Components, parts and methods for forming fire or blast barriers

Abstract

Embodiments of a barrier member (102) for use in forming an assembly (100, 200) having an interference fit standard barrier (199) are disclosed. The barrier member (102) includes a first face (120), a second face (122), a peripheral edge (124) between the first face (120) and the second face (122), the peripheral edge (124) being at least partially angled at an angle (128) relative to a barrier reference line (130) that is perpendicular to both at least a portion of the first face (120) and at least a portion of the second face (122), the angle (128) being inclined from the first face (120) toward the second face (122). The barrier member (102) can also have an internal passage (126) extending through a member depth (123) of the barrier member (102), the member depth (123) being between the first face (120) and the second face (122), the internal passage (126) having a length that is longer than a width in a surface of the first face (120) and a surface of the second face (122), wherein the barrier member (102) is at least partially composed of a polymer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described below relate to barriers, and more particularly to explosion-proof barriers. Background Technology

[0002] Creating explosion-proof and / or fire-resistant barriers (hereinafter referred to as "standard barriers") that are certified to meet Ex d and / or Ex e International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards presents numerous challenges, especially when using components with different coefficients of thermal expansion (hereinafter referred to as "CTE"), different ductility, or hardness. To meet standards, the permissible gas clearance between barriers and the length of the flame path can be limited by certain parameters that vary depending on the size and nature of the barrier and the environment in which it is exposed for certification.

[0003] Currently, existing technologies for forming standard barriers—especially when using components made of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and C22—involve barriers formed from composite materials that change from a liquid to a solid state, such as epoxy resin. The problem with these methods is that the resulting barriers are often non-uniform and inconsistent, leading to barrier failure in the event of an explosion. Furthermore, the Ex d and Ex e qualification standards for barriers produced from liquid polymers require the barriers to meet specific standards both before and after polymer aging. Standard barriers with cylindrical joints made of solid polymers only require the barriers to meet standards after aging, thus simplifying and accelerating manufacturing and compliance procedures. Therefore, there is a need for methods, components, and / or assemblies using solid polymers to form standard barriers.

[0004] Existing methods cannot use interference-fit components to generate interference-fit standard barriers. Interference fits can be, for example, one or more of press fits and friction fits. Existing potential barrier components that can be used to generate press-fit standard barriers are typically manufactured (e.g., barrier members) with substantially uniform edges around the periphery of the member, which are then joined by an interference fit to the interior of an orifice that also has substantially uniform straight edges. Accordingly, the receiving orifice is also manufactured with relatively uniform straight edges. This interference fit is achieved by pressing the member into the confined volume of the orifice, causing the member to expand to fill any gap between the member and the confining orifice. Pressure can be applied from both the top and bottom, or from the top with a flat and complete pressure-resistant element, to force the volume of the member into the orifice. This method generates significant loads on the top pressure plate and / or the opposing element, and can potentially generate unwanted pressure on elements with orifices, such as orifice-shaped elements serving as housings for vibration sensors. Additionally, the member stores compression-related potential energy, which can ultimately lead to failure. In the context of producing fireproof and explosion-proof devices, the resulting barriers cannot effectively contain combustible gases, and therefore cannot serve as standard barriers. This can be partly attributed to the asymmetric movement of the barrier material due to stored stress. Furthermore, these methods require significant energy to facilitate proper pressure application, leading to unreliable barriers. Barrier components should be designed to be simpler and more streamlined in production, requiring less energy. Therefore, a barrier component and / or receiving orifice with a geometry that improves the quality of the manufacturing process and the resulting standard barriers is needed.

