends of the 20 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4c is a perspective view of a 30 fuse

A with 30A fuse terminals of a third width centered at the ends of the 30A fuse, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5a illustrates a 15 A fuse with fuse terminals 870190095316, of 09/24/2019, pg. 10/42

6/27 level of 15 A, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0022] Figure 5b illustrates a 20 A fuse with 20 A fuse terminals, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 5c illustrates a 30 A fuse with 30 A fuse terminals, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 6a illustrates a 15 A fuse holder with 15 A fuse grooves, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Figure 6b illustrates a 20 A fuse holder with 20 A fuse grooves, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 6c illustrates a 30 A fuse holder with 30 A fuse grooves, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 7a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15 A fuse and a 15 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 7b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15 A fuse and a 20 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 7c is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15 A fuse and a 30 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 8a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 20 A fuse and a 15 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 8b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 20 A fuse and a 20 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8c is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a

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7/27 20 A fuse and a 30 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 9a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 30 A fuse and a 15 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0034] Figure 9b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 30 A fuse and a 20 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0035] Figure 9c is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 30 A fuse and a 30 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0036] Figure 10a illustrates a 40 A fuse with 40 A fuse terminals, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0037] Figure 10b illustrates a 40 A fuse with 40 A fuse grooves, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Figure 11a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15 A fuse and a 15 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0039] Figure 11b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15 A fuse and a 40 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0040] Figure 12a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 40 A fuse and a 15 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0041] Figure 12b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 40 A fuse and a 40 A fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0042] Figure 13a illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a first amp, where the fuse amp is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal,

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8/27 according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0043] Figure 13b illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a second amp, in which the fuse amp is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0044] Figure 13c illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a third amp, in which the fuse amp is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0045] Figure 14a illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a first amp, in which the fuse amp is determined by the length of the vertical fuse terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Figure 14b illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a second amp, in which the fuse amp is determined by the length of the vertical fuse terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0047] Figure 14c illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a third amp, in which the fuse amp is determined by the length of the vertical fuse terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0048] Figure 15a illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a first amp, in which the fuse amp is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0049] Figure 15b illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a second amp, in which the fuse amp is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0050] Figure 15c illustrates a fuse with fuse terminals per

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9/27 pendulous of a third amp, where the amp fuse is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] The attached drawings illustrate only the exemplary embodiments of this invention and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope, as the invention may admit other equally effective embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The invention can be better understood by reading the description presented below of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, in which the similar parts of all the figures are identified by the same reference characters.

[0053] An exemplary fuse and fuse holder will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fuse coupled with a fuse holder 12, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, with the fuse 10 separated from the fuse holder 12.

[0054] The fuse holder 12, as illustrated, comprises a DIN rail holder 14, which can be coupled to a standard 35 mm DIN rail. However, other configurations for mounting the fuse holder 12 within an electrical circuit are suitable and are within the scope of the invention. The fuse holder 12 can be suitable for connection to two conductors, to complete a circuit through fuse 10.

[0055] Fuse 10 comprises an internal fuse element (not shown) coupled to fuse terminals 38 extending from fuse 10.

[0056] Fuse 10 includes an optional open fuse indicator 20, mounted on top of it. Any fuse indicator

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Suitable open 10/27 can be used with fuse 10.

[0057] Fuse 10 also includes test probe contact points 16. Contact points 16 comprise openings in the fuse housing, which allow test probes to be inserted through the fuse housing, to come into contact with the fuse contained within the fuse housing. In an exemplary embodiment, access points can satisfy the IEC 60529 standard for an IP20 code rating.

[0058] The fuse holder is connected in a conventional manner by inserting a conductor (not shown) through the connection hole 26 on the outside of the fuse holder 12, to electrically connect the conductor to one of the fuse blades 38. A second conductor (not shown) can be inserted through a second connection hole (not shown), on the opposite side of the fuse holder 12, to electrically connect the second conductor to the other fuse blade 38.

