Patent Publication Number: US-8979600-B2

Title: Fuse holder and fuse clip assembly with dual directional bias element support

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention relates generally to fuse holders for electrical fuse circuit protection devices, and more specifically to fuse clip assemblies for establishing line and load side electrical connections to terminal elements of overcurrent protection fuses. 
     Fuses are widely used as overcurrent protection devices to prevent costly damage to electrical circuits. Fuse terminals typically form an electrical connection between an electrical power source or power supply and an electrical component or a combination of components arranged in an electrical circuit. One or more fusible links or elements, or a fuse element assembly, is connected between the fuse terminals, so that when electrical current flow through the fuse exceeds a predetermined limit, the fusible elements melt and opens one or more circuits through the fuse to prevent electrical component damage. 
     Fuse terminals in the form of resilient clips are known and in widespread use with various types of fuse holders in which the electrical fuses may be removed and replaced while leaving the line and side electrical connections to the fuse holder in place. The resilient clips may be configured to receive and establish mechanical and electrical connection with terminal elements provided on the fuse, such as cylindrical end caps or ferrules, or as another example terminal blade contacts extending from the housing of the fuse. The resilient fuse clip terminals provided in the fuse holders therefore grip corresponding terminal elements of the fuse and provide a contact force to ensure adequate mechanical and electrical connection therebetween. 
     While resilient fuse clip terminals have been effective to establish mechanical and electrical connections to and through fuses, they can be problematic in some aspects and improvements are desired. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various drawings unless otherwise specified. 
         FIG. 1  is a partial side elevational view of an exemplary fuse holder including exemplary fuse clip assemblies receiving an overcurrent protection fuse. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the fuse holder shown in  FIG. 1  with the fuse installed to the fuse clip assemblies. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of one of the exemplary fuse clip assemblies shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the fuse clip assembly shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an end view of the fuse clip assembly shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a first assembly view of the fuse clip assembly shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a second assembly view of the fuse clip assembly shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is an end view of the fuse clip assembly shown in  FIGS. 3-5  in a resting position. 
         FIG. 9  is an end view of the fuse clip assembly shown in  FIGS. 3-5  in a compressed position. 
         FIG. 10  is an end view of the fuse clip assembly shown in  FIGS. 3-5  in an expanded position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In conventional fuse clip assemblies, springs are sometimes used to provide additional contact pressure with terminal elements of a fuse. Known springs are provided to resist outwardly directed pressure tending to expand the fuse clips and receive a terminal element of the fuse. Except for the mechanical properties of the clips themselves, no features are provided in conventional fuse clips to resist inwardly directed pressure on the fuse clips tending to compress the fuse clips. At times, the mechanical properties of the fuse clips are insufficient to prevent damage to the fuse clips when subjected to compression forces, and improvements are desired. 
     Exemplary embodiments of fuse holders and fuse clip assemblies therefor are described below that beneficially provide support to the fuse clips not only when expanded, but when compressed. Thus, instead of supporting the fuse clips in a single direction tending to expand the clips as in conventional fuse clip assemblies, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein support the fuse clip in dual directions both tending to expand the clips as well as compressing them. Method aspects will be in part apparent and in part specifically discussed in the description below. 
       FIG. 1  is a partial side elevational view of an exemplary fuse holder  100  including exemplary fuse clip assemblies  102   a ,  102   b  receiving an overcurrent protection fuse  104  as described below.  FIG. 2  is a top view of the fuse holder  100  with the fuse installed  104  to the fuse clip assemblies  102   a ,  102   b.    
