Patent Publication Number: US-2023162939-A1

Title: Protection device including multi-plane fusible element

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/282,313, filed Nov. 23, 2021, entitled “Protection Device Including Multi-Plane Fusible Element,” which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is generally related to the field of protection devices. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to protection devices including a multi-plane fusible element. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Fuses are typically used as circuit protection devices and form an electrical connection with a component in a circuit to be protected. The fuse protects the circuit by intentionally being a point of first failure. One type of fuse includes a housing consisting of a plastic base and a plastic cap with a pair of conductors or terminals which extend through the base and are connected via a fusible element that forms a bridge between the terminals inside the housing. 
     In certain circuit protection applications (e.g., motors), a surge current or short term current overload situation may typically occur until a steady state condition for the device is achieved. Fuses employed in these types of circuits must be designed to permit this short term surge to pass through the fuse without melting the fusible element. This high-surge condition is defined in terms of current and time (Pt) where it is desirable to avoid an open circuit unless the current exceeds a specific percentage of the fuse&#39;s rated current. 
     Some fuses employ a spiral wound fuse element. In particular, the fuse element comprises a core of twisted fibers with a fuse wire or wound around the core in a spiral pattern. The fibers that make up the core is typically a ceramic material that is devoid of any material that could become conductive when the fuse is blown. The wound wire may include a plurality of wire strands configured to provide increased heat absorption indicative of, for example, a slow-blow or time-delayed fuse. 
     When a circuit overload is encountered, the passage of the excess current through the fuse element causes it to generate heat and thereby elevate the temperature of the fuse wire. In other words, the core acts as a heat sink to draw this heat away from the fuse wire, thereby lowering the temperature of the fuse wire. In this manner, the transfer of heat from the fuse wire to the core lengthens the time required before the fuse wire melting temperature is reached. For higher current-rated fuses, a larger diameter fuse wire is used to withstand higher current passing through the wire and therefore higher temperatures. However, the wound fuse wire is limited in size, thereby limiting the amount of excess current the wire can withstand as well as the amount of heat transfer between the wound wire and the core. Although a single element-termination with a stamped element design resolves some of the issues with spiral wound fuse elements, the overall length of the element is limited due to space constraints of the fuse. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a fuse that utilizes a fusible element to provide high I2t characteristics on the fuse element that will withstand high surge current associated with inductive and capacitive loads to protect particular types of circuit components and associated circuits. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts further described below in the Detailed Description. The Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is the Summary intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In one approach, a protection device may include a substrate and a fusible element coupled to the substrate, wherein the fusible element may include a first end opposite a second end, and wherein the first and second ends wrap around the substrate. The fusible element may further include a central section comprising a plurality of segments connected end-to-end in a continuous arrangement between the first and second ends, wherein a first set of segments of the plurality of segments extends along a first plane, and wherein a second set of segments of the plurality of segments extends along a second plane, different than the first plane. 
     In another approach, a fusible element for a protection device may include a first end opposite a second end, wherein the first and second ends are operable to wrap around a substrate, and a central section comprising a plurality of segments connected end-to-end in a serpentine pattern between the first and second ends, wherein a first set of segments of the plurality of segments extends along a first plane, and wherein a second set of segments of the plurality of segments extends along a second plane, different than the first plane. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary approaches of the disclosed embodiments so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    depicts a perspective view of a protection device according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    depicts a perspective view of a fusible element of a protection device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  depict an approach for forming a fusible element of a protection device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 A  depicts a perspective view of a protection device including a filler material, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 B  depicts a side view of the protection device of  FIG.  4 A  including the filler material, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 B  depict protection devices including a filler material, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a top view of a fusible element of a protection device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 B  is a perspective view of the fusible element of  FIG.  6 A , according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a top view of a fusible element of a protection device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a perspective view of the fusible element of  FIG.  7 A , according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a top view of a fusible element of a protection device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a perspective view of the fusible element of  FIG.  8 A , according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a top view of a fusible element of a protection device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 B  is a perspective view of the fusible element of  FIG.  9 A , according to  FIG.  10 A  is a top view of a fusible element of a protection device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  10 B- 10 D  depict approaches for forming the fusible element of the protection device of  FIG.  10 A , according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11 A  is a perspective view of a fusible element of a protection device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  11 B  is a side view of the fusible element of  FIG.  11 A , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the disclosure. The drawings are intended to depict exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and therefore are not to be considered as limiting in scope. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements. 