[0059] Each fuse 10 is made of a predetermined size for a specific range of rated currents, where a larger fuse 10 will correspond to a higher range of rated currents, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0060] The openings in the fuse holder, which receive fuse terminals 38 from fuse 10 are sized so that a fuse holder 12, which is designed for a predetermined rated current, will accept a properly sized fuse having that rated current , or a fuse having a smaller enclosure size and a correspondingly smaller rated current. However, fuse holder 12 will not accept a fuse of a larger enclosure size and a correspondingly higher rated current.

[0061] Fuses can be rejected by a fuse holder

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11/27 speed, based on the fuse having an inadequate ampacity. In an exemplary embodiment, the rejection of ampacity is done using the physical configuration of the fuse terminals and the corresponding fuse holder slots. Although fuses and fuse fasteners, in some examples, are symmetrical, the invention also makes use of fuse terminals and fuse grooves that are displaced, or alternated, with each other. When switching, the fuse terminals and fuse slots reside in substantially the same location for a size of enclosure, regardless of the fuse's ampacity, but the exact location allows a fuse to be rejected by the fuse holder. To facilitate the rejection of ampacities, as the range of ampacities for the fuse or fuse holder varies, then the configuration of the fuse terminals and fuse grooves is changed. In an exemplary embodiment, the fuse grooves are expanded in the opposite direction from the center line of the fuse housing to alternate, as will be explained in the examples presented below.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, fuses with two different enclosure sizes are described. The first size housings have a surface area that is the same for any fuse using the first size housings. In an exemplary embodiment, the available fuse classes include 15 A, 20 A and 30 A. A similar structure is used in second size fuse enclosures. The second size fuse case has a larger surface area than the first size fuse case. In the exemplary embodiment, the second size fuse wrapper may contain a 40A, 50A or 60A fuse. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention, described using this naming convention, can be adapted to fuses of any Nominal chain.

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[0063] Exemplary ampacity rejection aspects will be described below. Figures 3a - c are seen in perspective of the 15 A, 20 A and 30 A fuses, respectively, with the fuse terminals extending from them. As illustrated in the figures, the fuse terminals vary in width, but remain within the area defined by the fuse terminals of the fuse with the highest ampacity for the enclosure size.

[0064] Figure 3a is a perspective view of a 15 fuse

At 300, with the 15 A 302a - 302b fuse terminals of a first width centered at the ends of the 15 A 300 fuse, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the 15 A 302a - b fuse terminals are offset from the sides by a 15 A 304a - d fuse terminal offset. The 15 A fuse terminal distances offset 304a - d need not be the same.

[0065] Figure 3b is a perspective view of a 20 fuse

A 310 with 20 A 312a - b fuse terminals, having a second width and being displaced from the longitudinal center of the 20 A 310 fuse ends, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the 20 A 312a - b fuse terminals are wider than the 15 A 302a - b fuse terminals are displaced on at least one side by a 20 A 314a - fuse terminal displacement. B. In the exemplary embodiment, the offset of the 20 A 314 fuse terminal is greater than the offset of the 15 A 304 fuse terminal. However, the offset of the 20 A 314 fuse terminal is applied to a single side of the terminals of 20 A fuse 312a - b. Therefore, the upper 20 A fuse terminal 312b is closer to the right side, as illustrated, while the lower 20 A fuse terminal 312a is fixed closer to the left side, as illustrated.

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[0066] Figure 3c is a perspective view of a 30 fuse

A 320 with 30 A 322a - b fuse terminals, having a third width and being centered at the ends of the 30 A 320 fuse, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the 30 A 322a - b fuse terminals are not displaced from the sides of the 30 A 320 fuse.

[0067] Figures 4a - c show a perspective view of the fuse fasteners, for the fuses illustrated in Figures 3a - c according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4a illustrates a 15 A 400 fuse holder with 15 A 402a - b fuse slots, having a first width and being centered at the ends of the 15 A 400 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the 15 A 402a - b fuse slots are offset from the sides by a 15 A 404a - d fuse slot offset. The distances do not have to be the same, but they must be equal to the corresponding 15 A fuse distance. The fuse grooves 402a - b correspond to the 15 A 302a - b fuse terminals, respectively.