     In the example depicted, the fuse holder  100  includes a generally elongated base  106  fabricated from an electrically nonconductive or insulative material, and upstanding side walls  108   a ,  108   b  extending from the opposing lateral edges  109   a ,  109   b  of the base  106 . The fuse clip assemblies  102   a ,  102   b  are attached to the base  106  at respective locations between the walls  108   a ,  108   b  via a fastener  110   a ,  110   b  such as a screw, a rivet, or other fasteners and fastening techniques known in the art. Openings  112  are centrally located between the side walls  108   a ,  108   b  to facilitate installation and removal of the fuse  104 . The side walls  108   a ,  108   b  provide lateral barriers atop the base  106 , however, and effectively prevent or preclude inadvertent contact with the fuse clip elements  102   a ,  102   b  from the lateral direction. The longitudinal ends  113   a ,  113   b  of the base  106 , however, are open or unobstructed to facilitate connection to electrical conductors such as wires  112 ,  114  ( FIG. 2 ). The conductor  112  receives electrical power from power supply circuitry, sometimes referred to as the line side circuitry  116 , and the conductor  114  supplies power to load side circuitry  118  when the fuse  104  is intact (i.e., fully operative) and installed. 
     The fuse clip assemblies  102   a ,  102   b  (also shown in  FIGS. 3-10 ) are fabricated from an electrically conductive material and generally include a respective circuit connection portion  120   a ,  120   b , a fuse clip portion  122   a ,  122   b , and an anchor portion  124   a ,  124   b . The circuit connection portion  120   a ,  120   b  in each fuse clip element  102   a ,  102   b  is longitudinally spaced from the fuse clip portion  122   a ,  122   b  as further described below. 
     The fuse  104  in the embodiment shown generally includes a cylindrical or tubular body  128  fabricated from an electrically nonconductive or insulative material, and electrically conductive terminal elements  130   a ,  130   b  coupled to the opposed axial ends of the fuse body  128 . A fuse element  132  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 2 ) is provided internal to the fuse body  128  and is mechanically and electrically connected to the terminal elements  130   a ,  130   b . The fuse element  132  may include fusible links or elements, or a fuse element assembly as those in the art will appreciate, and is designed to withstand electrical current conditions up to a predetermined limit. When the predetermined limit is exceeded, the fuse element  132  structurally fails and ceases to provide an electrical connection between the terminal elements  130   a ,  130   b . This condition is referred to as an “open” fuse condition because the fuse  104  essentially creates an open circuit condition to connected circuitry. The opened fuse electrically isolates the load side circuitry  118  from the line side circuitry  116  in response to certain predetermined current conditions in the line side circuitry  116 . 
     In the example shown, the terminal elements  130   a ,  130   b  are cylindrical elements that may be recognized by those in the art as “end caps” or “ferrules.” In further and/or alternative embodiments, the fuse  104  may further include contact blades, sometimes referred to as knife blades, projecting from the axial ends of the terminal elements  130   a ,  130   b . The fuse  104  as shown, however, is provided solely for the sake of illustration rather than limitation, and other types of fuses may accordingly be utilized, including but not limited to rectangular fuse modules having spaced apart terminal blade contacts extending from a common side of a rectangular fuse housing. Such rectangular fuse modules are commercially available from Cooper Bussmann of St. Louis, Mo. and are known in the art as CUBEFuse® power fuses. Any fuse compatible with the fuse clip elements as described below, however, may be suitable for use a fuse holder with appropriate modification. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , when the fuse  104  is installed to the fuse holder  100 , the fuse terminal elements  130   a ,  130   b  are received by and are in contact with the fuse clip portions  122   a ,  122   b  of the fuse clip assemblies  102   a ,  102   b . Mechanical and electrical connections are therefore established between the fuse clip portions  122   a ,  122   b  and the fuse terminal elements  130   a ,  130   b . When the conductors  112 ,  114  are respectively connected to the connection portions  120   a ,  120   b  of the fuse clip elements  102   a ,  102   b  and the line side circuitry  116  is energized, electrical current flow through the fuse holder  100  is as follows. 
     Current flows from the line side circuitry  116  through the conductor  112  and to the connection portion  120   a  of the fuse clip assembly  102   a . From the connection portion  120   a  current flows through the anchor portion  124   a  to the fuse clip portion  122   a . From the fuse clip portion  122   a  current flows to the fuse terminal element  130   a , to the fuse element  132  and to the other fuse terminal element  130   b . From the fuse terminal  130   b  current flows through the fuse clip portion  122   b  of the fuse clip assembly  102   b . From the fuse clip portion  122   b , current flows to and through the anchor portion  124   b  to the connection portion  120   b . From the connection portion  120   b  current flows through the conductor  114  to the load side circuitry  118 . 
