Patent ID: 9129769
Filing Date: 2015-09-08
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A protective device, comprising: a substrate; a conductive section supported by the substrate, wherein the conductive section comprises a metal element electrically connected between first and second electrodes, wherein the metal element serves as a sacrificial structure having a melting point lower than that of the first and second electrodes; a bridge element spanning across the metal element in a first direction across a direction of current flow in the metal element, wherein the bridge element extends in the first direction farther than the metal element in the first direction and facilitates breaking of the metal element upon melting, wherein the bridge element is made of metal; an intermediate support disposed directly below the metal element and directly above the substrate, wherein the intermediate support has no direct physical contact with any of the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein at least one end of the bridge element is fixed to and in direct physical contact with the intermediate support; and a housing disposed on the substrate and fully covering the metal element and the bridge element, wherein the metal element and the bridge element are located below a top of the housing, wherein the metal element is located above the first and second electrodes and under the bridge element.