[0068] Figure 4b illustrates a 20 A 410 fuse holder with 20 A 412a - b fuse slots having a second wide offset from the center of the ends of the 20 A 410 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. . In an exemplary embodiment, the 20 A 412a - b fuse grooves have a second width greater than the 15 A 402 fuse grooves and are offset from the sides by a 20 A 414a - b fuse terminal offset . In the exemplary embodiment, the 20 A 414 fuse groove offset is greater than the 15 A 404 fuse groove offset. However, the 20 A 414 fuse groove offset is applied

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14/27 to a single side of the 20 A 412a - b fuse slots. Therefore, the upper 20 A fuse slot 412b is closer to the left side, as illustrated, while the 20 A 412a fuse slot is closer to the right side, as illustrated. The distances do not have to be the same, depending on the materialization. The fuse slots 412a - b correspond to the 20 A fuse terminals 312a - b, respectively.

[0069] Figure 4c illustrates a 30 A 420 fuse holder with 30 A 422a - b fuse slots having a third width and being centered at the ends of the 30 A 420 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. The fuse slots 422a - b correspond to the 30 A fuse terminals 322a - b, respectively.

[0070] As previously illustrated in Figure 1, the fuses are inserted into the fuse clips. The fuse compatibility with the respective fuse holders is based on the configuration of the fuse terminals and fuse grooves illustrated in Figures 3a - 4c. Figures 5a - 9c illustrate how the fuse terminals and fuse groove configurations are used in an exemplary embodiment by illustrating the configuration, or footprint, of the fuse terminals and fuse grooves, when the fuses are inserted into the grooves. fuse.

[0071] Figures 5a - c illustrate a cross section of the fuses, with emphasis on the location and dimensions of the fuse terminals. Figure 5a illustrates the 15 A 300 fuse with the 15 A 302a - b fuse terminals, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5b illustrates the 20 A 300 fuse with the 20 A 312a - b fuse terminals, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5c illustrates the 30 A 300 fuse with the 30 A 322a - b fuse terminals, according to an exemplary embodimentPetition 870190095316, of 24/09/2019, p. 19/42

15/27 va.

[0072] As illustrated, the fuse terminals are located in an area defined by the largest area that will be occupied by the fuse with the largest ampacity for the associated enclosure size. Fuses 300, 310, 320 are the same size of enclosure and will fit into a correspondingly sized fuse holder enclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the 30A fuse is the highest amp fuse available in a first enclosure size. The 15 A 300 fuse and the 20 A 310 fuse are also available in the first size housing. The 15 A 302 fuse terminals and the 20 A 312 fuse terminals will reside within the same area as the 30 A 322 fuse terminal, but will not occupy the entire area of ​​the 30 A 322 fuse terminals.

[0073] Figures 6a - c illustrate a cross section of the fuse fasteners, with emphasis on the location and dimensions of the fuse grooves, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6a illustrates the 15 A 400 fuse holder with the 15 A 402a - b fuse slots, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6b illustrates the 20 A 410 fuse holder with the 20 A 412a - b fuse slots, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6c illustrates a 30 A 420 fuse holder with 30 A 422a - b fuse slots, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0074] As with the corresponding fuses, the fuse holders include fuse slots for receiving fuse terminals, in which the fuse slots are located in an area defined by the largest area that will be occupied by the fuse slots of the larger amp fuse, with the associated enclosure size. Fuse holders 400, 410, 420 are the same enclosure size and will accept a size fuse enclosure

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Corresponding 16/27. In an exemplary embodiment, a 30A 320 fuse is the highest amp fuse available in a first size housing. The 15 A 400 fuse holder and the 20 A 410 fuse holder are also available in the first size housing. The 15 A fuse slots and the 20 A 412 fuse slots reside within the same area as the 30 A fuse slots, but do not occupy the entire area of ​​the 30 A 422 fuse slots.

