Littelfuse, Inc.

Other

Littlefuse, Inc.

Littlfuse, Inc.

Geoffrey Schwartz

Tiziano Bianchin

Massimiliano Tinto

Dana Scribner

Andrew J Jozwiak

Joe Thomas

Brian D Crispim

Justin C Kaufman

Matthew McWhinney

Matt McWhinney

An electrical device assembly and method to attach an isolated single stud fuse assembly to an electrical device are disclosed. The electrical device assembly consists of multiple studs, one or more of which is replaced with the isolated single stud fuse. A conductive copper landing zone receives an electrically isolated steel stud. When the landing pad assembly is orbital riveted into a plastic housing of the electrical device, the stud is locked into the housing permanently. Electrical devices such as disconnect switches and power distribution modules, both of which include multiple studs, are good candidates for being adapted with the single stud fuse assembly.

Attaching an isolated single stud fuse to an electrical device

A single bolt fuse assembly and method to connect a single bolt fuse to a circuit or device are disclosed. The single bolt fuse assembly enables the single bolt fuse to be used on any electrical device having a hole suitable for receiving a threaded shaft and connectable to a circuit or device that electrically connects to a female battery or power cable. The apparatus includes a separate high-conductive metal terminal that mates with the stud that mechanically attaches the fuse between the electrical devices. The stud is insulated to avoid becoming part of the electrical circuit and to ensure proper operation of the fuse. By mechanically attaching the stud to the metal terminal, the stud is unlikely to get separated from the fuse.

Single bolt fuse assembly with an electrically isolated bolt

Provided herein are approaches for securing an electrical protection device (e.g., a fuse). In one approach, an apparatus includes a conductor and a terminal coupling the conductor to the fuse, wherein the terminal includes an end cap having a cavity for receiving and securing the conductor, and a set of contact elements extending from a base member. The base member may be coupled to the end cap, and a body of the fuse may be coupled to the base member. In some approaches, a fuse blade of the fuse is disposed between the set of contact elements. In some approaches, the apparatus further includes a cover adjacent the terminal, wherein the cover is configured to engage the contact elements to increase a contact force and electrical connection between the set of contact elements and the fuse blade.

In-line high current fuse holder assembly

Provided herein are improved apparatuses and methods for protecting polarity sensitive loads in DC power circuits that include a power source, a relay coupled to the power source, and a polarity sensitive load coupled to the relay. A diode can be coupled between the power source and the relay. When the power source provides a DC voltage of a desired polarity, the diode can block a current from flowing to a coil of the relay. Consequently, the relay can provide a current path to the polarity sensitive load. When the power source provides a DC voltage of an incorrect or reverse polarity, the diode can allow a current to flow to the coil of the relay. In turn, the coil of the relay can be energized, causing the relay to disrupt the current path provided to the load, thereby protecting the polarity sensitive load from the reverse polarity condition.

Method and apparatus for protecting a polarity sensitive load

A circuit protection assembly (CPA) is disposed between a source of power and a circuit to be protected. The CPA comprises a mounting block having a bore extending therethrough and a recess cavity on a first surface of the mounting block. A post having a first end is disposed within the recess cavity and a body portion extends through the bore. The body portion configured to receive a terminal and the second end configured to receive a securing mechanism. A fuse having a centrally disposed aperture is configured to receive the body portion of the post and to receive the terminal for connection to a circuit to be protected. An insulator disposed on the terminal and disposed beneath the securing mechanism. The insulator configured to isolate the post from the terminal and the fuse while allowing the securing mechanism to apply an amount of torque.

Mechanical disconnect switch with integrated fuse protection

Provided herein is a relay architecture for selecting between multiple power sources. In one approach, a first relay and first power source are electrically coupled to a first terminal. A second relay and second power source are electrically coupleable to a second terminal and to the first relay. A load is electrically coupled with at least one of the following in the case that a load voltage is below a predetermined threshold: the first terminal, the second terminal, and a third power source, wherein a power supply is provided to the load by the first power source in the case that the first power source is coupled to the first terminal. The power supply is provided to the load by the second power source when the second power source is coupled to the second terminal and the first power source is disconnected from the first terminal.

Relay for use with multiple power sources

A disconnect switch is disclosed with an integrated thermal breaker that can be disposed between a source of power and a circuit to be protected. The disconnect switch can comprise a housing, a first terminal coupled to a power source and a second terminal coupled to a load. The first terminal and the second terminal can be partially included in the housing. The disconnect switch comprises a bi-metal thermal conductive element made from at least two metal sheets with different thermal expansion coefficients and having a concave shape that engages the first and second terminals. Upon occurrence of an overload condition, heat flowing through the bi-metal thermal conductive element causes the concave shape to retract to a convex shape and disengage the bi-metal thermal conductive element from the first and the second terminals.

Disconnect switch with integrated thermal breaker

Provided are approaches for modularized power distribution. In one approach, an apparatus may include a module extending into an interior cavity of a housing assembly through an opening formed in a base section of the housing assembly. The module may include a component grid at one end for receiving one or more components (e.g., fuses, relays, circuit breakers, diodes, etc.), and a wiring alignment cover at an opposite end operable with a terminal. The apparatus may further include a mechanical sealing element disposed along one or more surfaces of the module to provide a seal between the module and the base section defining the opening. In another approach, a plurality of modules may be disposed within a plurality of openings formed in the base section. In another approach, the apparatus may include a bracket configured to releasably connect the base section and the cover.

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Stoughton, MA, United States of America

Geoffrey Schwartz