Patent attributes
A reflowable thermal fuse comprises a conduction element with first and second elastic portions, a sensor, a restraining element, a heating element and mounting pads. The first elastic portion is adapted to apply force on the conduction element in an activated state of the thermal fuse. The sensor is in mechanical communication with the first elastic portion of the conduction element. The restraining element is adapted to secure the second elastic portion of the conduction element and thereby prevent the second elastic portion from applying force on the conduction element in an installation state of the thermal fuse. Application of an activating current through the heating element causes heat generated and transferred to the restraining element and makes the restraining element to lose resilience, thereby releasing the second elastic portion and placing the thermal fuse in the activated state. The sensor loses its ability to hold the first elastic portion in place and allows the conduction element to open during a subsequent fault condition.