[0075] Figures 7a - 9c illustrate how the fuses illustrated above 300, 310 and 320 and the fuse fasteners 400, 410 and 420 can interact with each other. These figures are mentioned to illustrate the compatibility of fuses and fuse holders, according to an exemplary embodiment. The interaction of a fuse with a fuse holder occurs when the fuse terminals of a fuse are inserted into the fuse slots of a fuse holder. If the fuse terminals of a particular fuse fit within the fuse grooves of a particular fuse holder, then the particular fuse is compatible with the particular fuse holder. Compatibility is illustrated in the drawings by illustration of the area in a fuse slot, which is filled by inserting a fuse terminal (indicated by a space fill in the drawings) and by illustration of the area in a fuse slot, which is not filled by inserting a fuse terminal (illustrated by an O in the drawings). If the fuse terminals of a particular fuse within the fuse slots of a particular fuse holder, then the particular fuse is not compatible with the particular fuse holder. The incompatibility is illustrated in the drawings by illustrating the area of ​​a fuse terminal, which is larger than a fuse groove (illustrated by an X in the drawings). This representation illustrates when the fuse terminals and fuse slots are operational.

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17/27, based on an illustration of compatibility or empty space. The empty space may be the result of extra alternating ampoule rejection space (alternating space), or the result of extra wide rejection space (wide space). In addition, this representation can illustrate when a fuse is incompatible based on the presence of incompatibility (overlap) anywhere in the figure.

[0076] Figures 7a - c illustrate the interaction between a fuse of

A 300 and a 15 A 400 fuse holder, a 20 A 410 fuse holder and a 30 A 420 fuse holder. Figure 7a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15 A 300 fuse and a 15 A fuse holder. 15 A 400 fuse, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 30 A 300 fuse and a 20 A 410 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7c is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15 A 300 fuse and a 30 A 420 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. For the sake of clarity, the limit of the fuse box and the limit of the fuse holder are on the same line in the drawings. As shown in Figure 7a, the 15 A 302a - b fuse terminals fit into the 15 A 402a - b fuse slots. As shown in Figure 7b, the 15 A 302a - b fuse terminals fit into the 20 A 412a - b fuse slots, but there is an alternating space 424a - b, which was not occupied by the 15 A fuse terminals. 302a

- B. As shown in Figure 7c, the 15 A 302a fuse terminals

- b fits the 30 A 422a - b fuse slots, but there is an alternating space 424a - b, which was not occupied by the 15 A 302 fuse terminals. Thus, the 15 A 310 fuse is compatible with the 15 A 400 fuse holder, the 20 A 410 fuse holder and the 30 A 420 fuse holder.

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[0077] Figures 8a - c illustrate the interaction between a fuse of

A 310 and a 15 A 400 fuse holder, a 20 A 410 fuse holder and a 30 A 420 fuse holder. Figure 8a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 20 A 310 fuse and a 15 A 400 fuse, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 20 A 310 fuse and a 20 A 410 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8c is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 20 A 310 fuse and a 30 A 420 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. For the sake of clarity, the limit of the fuse box and the limit of the fuse holder are on the same line in the drawings. As shown in Figure 8a, the 20 A 312a - b fuse terminals do not fit into the 15 A 402a - b fuse slots. The 20 A 312a - b fuse terminals extend over area 426a - b, which prevents the 20 A 312a - b fuse terminals from entering the 15 A 402a - b fuse slots. As shown in Figure 8b, the 20 A 312a - b fuse terminals fit into the 20 A 412a - b fuse slots. As shown in Figure 8c, the 20 A 422a - b fuse terminals fit into the 30 A 422a fuse slots, but there is an alternating space 424a - b, which was not occupied by the 20 A 312a fuse terminals. - B.