     Furthermore, certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines otherwise visible in a “true” cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity. Furthermore, for clarity, some reference numbers may be omitted in certain drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Protection devices, fuse assemblies, and methods in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, where embodiments are shown. The protection devices, fuse assemblies, and methods may be embodied in many different forms and are not to be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. 
     As noted above, common slow-blow fuses use a wound wire design to meet the I2t requirements of the device. However, this option has known challenges on the solder-joint reliability. While a single element-termination with a stamped element design may resolve this issue, the length of element is limited. The present disclosure caters both to the need for longer elements and robust termination. 
     In some embodiments, a multi-plane serpentine series element is provided as the fusible element. The fusible element may start with a metal sheet, which is formed with a serpentine/spiral or any element pattern via etching or cutting, and intentionally designed to be longer and exceed the fuse body width dimension. Once configured, the fusible element may extend along multiple planes above a substrate of the body. In some embodiments, a selective molding of silicone filler may be applied on the fuse element, sparing the element weak-spot for arc quenching purposes and keeping the element in-place and the pattern intact. 
     It will be appreciated that at least the following technical and functional advantages are provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Firstly, the folded fusible element structure maximizes the length of the fusible element that can fit on a space constrained body. Secondly, a higher resistance capability may be provided for low current. Thirdly, the longer element length allows room for higher I2t values. Fourthly, selective molding of the silicone filler enhances fuse breaking capacity while maintaining the OL performance. Fifthly, higher reliability may be provided with a robust, solderless termination. Sixthly, placement of the fusible element is easier as compared to wire, therefore simplifying assembly and increasing throughput. The following will further detail these and other advantages of the present disclosure. 
       FIG.  1    depicts a protection device (hereinafter “device”)  100  according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the device  100  may include a fuse assembly  102  including a fusible element  120  coupled to a substrate (e.g., printed circuit board)  104  and partially enclosed by a cover (not shown). Although not limited to any particular shape or configuration, the substrate  104  may include an upper surface  105  opposite a lower surface  107 , a first side  108  opposite a second side  109 , and a first end  110  opposite a second end  111 . At each of the first and second ends  110 ,  111  may be a shoulder  112  extending vertically (e.g., along the y-direction) away from the upper surface  105  of the substrate  104 . The fusible element  120  may be directly coupled to, and wrap around, the shoulders  112  at the first and second ends  110 ,  111  of the substrate  104 . The substrate  104  may have an overall length extending in the x-direction, an overall width extending in the z-direction, and an overall height or thickness extending in the y-direction. 
     As shown, the fusible element  120  may include a first end  121  opposite a second end  122 , wherein the first and second ends  121 ,  122  operate as electrical terminals. The first end  121  and the second end  122  may be in direct contact with the shoulders  112  and the lower surface  107  of the substrate  104 . Between the first end  121  and the second end  122  is a central section  124  comprising a plurality of segments  125  connected end-to-end in a continuous arrangement. As will be described in greater detail herein, the central section  124  may be arranged in a looping or serpentine pattern, which extends along multiple planes. For example, a first set of segments  125 A of the plurality of segments  125  extends along a first plane, while a second set of segments  125 B of the plurality of segments  125  extends along a second plane, different than the first plane. As used herein, each segment  125  may correspond to a length or portion of the central section having a bend at one or both ends. As shown and described herein as being straight, or substantially straight, the segments  125  also be curved, sloped, or bent. Embodiments herein are not limited in this context. 
     In accordance with known electrical fuses, the fusible element  120  is constructed to melt, vaporize, disintegrate or otherwise structurally fail when a predetermined magnitude of electrical current flows through the fuse for a duration of time, sometimes referred to as an overcurrent condition, that may damage sensitive electronic components. That is, the current path through the fuse assembly  102  is designed to fail and open the current path through the fusible element  120  to avoid damage to sensitive circuit components. The amount of current that the fusible element  120  may sustain before opening the current path may vary depending on its particular material properties and dimensional aspects. Various fuse link or fuse element constructions are known for such a purpose. Once the fusible element  120  is opened, the fuse assembly  102  may be replaced to restore the electrical circuitry to full operation. 