[0005] Forming an interference-fit standard barrier by interfering the outer edge of the barrier member with the inner edge of the orifice when using existing components is complex. If the barrier member is made of a material with a relatively high coefficient of friction when interacting with common components of ordinary or similar composition (e.g., stainless steel or C22), significant stresses may form and potentially damage the through-through element passing through the barrier member. Friction can also cause barrier failure, which may negate the explosion or fire resistance specifications of the interference-fit standard barrier and / or the components containing the barrier. This is particularly problematic in the case of flow sensors, where environmental conditions such as temperature can vary significantly during operation. Additionally, a barrier member made of a rigid material with limited ductility will limit the range of operating conditions under which the barrier can operate. Furthermore, when polymers are used for interference-fit standard barriers, the polymers may have sufficient resistance to extreme temperatures and reactive chemicals. Existing components are not specifically configured for this purpose, and existing components may not be readily adaptable to the purpose of forming an interference-fit standard barrier. For example, existing polymer bushings are often layered into internal channels with discontinuous horizontal heights and circular shapes, which are not suitable for accommodating through-through elements such as printed circuit boards (hereinafter referred to as "PCBs"). Therefore, there is a need for a component made of a material that can promote interference fit standard barriers under a wide range of conditions.

[0006] Standard barriers typically have elements that pass through them, allowing these elements to be avoided or taken into account when an interference fit is created between components. These through-elements usually have some elements for one side of the standard barrier and others for the other side. In some cases, such as in the housing of flowmeter electronics, a special pressure block is used as a flat base (at one end receiving pressure from a press) to receive the pressure from the press, thus forming an interference fit seal. While the end of the pressure block that receives pressure from the press is flat, the other end typically has a recess to accommodate the protruding part of the through-element from the standard barrier after pressing, providing a recess so that pressure is not significantly received by the protruding and generally relatively fragile through-element. This effectively keeps the protruding element relatively intact when pressure is applied through the other end of the block to form an interference fit barrier by compression. The recessed side of the pressure block applies higher pressure to the bushing, which is pressed down by the pressure block due to the recess (due to the smaller contact surface area). Furthermore, pressure may be applied unevenly in areas with recesses, as these recesses are typically asymmetrical in their relevant dimensions. This asymmetrical distribution of pressure results in an uneven barrier, potentially causing the barrier within the electronic device housing to fail due to flame and / or explosion. Therefore, a pre-pressing assembly, component, and / or method is needed for the uniform distribution of this pressure.

[0007] No effective solution has yet been found for generating an interference-fit standard barrier with a through-through element in devices primarily constructed of rigid materials such as stainless steel (e.g., vibration sensor transmitters, vibration sensor transmitter housings, vibration sensors, or vibration sensor housings). Therefore, there is a need for components, parts, and / or methods that use a rigid or hard material, such as stainless steel, as part of an interference-fit standard barrier with a through-through element. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An embodiment of a barrier member (102) for use in forming an assembly (100, 200) having an interference fit standard barrier (199) is disclosed. The barrier member (102) includes a first facet (120), a second facet (122), and a peripheral edge (124) located between the first facet (120) and the second facet (122), the peripheral edge (124) being at least partially angled at an angle (128) relative to a barrier reference line (130) perpendicular to at least a portion of both the first facet (120) and the second facet (122), the angle (128) being inclined from the first facet (120) toward the second facet (122). The barrier member (102) may also have an internal channel (126) extending through a member depth (123) of the barrier member (102), the member depth (123) being between the first face (120) and the second face (122), the internal channel (126) having a length greater than its width in the surfaces of the first face (120) and the second face (122), wherein the barrier member (102) is at least partially composed of a polymer.

[0009] An embodiment of a component (100, 200) is disclosed. The component (100, 200) includes a barrier member (102), the barrier member (102) including a first facet (120), a second facet (122), a peripheral edge (124) located between the first facet (120) and the second facet (122), and an internal channel (126) extending through a member depth (123) of the barrier member (102), the member depth (123) being between the first facet (120) and the second facet (122). The assembly (100, 200) includes an element having an aperture (104) including a first opening (160), a second opening (162), and a conformal inner peripheral edge (150) located between the first opening (160) and the second opening (162), wherein a barrier member (102) is at least partially engaged to the aperture (104), the barrier member (102) being at least partially conformally engaged to the aperture (104) by a peripheral edge (124) conformally engaging with the conformal inner peripheral edge (150), wherein the barrier member (102) is at least partially made of a material with greater ductility than the material constituting the element having the aperture (104), wherein a second face (122) of the barrier member (102) is located inside the aperture (104), and wherein the assembly (100, 200) is a pre-pressed assembly (200) that can be pressed to form an interference-fit standard barrier (199).