[0078] Figures 9a - c illustrate the interaction between a fuse of

A 320 and a 15 A 400 fuse holder, a 20 A 410 fuse holder and a 30 A 420 fuse holder. Figure 9a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 20 A 310 fuse and a 20 A 310 fuse holder. 15 A 400 fuse, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 30 A 320 fuse and a 20 A 410 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9c is

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19/27 a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 30 A 320 fuse and a 30 A 420 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. For the sake of clarity, the limit of the fuse box and the limit of the fuse holder are on the same line in the drawings. As shown in Figure 9a, the 30 A 322a - b fuse terminals project into the 15 A 402a - b fuse slots by a degree 426a - d, which prevents the 30 A 322a - b fuse terminals enter the 15 A 402a - b fuse slots. As shown in Figure 9b, the 30 A 322a - b fuse terminals project into the 20 A 412a - b fuse slots by a degree 426a - d, which prevents the 30 A 322a - b fuse terminals enter the 20 A 412a - b fuse slots. As shown in Figure 9c, the 30 A 322a - b fuse terminals fit into the 30 A 422a - b fuse slots.

[0079] Consequently, as illustrated in Figures 7a - 9c, fuses can be backwards compatible with fuse fasteners having a higher rated current than the fuse, but fuses are not previously compatible with fuse fasteners having a rated current lower than the fuse.

[0080] The arrangement of the fuse slots on the fuse fasteners, as described above, also allows the fuse fasteners to maintain compatibility with other fuses on the market. Typical fuses have standard size fuse terminals, regardless of the rated current. This arrangement of fuse slots in the various fuse fasteners allows these fuses to be installed in the fuse fasteners to complete the circuit, although without the possible aspects of ampac rejection described above.

[0081] Figures 10a - 12b illustrate how the fuse terminal described above can be combined with the size rejection of

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20/27 housing. Enclosure size rejection is an aspect that can have an impact if a fuse of a different set of ampacities than the fuse holder rated ampacity can be used based on the size of the fuse enclosure. Housing size rejection can occur in several ways. In one embodiment, the size of the enclosure may allow the fuse terminals to be in different positions in other enclosure sizes. Another form of enclosure size rejection involves the physical structure of the fuse being too large to allow installation of the fuse in a fuse holder, while at the same time allowing a fuse with a smaller enclosure to be installed.

[0082] Figures 10a - b illustrate cross sections of a 40 A 820 fuse and a 40 A 800 fuse holder. Figure 10a illustrates a 40 A 820 fuse with 40 A 822a fuse terminals, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10b illustrates a 40 A 800 fuse holder with 40 A 810a - b fuse slots, according to an exemplary embodiment. The 40 A 820 fuse and 800 fuse holder will be used to illustrate the rejection by enclosure size.

[0083] As illustrated in Figures 11a - b, it is possible for a fuse with a smaller size housing and smaller contact terminals to be used in a fuse holder for a larger fuse, with a larger housing and larger contact terminals. Figure 11a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15 A 300 fuse and a 15 A 400 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15 A 300 fuse and a 40 A 800 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 11a, a 15 A 300 fuse can be used in a 15 A 400 fuse holder, in which the 15 A 302 fuse terminals

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21/27 b and the 15 A 402a - b fuse slots align. As shown in Figure 11b, the 15 A 300 fuse can also couple with the 40 A 800 fuse holder, in such a way that the corresponding 15 A 302a - b fuse terminals line up with the 40 A fuse slots. 810a - b. An empty space 880a - d remains in the 40 A 810a - b fuse slots, as a result of being designed for 40 A 822 fuse terminals. As a result of the smaller fuse size of 15 A 300, there is an empty space 850 (illustrated with the circles) resulting. Space 850 is within the limits of the fuse holder 800 housing.