       FIG.  2    depicts an example fusible element  220  in greater detail. In some embodiments, the fusible element  220  may be a continuous piece of material (e.g., metal sheet), which is cut, stamped, or otherwise processed into a desired starting configuration. As shown, the fusible element  220  may include a first end  221  opposite a second end  222 , and a central section  224  extending between the first and second ends  221 ,  222 . The central section  224  may include a plurality of segments  225  connected end-to-end in an undulating or serpentine configuration. Each segment (e.g., segment  225 - 1 ) of the plurality of segments  225  may include a first main side  228  opposite a second main side, a first segment end  229  opposite a second segment end  230 , and a first side  232  opposite a second side  233 . As shown, each segment  225  is substantially flat and straight, wherein a plane defined by the first main side  228  is parallel to a plane defined by the second main side, and a plane defined by the first side  232  is parallel to a plane defined by the second side  233 . 
     In the pre-formed, or flattened, configuration, the fusible element  220  may have an overall length extending in the x-direction, an overall width extending in the z-direction, and an overall height or thickness extending in the y-direction. In some examples, the overall width of the fusible element  220 , e.g., in the central section  124 , may be greater than the overall width of the substrate  104  ( FIG.  1   ). In some examples, the overall width of the fusible element  220  may be two times as large as the overall width of the substrate  104 . In other examples, the overall width of the fusible element  220  may be at least three times as large as the overall width of the substrate  104 . 
     As further shown, the plurality of segments  225  may include a plurality of pairs  238 A- 238 C of first segments  225 - 1  and second segments  225 - 2  each connected at a bend, or third segment  225 - 3 . The third segment  225 - 3  of pair  238 B may correspond to a target fusing location of the fusible element  220 . In some embodiments, the first and second segments  225 - 1 ,  225 - 2  are separated from one another by a gap and may extend parallel to one another. Although non-limiting, pairs  238 A and  238 C may have a width (e.g., along the z-direction) greater than a width of pair  238 B. As further shown, a gap between first and second segments  225 - 1 ,  225 - 2  of pair  238 B may be greater/larger (e.g., in the x-direction) than a gap between first and second segments  225 - 1 ,  225 - 2  of pairs  238 A and  238 C. Embodiments herein are not limited in this context. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D , one approach for forming or arranging the fusible element  220  will be described. As shown in  FIG.  3 A , the plurality of pairs  238 A- 238 C of first segments  225 - 1  and second segments  225 - 2  may be bent or folded along a first bend axis ‘BA 1 ’ to extend vertically in the y-direction. In some embodiments, the first bend axis may generally follow or extend along an edge/border  242  of the first and second ends  221 ,  222  of the fusible element  220 . In some embodiments, the bend formed in the first segments  225 - 1  and second segments  225 - 2  may be approximately ninety degrees. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 B , the plurality of pairs  238 A- 238 C of first segments  225 - 1  and second segments  225 - 2  may be bent or folded along a second bend axis ‘BA 2 ’ to extend horizontally in the z-direction. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the second bend axis may be directly above the first bend axis. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 C , pairs  238 A and  238 C of first segments  225 - 1  and second segments  225 - 2  may be bent or folded along a third bend axis ‘BA 3 ’ to again extend vertically in the y-direction. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the third bend axis may be parallel to the second bend axis. Furthermore, the third bend axis may generally follow or extend along a second edge/border  243  of the first and second ends  221 ,  222  of the fusible element  220 . As shown, pair  238 B may not be bent about the third bend axis. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 D , pairs  238 A and  238 C of first segments  225 - 1  and second segments  225 - 2  may be bent or folded along a fourth bend axis ‘BA 4 ’ to again extend horizontally in the z-direction. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the fourth bend axis may be directly above the third bend axis. In the configuration shown, the central section  224  of the fusible element  220  may extend along three different vertically stacked planes. For example, a first set of segments  225 A may extend along a first plane, wherein the first plane is co-planar with the first and second ends  221 ,  222 . A second set of segments  225 B may extend along a second plane, the second set of segments  225 B overlapping the first set of segments  225 A. A third set of segments  225 C may extend a long a third plane, the third set of segments  225 C overlapping the second set of segments  225 B. Said differently, the first plane may be located a first distance from the upper surface  105  of the substrate  104  ( FIG.  1   ), the second plane may be located a second distance from the upper surface  105  of the substrate  104 , and the third plane may be located a third distance from the upper surface  105  of the substrate  104 . The third distance&gt;the second distance&gt;the first distance. It will be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of bends may be possible along the central section  224  of the fusible element  220 . 