     Fusible protection to the line side circuitry  118  is provided via operation of the fuse element  132 . When the fuse element  134  opens, electrical component damage to load side circuitry is avoided as the fuse effectively isolates problematic electrical circuit conditions in the line side circuitry  116  from being passed to the load side circuitry  118 . To restore operation of the load side circuitry  118 , the fuse  104  must be removed and replaced after it has opened. The openings  112  in the base walls  108   a ,  108   b  facilitates fuse installation and removal by providing clearance for a person&#39;s fingers to grasp the body  128  of the fuse  104  for installation or removal from the fuse holder  100 , or alternatively to provide clearance for a fuse removal tool, sometimes referred to as a fuse puller, that may likewise engage the body  128  of the fuse  104  for its installation or removal. 
     The fuse holder  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  resembles a Class J fuse holder, sometimes referred to as a fuse block, such as those commercially available from Cooper Bussmann of St. Louis, Mo. As one example, the fuse holder  104  may have a voltage rating of about 600 V and a current rating of about ½-600 A. The fuse  104  in this example may further be a Class J-type fuse. The exemplary fuse holders shown and described, however, are provided for the sake of illustration rather than limitation, and a variety of other types of fuse holders or fuse blocks may benefit from the fuse clip assemblies described herein, as well as fusible switch disconnect devices such as CubeFuse Compact Circuit Protector Base products available from Cooper Bussmann of St. Louis Mo. 
     Additionally, while the fuse holder  100  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is a single pole fuse holder accommodating a single fuse  104 , the fuse holder may likewise be configured to accommodate multiple fuses in, for example, a two pole or three pole arrangement. In a multiple pole embodiment, a set of fuse clip assemblies  102   a ,  102   b  may be provided for each fuse in the fuse holder. 
       FIGS. 3-9  illustrate further details of exemplary features of the fuse clip element  102   a . In contemplated embodiments, the fuse clip element  102   b  is substantially identically constructed and mounted to the fuse holder  104  in an inversed or mirror image arrangement, although the fuse clips  102   a ,  102   b  need not be identically constructed in all cases. 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the exemplary fuse clip assembly  102   a .  FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the exemplary fuse clip assembly  104 , and  FIG. 5  is an end view of the fuse clip assembly  102   a  shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown in these figures, the anchor portion  124   a  is a generally flat and planar element having a substantially square connection portion  140  and an elongated rectangular section  142  depending from one end of the square section  140 . The square section  140  is provided with a first mounting aperture  144  and the rectangular section  142  is provided with a second mounting aperture  146 . Either one or both of the mounting apertures  144  and  146  may be used to physically mount the anchor portion  124   a  to the fuse holder base  106  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Also, while the mounting apertures  144  and  146  are shown with different sized diameters, this may be considered optional in some embodiments and the apertures  144 ,  146  may be the same size. The square section  140  is further shown with an annular boss  148  projecting from a lower side thereof. The boss  148  may assist with seating of the anchor portion  124   a  when assembled to the fuse holder  100 , and in some embodiments the boss  148  may be considered optional. 
     The connection portion  120   a  includes a pair of upstanding flanges or tabs  150  extending from the opposing lateral side edges  152 ,  154  of the square section  140  and defining the connection portion  120   a . The tabs  150  may include chamfered distal ends as shown in  FIG. 4 , and are spaced apart by a sufficient distance to accommodate a terminal (not shown) therebetween to accommodate one of the wire conductors  112 ,  114  ( FIG. 2 ). For example, wire lug terminals, cage clamp terminals, screw clamp terminals and the like may be utilized to secure connections to the wire conductors. Openings  156  may be provided in the tabs  150  to facilitate mounting of a wire lug terminal or the like. The tabs  150  may be fabricated as integral pieces of conductor material that are formed or bent out of the plane of the square section  140  of the anchor portion  124   a . In the example shown, the tabs  150  extend at substantially right angles (i.e., perpendicular) to the plane of the anchor portion  124   a.    