[0084] As illustrated in Figures 12a - b, it is not possible to use a larger fuse with a smaller fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 12a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 40 A 820 fuse and a 15 A 400 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 12b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 40 A 820 fuse and a 40 A 800 fuse holder, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 12a, a 40 A 820 fuse will be inserted into a 15 A 400 fuse holder. The 40 A 822a - b fuse terminals line up with the 15 A 402a - b fuse grooves. However, due to the large size of the 40 A 820 fuse case, the 40 A 820 fuse projects into the 15 A 400 fuse holder by an 830 degree (illustrated with each X), which prevents installation 40 A 820 fuse in the smallest 15 A 400 fuse holder. Additionally, the 40 A 822a - b fuse terminals can be larger than the 15 A 402a - b fuse slots, creating a projection of the 882a - d terminal, which prevents the installation of the 40 A 820 fuse in the smallest fastener 15 A 400 fuse. In this example, the 40 A fuse terminals

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822a - b cannot connect the 15 A 402a - b fuse slots. As illustrated in Figure 12b, the 40 A 820 fuse can be inserted into a 40 A 800 fuse holder, the 40 A 822a fuse terminals - b and the 40 A 810a - b fuse slots align, one since the terminals, grooves and housing size are properly sized.

[0085] Although the preceding example shows how a 40 A 820 fuse is rejected by a 15 A 400 fuse holder, based on the size of the contact terminals and the size of the fuse housing, it should also be understood that a 40 A 820 fuse will be rejected by a 20 A 410 fuse holder and a 30 A 420 fuse holder, based on the size of the contact terminal and the size of the fuse housing.

[0086] Other forms of ampac rejection can also be combined with the alternating fuse system, while maintaining backwards compatibility with previous forms of ampac rejection. An alternative form of ampac rejection can be based on the width of the fuse terminals (hereinafter amplitude fuses). Instead of the fuse terminals and the corresponding fuse slots in the fuse holders alternating, the fuse terminals and the corresponding fuse slots remain centered on the longitudinal center line and are progressively wider, to accommodate fuses with different ampacities. It is possible to combine the width and alternate forms of ampac rejection. If a fuse were to be used to indicate greater ampacity, then the alternating fuse groove configuration can be corrected to maintain both forms of ampacity rejection for use with older fuses. Therefore, instead of simply creating the toggle effect, by expanding a fuse slot in a single direction, the fuse slot can be extended

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23/27 in two directions, to accommodate the various forms of ampac rejection (hereinafter alternating and amplitude fuse fasteners).

[0087] Although previously described with fuse terminals of

A and centralized fuse slots, 20 A fuse terminals and alternating fuse slots, and 30 A fuse terminals and centralized fuse slots, other configurations are within the scope of the invention. For example, all fuse terminals and fuse slots can be centralized with respect to fuses and fuse clips. Alternatively, all fuse terminals and fuse slots can be moved to one side with respect to fuses and fuse clips. Or, all fuse terminals and fuse slots may have an alternate configuration (offset on both sides) with respect to fuses and fuse terminals. In any case, the smaller fuse terminals of a lower amp fuse can be configured to be arranged within the larger fuse slots of a larger amp fuse arrester, while larger fuse terminals of a higher amp fuse are not. will fit into smaller fuse slots of a lower amp fuse holder.

[0088] Another embodiment of the invention involves the use of fuse terminals and fuse grooves, in which the fuse terminals use different orientations. Figures 13a - 15c illustrate embodiments using a T-fuse terminal configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, the fuse terminals are perpendicular to each other.

[0089] Figures 13a - c use an embodiment in which the ampacity is determined by the dimensions of a horizontal fuse terminal 1510. Figure 15a illustrates a fuse 1500a from a first

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24/27 ampacity with perpendicular fuse terminals 1510a, 1520a, where the ampacity of the fuse is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal 1510a, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 13b illustrates a second amp fuse 1500b with perpendicular fuse terminals 1510b, 1520b, where the fuse amp 1500b is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal 1510b, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 13c illustrates a fuse 1500c of a third amp with the perpendicular fuse terminals 1510c, 1520c, where the amp fuse 1500c is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal 1510c, according to an exemplary embodiment. The first ampacity is then lower than the second ampacity, which is lower than the third ampacity. As the ampacity increases, the width of the horizontal fuse terminals 1510a - c increases, and the width of the vertical fuse terminals 1520a - c remains constant. This fuse terminal configuration can make use of the same fuse holder described above, where a fuse holder can be sized to accept a nominal fuse capacity in the fuse holder amp or a smaller amp, but not a larger amp .