     As shown in the device  200  of  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the fusible element  220  may be coupled to a substrate  204 , and a filler material  248  may be formed over the fusible element  220 . In some embodiments, the filler material  248 , which may be a silicone or an adhesive/polymer in paste form, may be selectively applied on both ends of the central section  224 , leaving a target fusing location  249  uncovered. The target fusing location  249  serves as a weakened spot along the fusible element  220 . As shown, a gap  250  may remain between the filler material  248  and the substrate  204 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  5 A , a filler material  348  may extend entirely between a first end  321  and a second end  322  of a fusible element  320 . Furthermore, the filler material  348  may cover a first set of segments  325 A extending along a first plane and a second set of segments  325 B extending along a second plane. A third set of segments  325 C extending along a third plane may remain uncovered by the filler material  348 . In this embodiment, a target fusing location  349  may be located along one or more of the third set of segments  325 C. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  5 B , the filler material  348  may be separated into two or more sections, wherein the target fusing location  349  is located between the sections. In this embodiment, the filler material  348  may partially cover the first set of segments  325 A, the second set of segments  325 B, and the third set of segments  325 C. The filler material  348  may take on different configurations in other embodiments. 
       FIG.  6 A  depicts a top view and  FIG.  6 B  depicts a perspective view of another example fusible element  420  according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The fusible element  420  may include a first end  421  opposite a second end  422 , and a central section  424  extending between the first and second ends  421 ,  422 . In the pre-bent, initial configuration of  FIG.  6 A , the first and second ends  421 ,  422  may be offset with respect to one another in both the x-direction and the z-direction. Meanwhile, the central section  424  may include a plurality of segments  425  arranged in a stairstep configuration between the first and second ends  421 ,  422 . As shown, those segments  425  generally extending in the x-direction include multiple bend or inflection points, wherein the bend axes (e.g., BA 1 , BA 2 ) are oriented parallel to the z-direction. Those segments  425  generally extending in the z-direction may also include multiple bend or inflection points, wherein the bend axes (e.g., BA 3 , BA 4 ) are oriented parallel to the x-direction. In the bent, final configuration of  FIG.  6 B , the plurality of segments  425  may include a first set of segments  425 A extending along a first plane and a second set of segments  425 B extending along a second plane. The second set of segments  425 B may extend over, and parallel to, the first set of segments  425 A. 
       FIG.  7 A  depicts a top view and  FIG.  7 B  depicts a perspective view of another example fusible element  520  according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The fusible element  520  may include a first end  521  opposite a second end  522 , and a central section  524  extending between the first and second ends  521 ,  522 . In the pre-bent, initial configuration of  FIG.  7 A , the first and second ends  521 ,  522  may be offset with respect to one another in the x-direction. Meanwhile, the central section  524  may include a plurality of segments  525  arranged in an undulating or serpentine configuration between the first and second ends  521 ,  522 . As shown, the segments  525  may include a plurality of bends or inflection points. In the bent, final configuration of  FIG.  7 B , the plurality of segments  525  may include a first set of segments  525 A extending along a first plane, a second set of segments  525 B extending along a second plane, and a third set of segments  525 C extending along a third plane. 
       FIG.  8 A  depicts a top view and  FIG.  8 B  depicts a perspective view of another example fusible element  620  according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The fusible element  620  may include a first end  621  opposite a second end  622 , and a central section  624  extending between the first and second ends  621 ,  622 . In the pre-bent, initial configuration of  FIG.  8 A , the first and second ends  621 ,  622  may be offset with respect to one another in both the x-direction and the z-direction. Meanwhile, the central section  624  may include a plurality of segments  625  arranged in an undulating or serpentine configuration between the first and second ends  621 ,  622 . As shown, the segments  625  may include a plurality of bends or inflection points. In the bent, final configuration of  FIG.  8 B , the plurality of segments  625  may include a first set of segments  625 A extending along a first plane and a second set of segments  625 B extending along a second plane. The second set of segments  625 B may extend over, and parallel to, the first set of segments  625 A. 
     In this embodiment, the first and second ends  621 ,  622  may be asymmetrical. For example, a side segment  652  extending from a base segment  653  of the first end  621  may have a different height (e.g., along the y-direction) than a height of a second side segment  654  extending from a base segment  656  of the second end  622 . Said another way, an upper segment  658  of the first end  621  and an upper segment  659  of the second end  622  may extend along a different planes. 