     The rectangular section  142  of the anchor portion  124   a  in the example shown includes opposing lateral edges  158 ,  160  that are inset from or inwardly spaced from the lateral edges  152 ,  254  of the square section  140 . In other words, the dimensional distance from lateral edge  158  to lateral edge  160  of the rectangular section  142  is smaller than a dimensional distance from lateral edge  152  to lateral edge  154  of the square section  140 . A pair of resilient clip arms  162  extends upwardly from each of the lateral side edges  158 ,  160  of the rectangular section  142  in a spaced relation from the tabs  150  and define the clip portion  122   a  of the fuse clip assembly  102   a . The clip arms  162  and the tabs  150  are spaced longitudinally from one another along an axis of the assembly extending between the opposing longitudinal edges  163 ,  165  of the anchor portion  124   a.    
     As best seen in  FIG. 5 , the clip arms  162  in the example shown have a rather complex convex and concave curvature defining a first interior space  163  between lower arm sections  164  having a first curvature, and a second interior space  166  defined by second portions  168 . The curvature of the second portions  168  generally complements the outer circumference or profile of the fuse terminal elements  130 ,  132  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). It is understood, however, that in embodiments wherein the fuse terminals include knife blade contacts or terminal blade contacts, the curvature of the clip arms  182  need not be the same as that depicted in the Figures, and perhaps the arms  162  in some embodiments need not be curved at all. 
     The distal ends of the clip arms  162  each include flared sections  170  that extend in a spaced part, but generally parallel relationship to the anchor portion  124   a  in a relaxed or resting position shown in  FIG. 5 . The flared sections  172  extend outwardly away from one another in opposite directions and in the position shown in  FIG. 5  are generally coplanar to one another. As best shown in  FIG. 4 , slots  172  are formed in the clip arms  162  proximate the junction of the flared sections  170  and the second portions  168  of the arms  122 . As such, part of the slot  172  resides in each flared section  172  and part of the slot  170  resides in the second arm portion  168 . 
     The fuse clip arms  162  may be fabricated as integral pieces of conductor material that are formed or bent out of the plane of the rectangular section  142  of the anchor portion  124   a . In the example shown, the fuse clip arms  162  are generally inset from the tabs  150  of the connector portion  120   a . That is the fuse clip arm sections  164  and  168  are spaced apart in a lateral direction by an amount less than the tabs  150  are spaced apart. The flared sections  172  of the fuse clip arms  162  extend outwardly and the distal ends thereof are spaced apart by a distance approximately equal to the distance by which the tabs  150  are spaced apart. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a bias element  180  is coupled to the clip portion  122   a . In the example shown, and as best seen in  FIG. 5 , the bias element  180  includes a straight and generally planar lower section  182  that engages the lower side of the anchor portion  124   a , and a pair of resilient arms  184  extending upwardly from the lower section  182  but obliquely with respect to one another. Distal ends  186  of the arms  184  extend through the slots  172  in the clip arms  162  and as shown in  FIG. 5  the arms  184  are inclined such that the distal ends  186  are separated by a distance, measured in a direction parallel to the plane of the anchor portion  124   a , that is less than a corresponding dimension of the lower section  182 . Alternatively stated, and in the position shown in  FIG. 5 , the arms  184  extend inwardly toward one another from opposing ends of the lower section  182  of the bias element  180 . The arms  184  of the bias element  180  in the exemplary embodiment shown, however, are straight or linear and lack any curvature. Other configurations of the bias element are, however, possible. 