[0010] An embodiment of a component (100, 200) is disclosed. The component (100, 200) includes an interference fit standard barrier (199), the interference fit standard barrier (199) includes a barrier member (102), the barrier member (102) includes a first face (120), a second face (122) and a peripheral edge (124). The interference fit standard barrier (199) includes an element having an aperture (104) made of a material less ductile than the material constituting the barrier member (102), the aperture (104) having a conformal internal peripheral edge (150), at least a portion of the conformal internal peripheral edge (150) coinciding with at least a portion of the peripheral edge (124), wherein the barrier member (102) has stored elastic potential energy that exerts pressure on the aperture (104) and holds the interference fit standard barrier (199), wherein the interference fit standard barrier (199) conforms to one or more of fire barrier standards and explosion barrier standards.

[0011] An embodiment of a method for manufacturing components (100, 200) having an interference fit standard barrier (199) is disclosed. The method includes: engaging a barrier member (102) having a peripheral edge (124) with an orifice (104) having a conformal inner peripheral edge (150), wherein when the barrier member (102) engages with the orifice (104), at least a portion of the peripheral edge (124) engages and conforms with at least a portion of the conformal inner peripheral edge (150), wherein the barrier member (102) is at least partially, but not completely, located inside the orifice (104); and applying pressure to the barrier member (102) to form an interference fit standard barrier (199) with the orifice (104), wherein elastic potential energy from the applied pressure is stored in the barrier member (102), and the elastic potential energy causes a force to be applied through at least a portion of the peripheral edge (124) abutting against at least a portion of the conformal inner peripheral edge (150), wherein the interference fit standard barrier (199) conforms to one or more of a fire barrier standard and an explosion barrier standard.

[0012] All aspects

[0013] According to one aspect, a barrier member (102) for use in forming an assembly (100, 200) having an interference fit standard barrier (199) is disclosed. The barrier member (102) includes a first facet (120), a second facet (122), and a peripheral edge (124) located between the first facet (120) and the second facet (122), the peripheral edge (124) being at least partially angled at an angle (128) relative to a barrier reference line (130), the barrier reference line being perpendicular to at least a portion of both the first facet (120) and the second facet (122), the angle (128) being inclined from the first facet (120) toward the second facet (122). The barrier member (102) may also have an internal channel (126) extending through a member depth (123) of the barrier member (102), the member depth (123) being between the first face (120) and the second face (122), the internal channel (126) having a length greater than its width in the surfaces of the first face (120) and the second face (122), wherein the barrier member (102) is at least partially composed of a polymer.

[0014] According to one aspect, a component (100, 200) is disclosed. The component (100, 200) includes a barrier member (102), the barrier member (102) including a first facet (120), a second facet (122), a peripheral edge (124) located between the first facet (120) and the second facet (122), and an internal channel (126) extending through a member depth (123) of the barrier member (102), the member depth (123) being between the first facet (120) and the second facet (122). The assembly (100, 200) includes an element having an aperture (104) including a first opening (160), a second opening (162), and a conformal inner peripheral edge (150) located between the first opening (160) and the second opening (162), wherein a barrier member (102) is at least partially engaged to the aperture (104), the barrier member (102) being at least partially conformally engaged to the aperture (104) by a peripheral edge (124) conformally engaging with the conformal inner peripheral edge (150), wherein the barrier member (102) is at least partially made of a material with greater ductility than the material constituting the element having the aperture (104), wherein a second face (122) of the barrier member (102) is located inside the aperture (104), and wherein the assembly (100, 200) is a pre-pressed assembly (200) that can be pressed to form an interference-fit standard barrier (199).

[0015] Preferably, the component depth (123) is less than the orifice depth (164) between the first opening (160) and the second opening (162).

[0016] Preferably, the surface area of ​​the first face (120) is greater than the surface area of ​​the owner of the second face (122), the first opening (160), and the second opening (162), wherein the surface area of ​​the second face (122) is smaller than the surface area of ​​the first opening (160), but the surface area of ​​the second face (122) is greater than the surface area of ​​the second opening (162).

[0017] Preferably, the assembly (100, 200) further includes a through element (106) that engages with the internal channel (126) by passing through the internal channel (126), wherein, when the through element (106) engages with the barrier member (102), the through element (106) has a portion located on each side of the barrier member (102).