[0090] Figures 14a - c illustrate an embodiment similar to those

Figures 13a - c, except that the ampacity is determined based on the dimensions of the vertical fuse terminal 1620. Figure 14a illustrates a fuse 1600a of a first amp with perpendicular fuse terminals 1610a, 1620a, where the ampacity of the fuse 1600a is determined by the length of the vertical fuse terminal 1620a, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 14b illustrates a second amp fuse 1600b with perpendicular fuse terminals 1610b, 1620b, where the ampacid

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25/27 of fuse 1600b is determined by the length of the vertical fuse terminal 1620b, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 14c illustrates a fuse 1600c of a third amp with perpendicular fuse terminals 1610c, 1620c, where the amp fuse 1600c is determined by the length of the vertical fuse terminal 1620c, according to an exemplary embodiment. The first ampacity is then lower than the second ampacity, which is lower than the third ampacity. As the ampacity increases, the width of the horizontal fuse terminals 1620a - c increases, and the width of the vertical fuse terminals 1610a - c remains constant. This fuse terminal configuration can make use of the same fuse holder described above, where a fuse holder can be sized to accept a nominal fuse capacity in the fuse holder amp or a smaller amp, but not a larger amp .

[0091] Figures 15a - c illustrate an embodiment incorporating the elements of Figures 13a - 14c. Figure 15a illustrates a first amp fuse 1700a with perpendicular fuse terminals 1710a, 1720a, where the fuse amp 1700a is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal 1710a and the length of the vertical fuse terminal 1720a, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 15b illustrates a second amp fuse 1700b with perpendicular fuse terminals 1710b, 1720b, where the fuse amp 1700b is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal 1710b and the length of the vertical fuse terminal 1720b, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 15c illustrates a third amp fuse 1700c with perpendicular fuse terminals 1710c, 1720c, where the fuse amp 1700c is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal 1710c and the length of the terminal.

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26/27 vertical fuse end 1720c, according to an exemplary embodiment. The first ampacity is then lower than the second ampacity, which is lower than the third ampacity. As the ampacity increases, the width of the horizontal fuse terminals 1720a - c increases, and the width of the vertical fuse terminals 1710a - c remains constant. This fuse terminal configuration can make use of the same fuse holder described above, where a fuse holder can be sized to accept a nominal fuse capacity in the fuse holder amp or a smaller amp, but not a larger amp .

[0092] Although illustrated as a perpendicular arrangement in

Figures 13 - 15, the fuse terminals and slots can be arranged in any other suitable configuration. For example, one terminal and one fuse groove can be angled with respect to the other terminal and one fuse groove, or both the terminals and fuse grooves can be angled with respect to the edges of fuses and fuse fasteners.

[0093] Any spatial references in this specification, such as, for example, top, bottom, top, bottom, above, below, rear, between, vertical, angular, below, side, end, etc., are for the purpose only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the desired structure.

[0094] Therefore, the invention is well adapted to achieve the purposes and advantages mentioned, as well as those that are inherent to it. The particular embodiments described above are illustrative only, as the invention can be modified and practiced in different, but equivalent, ways to those skilled in the art, and having the benefit of the teachings of this specification. Although many variations can be made by those versed

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27/27 in the art, these variations are covered within the spirit and scope of this invention, as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, none of the limitations are intended for the construction or design details shown in this specification, other than those described in the claims presented below. It is, therefore, evident that the particular illustrative embodiments described above can be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the invention, as defined by the claims presented below. The terms in the claims have their usual, direct meanings, unless explicitly and clearly defined by the patent holder.