     The bias element  180  in contemplated embodiments is separately fabricated from the fuse clip arms  162  and provides dual directional support to the fuse clip arms  162  that is advantageous for the reasons discussed below. The bias element  180  may be fabricated from conductive or nonconductive materials as desired. As seen in  FIG. 3 , the slots  172  in the fuse clip arms  162  are wider than the bias element arms  184  are thick. As such, and because of the wider slots  162 , relative freedom of movement in the lateral direction is provided between the fuse clip arms  162  and the bias element arms  184  when the distal ends  186  of the bias element arms  164  are located in the slots. Further, while the bias element arms  184  and/or the fuse clip arms  162  may move by virtue of the slots  172  up to a predetermined amount determined by the width of the slot, the bias element arms  184  cannot separate from the fuse clip arms  162  once the fuse holder  100  is assembled. 
       FIG. 6  is a first assembly view of the fuse clip assembly  102   a . The tabs  150  and the fuse clip arms  162  are shown fully formed, although they are fabricated from the same piece of conductive material as the anchor portion  124   a  in the example shown. The bias element  180  is also fully formed, and in  FIG. 6 , the bias element  180  is extended from the underside of the anchor portion  180  and the outer sides of the fuse clip arms  162 . 
       FIG. 7  is a second assembly view of the fuse clip assembly  102   a  with the ends  186  of the bias element  180  extended through the slots  172  in the fuse clip arms  162 . The extension of bias element ends  186  into the slots  172  positively engages the bias element ends  186  and facilitates the dual directional support both when the fuse clip arms  162  are subjected to expansion forces as described below, as well as compression forces. Conventional fuse clips, however, lack positive engagement of a bias element that would provide any support if the fuse clip arms is subject to compression forces. 
     Once the bias element  180  is assembled to the fuse clip arms  162  to complete the fuse clip assembly  102   a , the arrangement shown in  FIGS. 3-5  is accomplished and the fuse clip assembly  102   a  is now ready for installation to the fuse holder  100 . 
       FIG. 8  is an end view of the fuse clip assembly  102   a  mounted to the fuse holder  100  (shown in phantom) and in a first position referred to herein as resting or relaxed position. In the resting position, the bias element arms  184  are inwardly inclined toward one another as substantially shown and described above in relation to  FIG. 5 . In the rest position, there is no externally applied force to the fuse clip assembly  102   a.    
       FIG. 9  is an end view of the fuse clip assembly  102   a  in a compressed position subject to an inwardly directed force as represented by one or both of the arrows A. The fuse clip arms  162  and the bias element arms  184  are gathered together as a result of the force(s) A, and the ends  186  of the bias element  180  are closer together than as shown in  FIG. 8  in the resting position. The slots  172  in the fuse clip arms  162  allow the bias element ends  186  to move freely relative to the fuse clip arms  162  to a predetermined degree, but thereafter actively resist further movement of the fuse clip arms  162  when subjected to the compressive force(s) A. The ends  186  of the bias elements  180  remain engaged to the fuse clip arms  162  and provide support to the ends of the fuse clip arms  162  that would not otherwise exist in this condition. 
     In conventional fuse clip assemblies, otherwise similar bias elements for the fuse clip arms may become mechanically uncoupled from the fuse clips when they are subjected to compression forces, and thus fail to provide any support to the fuse clip arms in such a condition. Conventional fuse clip assemblies are thus prone undesirable deformation when subjected to compression forces, while the fuse clip assembly  102   a  is comparatively much stronger and less likely to be deformed or damaged as a result of compression forces. Compression forces may inadvertently result in a variety of ways during manufacturing, shipping, handling, installation and even maintenance procedures of the fuse holder in use. 
       FIG. 10  is an end view of the fuse clip assembly  102   a  in an expanded position wherein the fuse clip arms  162  are subjected to outwardly directed forces as represented by the arrows B. This may be the result of the fuse terminal element  130  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 10 ) being received in the fuse clip arms  162 . The fuse clip arms  162  and the bias element arms  184  are spread apart as a result of the force(s) B, and the ends  186  of the bias element  180  are farther apart than as shown in the rest position of  FIG. 8 . The slots  172  in the fuse clip arms  162  allow the bias element ends  186  to move freely relative to the fuse clip arms  162  to a predetermined degree, but thereafter actively resist further movement of the fuse clip arms  162  when subjected to the expansion force(s) B. The resilient arms  184  of the bias element  180  in this condition support the fuse clip arms  162  both at the distal ends  170  via the slots  172 , and also are surface engagement with the outer side of the sections  168  of the fuse clip arms  162  and thus provide support where the wherein the expansion forces are the greatest with the fuse  104  installed. 