       FIG.  9 A  depicts a top view and  FIG.  9 B  depicts a perspective view of another example fusible element  720  according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The fusible element  720  may include a first end  721  opposite a second end  722 , and a central section  724  extending between the first and second ends  721 ,  722 . The central section  724  may include a plurality of segments  725  arranged in an undulating or serpentine configuration between the first and second ends  721 ,  722 . As shown, the segments  725  may include a plurality of bends or inflection points. In the bent, final configuration of  FIG.  9 B , the plurality of segments  725  may include a first set of segments  725 A extending along a first plane, a second set of segments  725 B extending along a second plane, and a third set of segments  725 C extending along a third plane. 
       FIG.  10 A  depicts a top view of another example fusible element  820  according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The fusible element  820  may include a first end  821  opposite a second end  822 , and a central section  824  extending between the first and second ends  821 ,  822 . The central section  824  may include a plurality of segments  825  arranged in an undulating or serpentine configuration between the first and second ends  821 ,  822 . As shown, the segments  825  may include a plurality of bends or inflection points. Furthermore, the segments  825  may be arranged as a plurality of pairs  838 A- 838 N of first segments  825 - 1  and second segments  825 - 2  each connected at a bend, or third segment  825 - 3 . In some embodiments, one or more third segments  825 - 3  may correspond to a target fusing location  849  of the fusible element  820 . As shown, the first segment  825 - 1  and second segment  825 - 2  connected at the target fusing location  849  may extend in opposite directions (e.g., along the z-direction). 
     In the bent configuration of  FIG.  10 B , each of the first segments  825 - 1  and the second segments  825 - 2  may be bent to extend vertically, e.g., in the y-direction. As shown, each of the first segments  825 - 1  and the second segments  825 - 2  may include a first portion extending along a first plane and a second section extending along a second plane, wherein the first and second planes are perpendicular to one another. Formation of the fusible element  820  may end, or a subset of the first segments  825 - 1  and the second segments  825 - 2  may be further bent, as shown in  FIG.  10 C . As shown, the third segments along one side of the fusible element  820  may be folded towards the opposite side. In this configuration, the segments  825  may include a first set of segments  825 A extending along a first plane, a second set of segments  825 B extending along a second plane, and a third set of segments  825 C extending along a third plane, wherein the third plane is perpendicular the first and second planes. 
       FIG.  10 D  depicts another possible way to configure the fusible element  820  of  FIG.  10 A . In this case, the third segments  825 - 3  extend down towards the substrate (not shown). 
       FIG.  11 A  depicts a perspective view and  FIG.  11 B  depicts a side view of another example fusible element  920  according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The fusible element  920  may include a first end  921  opposite a second end  922 , and a central section  924  extending between the first and second ends  921 ,  922 . The central section  794  may include a plurality of segments  925  arranged in an undulating or serpentine configuration between the first and second ends  921 ,  922 . As shown, the segments  925  may include a plurality of bends or inflection points. In the bent, final configuration, the plurality of segments  925  may include a first set of segments  925 A extending along a first plane, a second set of segments  925 B extending along a second plane, and a third set of segments  925 C extending along a third plane. As best shown in  FIG.  11 B , the second set of segments  925 B may extend at a non-zero angle of inclination ‘α’ relative to the first set of segments  925 A. The third set of segments  925 C may extend at a second non-zero angle of inclination ‘β’ relative to the second set of segments  925 B. As shown, the first and second angles of inclination may be less than 90°. In various embodiments, the first and second angles of inclination may be the same or different. Furthermore, the first and third planes may extend parallel to one another, as shown, or at a non-zero angle relative to one another. Embodiments herein are not limited in this context. 
     In sum, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a folded fusible element, which decreases an overall fuse footprint while enabling a higher I2t value for a same low-current rating of planar stamped fusible element. It has been found that the folded fusible element herein may provide approximately 68% longer element length with the same cross-sectional area. 
     As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” is understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments also incorporating the recited features. 
     The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof are open-ended expressions and can be used interchangeably herein. 
     The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions and are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. 
     All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are just used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present disclosure. The directional references do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. 
     Furthermore, identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, and are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposes of illustration, and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary. 
     Furthermore, the terms “substantial” or “approximately,” as well as the terms “approximate” or “approximately,” can be used interchangeably in some embodiments, and can be described using any relative measures acceptable by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, these terms can serve as a comparison to a reference parameter, to indicate a deviation capable of providing the intended function. Although non-limiting, the deviation from the reference parameter can be, for example, in an amount of less than 1%, less than 3%, less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, and so on. 
     While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described herein, the disclosure is not limited thereto, as the disclosure is as broad in scope as the art will allow and the specification may be read likewise. Therefore, the above description is not to be construed as limiting. Instead, the above description is merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.