Patent ID: 8289122
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: H01H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A thermal fuse comprising: a positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) device that defines a first end and a second end; a conduction element that defines a first end and a second end, the first end of the conduction element in electrical communication with the second end of the PTC device; and a restraining element that defines a first end and a second end, the first end of the restraining element in electrical communication with the first end of the PTC device and the second end of the restraining element in electrical communication with the second end of the conduction element, the restraining element being adapted to prevent the conduction element from coming out of electrical communication with the PTC device in an installation state of the thermal fuse, wherein during a high temperature fault condition, heat applied to the thermal fuse causes current flowing between the first end of the PTC device and the second end of the conduction element to be diverted to the restraining element, causing the restraining element to release the conduction element.