Disclosed are various protection devices and associated methods. In some embodiments, a protection device may include a fuse assembly having a fusible link extending between a first lead end and a second lead end, and a first lead extending from the first lead end and a second lead extending from the second lead end. The protection device may further include a body including a first section coupleable with a second section, wherein the first and second sections define a central cavity housing the fusible link. The first section may include an interior face operable to engage an opposite interior face of the second section, an engagement member extending away from the interior face towards the second section, and an engagement channel adjacent the engagement member, the engagement channel operable to receive a corresponding engagement member of the second section.

A fuse assembly includes a fuse element and a terminal vent channel. The fuse element is located between a first terminal and a second terminal. The fuse element breaks in response to an overcurrent event. The terminal vent channel is located in the first terminal and provides a path for the outgassing of debris during the overcurrent event.

A fuse assembly includes a fuse element and a terminal vent channel. The fuse element is located between a first terminal and a second terminal. The fuse element breaks in response to an overcurrent event. The terminal vent channel is located in the first terminal and provides a path for the outgassing of debris during the overcurrent event.

A fuse including an electrically insulating, tubular fuse body, electrically conductive first and second endcaps disposed over opposing ends of the fuse body, a fusible element extending through the fuse body and connecting the first endcap to the second endcap, the fusible element having a central portion adapted to melt and separate upon an overcurrent condition in the fuse, and first and second arc barriers disposed on the fusible element on opposing sides of the central portion, the first and second arc barriers formed of a silicone composition that includes an arc quenching filler suspended in a silicone resin.

A fuse including an electrically insulating, tubular fuse body, electrically conductive first and second endcaps disposed over opposing ends of the fuse body, a fusible element extending through the fuse body and connecting the first endcap to the second endcap, the fusible element having a central portion adapted to melt and separate upon an overcurrent condition in the fuse, and first and second arc barriers disposed on the fusible element on opposing sides of the central portion, the first and second arc barriers formed of a silicone composition that includes an arc quenching filler suspended in a silicone resin.

The invention provides a holder for snap-fitting a thermal fuse to an electronic component, wherein the holder comprises: a bottom surface for mounting the holder to a carrier comprising the electronic component, wherein the bottom surface comprises an opening for accommodating the electronic component; a first wall parallel to a second wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall each comprise a protrusion for snap-fitting the thermal fuse to the electronic component; a third wall, wherein the third wall comprises an edge for bending around at least one lead of the thermal fuse, wherein a shortest distance between the bottom surface and said edge is larger than a shortest distance between the bottom surface and one of said protrusion.

The invention provides a holder for snap-fitting a thermal fuse to an electronic component, wherein the holder comprises: a bottom surface for mounting the holder to a carrier comprising the electronic component, wherein the bottom surface comprises an opening for accommodating the electronic component; a first wall parallel to a second wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall each comprise a protrusion for snap-fitting the thermal fuse to the electronic component; a third wall, wherein the third wall comprises an edge for bending around at least one lead of the thermal fuse, wherein a shortest distance between the bottom surface and said edge is larger than a shortest distance between the bottom surface and one of said protrusion.

A fluid-affected fuse includes a structural housing, a pair of electric terminals, one or more fuse elements, and a fluid arranged in an internal volume of the structure. The structure provides rigidity to the fuse. The terminals are coupled to the structural housing and are configured to be coupled to an electric power circuit of a battery circuit. The one or more fuse elements are electrically connected in series to the pair of electric terminals and are arranged in the internal volume. The fluid is configured to affect a temperature of the fuse element. A fluid-filled fuse is filled with fluid, optionally sealed, and operated with the increased heat capacity of the fluid to affect temperature of the fuse. A fluid-cooled fuse is filled with the fluid, undergoing a stream of the fluid thus allowing control of fuse temperature. A control system controls the fluid stream and fuse operation.

A fluid-affected fuse includes a structural housing, a pair of electric terminals, one or more fuse elements, and a fluid arranged in an internal volume of the structure. The structure provides rigidity to the fuse. The terminals are coupled to the structural housing and are configured to be coupled to an electric power circuit of a battery circuit. The one or more fuse elements are electrically connected in series to the pair of electric terminals and are arranged in the internal volume. The fluid is configured to affect a temperature of the fuse element. A fluid-filled fuse is filled with fluid, optionally sealed, and operated with the increased heat capacity of the fluid to affect temperature of the fuse. A fluid-cooled fuse is filled with the fluid, undergoing a stream of the fluid thus allowing control of fuse temperature. A control system controls the fluid stream and fuse operation.

Fuse devices and electrical systems using the fuse devices are disclosed, with the fuse devices having internal components to cause a fuse blown event when the pre-determined current level is reached through the contacts. The internal components can comprise a levitation actuator that causes separation between one or more of the contacts as the current level approaches the predetermined level. This causes contact levitation and arcing, which increases the resistance at the contact being separated. This in turn causes the current through the contacts to seek another path that in the embodiments herein is a path to a pyro feature. The current activates the pyro feature, which causes the contacts to separate and puts the fuse device in “fuse blown” condition where currents can no longer flow through the contacts.