     In contrast to a conventional retaining spring of conventional fuse clips, which support the fuse clip arm only in a single direction when subjected to external force, namely when a fuse is inserted into the clips and the clips expand out, the fuse clip assembly  102   a  including the bias element  102   a  not only supports the fuse clip arms  162  against when expanded as shown in  FIG. 10 , but also supports the fuse clip arms  162  when they are being compressed as shown in  FIG. 9 . A number of benefits flow from this dual directional support provided in the fuse clip assembly  102   a.    
     For example, the fuse clip arms  162  (and also the associated anchor portion  124   a  when the arms  162  are integral with the anchor portion) can be reduced in weight, size and/or cost by using thinner and/or softer more flexible materials. The fuse clip arms  162 , because of the dual directional support of the bias element  180 , need not be as structurally strong as in conventionally provided fuse clips. In certain instances, this may facilitate a reduction in size of the overall fuse holder as well as a reduction in size and cost of the fuse clips. 
     Manufacturing advantages also accrue as the fuse clips are less likely to be deformed during manufacturing processes. Shipping, transit, and distribution of the fuse holder is also less likely to result in deformed fuse clips. 
     Conventional fuse clips are typically able to withstand some amount of inward deflection due to their own mechanical properties, but it is not difficult to exceed the natural strength of the fuse clips against inward deflection, which sometime can occur inadvertently in the field, especially in open-style fuse holders such as the fuse holder  104  wherein the fuse clips are exposed and unprotected from the top and ends of the fuse holder. The extra strength provided by the positive engagement of the bias element ends  180  and the slots  172  of the fuse clip arms  162  is much less likely to be exceeded, and the associated problems are avoided. 
     If the fuse clip arms were to deform under compressive load, as conventional fuse clips are vulnerable to, greater mechanical stress in the fuse clip may result with a greater chance of fatigue failure as the fuse holder is used. By avoiding deformation under compressive loads, any premature failure of the fuse clip because of such deformation, and also any associated perception that the fuse holder may be of low quality is avoided. A longer working life of the fuse holder  100  is therefore made possible in many instances, particularly with respect to fatigue resistance. 
     Even if not problematic from a mechanical stress perspective, in open-style fuse holders such as the fuse holder  104  wherein the fuse clips are visible, even the appearance of a deformed fuse clip can be perceived as an indication of poor quality of the fuse holder. The dual directional support of the bias element  180  in the fuse clip assembly  102   a  not only avoids an impression of lower quality, but actually improves the quality of the fuse holder  100  by avoiding deformation of the fuse clip arms  162  altogether when subjected to compressive force. 
     The benefits and advantages of the inventive concepts disclosed are now believed to have been amply illustrated and are evident in the exemplary embodiments disclosed. 
     A fuse clip assembly for establishing an electrical connection to an overcurrent protection fuse including a conductive terminal has been disclosed. The fuse clip assembly includes: a pair of resilient fuse clip arms adapted to engage and retain the conductive terminal of the fuse; and a bias element coupled to the pair of resilient fuse clip arms, the bias element configured to resist deformation of the pair of resilient fuse clip arms when subjected to a compressive force and configured to support the pair of resilient fuse clip arms when subjected to an expansion force. 
     Optionally, the pair of resilient fuse clip arms each may include a respective slot, and a portion of the bias element extends through each respective slot of the pair of resilient fuse clip arms. The bias element may include a pair of resilient arms, and each of the pair of resilient fuse clip arms of the bias element may extend through the respective slots of the pair of fuse clip arms. The pair of resilient fuse clip arms may each include a distal end, and each respective slot may be located proximate the distal end. 
     The resilient bias element may include a generally planar section, and upstanding resilient arms extending obliquely from the generally planar section. A portion of each fuse clip arms may have a concave curvature complementary to a shape of the terminal element of the fuse. The fuse clip assembly may further include an anchor portion, and the pair of fuse clip arms may extend upwardly from the anchor portion. A connection portion may extend from the anchor portion, and the connection portion may be spaced from the pair of fuse clip arms. The connection portion and the fuse clip arms may be integral with the anchor portion. The bias element may be separately provided from the anchor portion. 
     The fuse clip assembly may be combined with the fuse, and the terminal element comprises one of a ferrule, an end cap, a knife blade contact, and a terminal blade. 
     An embodiment of a fuse holder for an electrical fuse having at least one conductive terminal element has been disclosed. The fuse holder includes: a base fabricated from an electrically nonconductive material; and a fuse clip assembly mounted to the base and configured to establish an electrical connection to the conductive terminal element of the overcurrent protection fuse. The fuse clip assembly includes: a pair of resilient fuse clip arms adapted to engage and retain a the terminal element of the fuse; and a bias element coupled to the pair of resilient fuse clip arms, the bias element movable relative to the pair of resilient fuse clip arms to a first position configured to resist deformation of the pair of resilient fuse clip arms when subjected to a compressive force and to moveable relative to the pair of resilient fuse clip arms to a second position configured to support the pair of resilient fuse clip arms when subjected to an expansion force. 
     Optionally, the pair of resilient fuse clip arms may each include a respective slot, and a portion of the bias element may extend through each respective slot of the pair of resilient fuse clip arms. The bias element may include a pair of resilient arms, and each of the pair of resilient fuse clip arms of the bias element may extend through the respective slots of the pair of fuse clip arms. The pair of resilient fuse clip arms each has a distal end, and each respective slot may be located proximate the distal end. 
     The resilient bias element may include a generally planar section, and upstanding resilient arms extending obliquely from the generally planar section. A portion of each fuse clip arm may have a concave curvature complementary to a shape of the conductive terminal element of the fuse. 
     The fuse holder may further include an anchor portion, the pair of fuse clip arms extending upwardly from the anchor portion. A connection portion may extend from the anchor portion, and the connection portion may be spaced from the pair of fuse clip arms. The connection portion and the fuse clip arms may be integral with the anchor portion. The bias element may be separately provided from the anchor portion. 
     The fuse holder may be combined with the fuse, and the terminal element may include one of a ferrule, an end cap, a knife blade contact, and a terminal blade. 
     An embodiment of a fuse holder for an electrical fuse having first and second conductive terminal elements and a fuse element therebetween has been disclosed. The fuse holder includes: a base fabricated from an electrically nonconductive material, and a first fuse clip assembly and a second fuse clip assembly mounted to the base in spaced apart relation to one another. Each of the pair of fuse clip assemblies are configured to establish an electrical connection to a respective one of the first and second terminal elements of the electrical fuse, and at least one of the first and second fuse clip assemblies includes: a pair of resilient fuse clip arms each adapted to engage and retain one of the first and second conductive terminal elements of the electrical fuse, and each of the pair of resilient fuse clip arms including a slot having a first width; and a bias element coupled to the pair of resilient fuse clip arms, the bias element including a pair of resilient arms having a thickness less than the first width, wherein the resilient arms of the bias element respectively pass through the slots in each pair of resilient fuse clip arms and a relative degree of freedom of movement of the resilient arms of the bias element relative to the fuse clip arms is provided in each respective slot, whereby the resilient fuse clip arms are movable to a first position to support the fuse clip arms when subjected to a compressive force and whereby the resilient fuse clip arms are movable to a second position to support the pair of resilient fuse clip arms when subjected to an expansion force. 
     Optionally, each of the pair of resilient fuse clip arms comprises a curved section, the curved section complementary to a curvature of the terminal element of the fuse. 
     The fuse holder may be combined with the fuse, and the terminal element may include one of a ferrule, an end cap, a knife blade contact, and a terminal blade. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.