[0018] Preferably, the assembly (100, 200) further includes a pressure distribution element (108) whose face engages with a first face (120) of the barrier member (102). The pressure distribution element (108) has a groove (182) extending from one surface of the pressure distribution element (108) to the opposite surface of the pressure distribution element (108). When the pressure distribution element (108) engages with the barrier member (102), the groove (182) coincides with an internal channel (126), thus providing a passage through both the barrier member (102) and the pressure distribution element (108).

[0019] Preferably, the assembly (100, 200) further includes a pressure block (220) having at least one surface that engages with at least a portion of the through element (106), at least a portion of the pressure distribution element (108), and at least a portion of the barrier member (102).

[0020] Preferably, the pressure block (220) has at least one recess, wherein the pressure block (220) engages at least partially with the through element (106) in the at least one recess.

[0021] Preferably, the barrier member (102) is joined to the orifice (104) such that the barrier member (102) cannot be further pushed into the orifice (104) without deforming the barrier member (102).

[0022] Preferably, the element having the orifice (104) has a first surface (152) surrounding the first opening (160) of the orifice (104), wherein the first surface (152) has alignment elements (222) to align one or more engaged elements.

[0023] Preferably, the alignment element (222) includes a hole in a first surface (152) and an alignment pin (224) that can be detachably connected to the hole in the first surface (152), wherein one or more of the pressure block (220) and the pressure distribution element (108) have holes for receiving the alignment pin (224) to align one or more engaged elements.

[0024] According to one aspect, an assembly (100, 200) is disclosed. The assembly (100, 200) includes an interference-fit standard barrier (199), the interference-fit standard barrier (199) including a barrier member (102), the barrier member (102) including a first facet (120), a second facet (122), and a peripheral edge (124). The interference-fit standard barrier (199) includes an element having an aperture (104) made of a material less ductile than the material constituting the barrier member (102), the aperture (104) having a conformal internal peripheral edge (150), at least a portion of the conformal internal peripheral edge (150) coinciding with at least a portion of the peripheral edge (124), wherein the barrier member (102) has stored elastic potential energy that exerts pressure on the aperture (104) and holds the interference-fit standard barrier (199), wherein the interference-fit standard barrier (199) conforms to one or more of a fire barrier standard and an explosion-proof barrier standard.

[0025] Preferably, the stored elastic potential energy is sufficient to maintain the interference fit standard barrier (199) in compliance with one or more of the fire barrier standard and the explosion barrier standard within at least one predetermined range under at least one operating condition.

[0026] Preferably, any gap between the barrier member (102) and the aperture (104) in the interference fit standard barrier (199) is less than five-thousandths of an inch.

[0027] Preferably, the components (100, 200) further include a through element (106), wherein the through element (106) passes through the interference-fit standard barrier (199) through an internal channel (126) at least through the barrier member (102), wherein any gap between the through element (106) and the internal channel (126) is less than five-thousandths of an inch.

[0028] Preferably, the assembly (100, 200) further includes a pressure distribution element (108), wherein the pressure distribution element (108) is connected by a connecting element (180) and connected to a first surface (152) surrounding a first side (197) of the orifice (104).

[0029] Preferably, the barrier member (102) has a portion of one or more of the first opening (160) and the second opening (162) of the cold flow through the orifice (104).

[0030] Preferably, the peripheral edge (124) forms an angle (128) with respect to the barrier reference line (130), and the conformal inner peripheral edge (150) forms a complementary angle (158) with respect to the orifice reference line (156), wherein the orifice reference line (156) and the barrier reference line (130) coincide, and wherein both the angle (128) and the complementary angle (158) are less than 5 degrees.

[0031] According to one aspect, a method for manufacturing components (100, 200) having an interference-fit standard barrier (199) is disclosed. The method includes: engaging a barrier member (102) having a peripheral edge (124) with an orifice (104) having a conformal inner peripheral edge (150), wherein when the barrier member (102) engages with the orifice (104), at least a portion of the peripheral edge (124) engages and conforms with at least a portion of the conformal inner peripheral edge (150), wherein the barrier member (102) is at least partially, but not entirely, located within the orifice (104); and applying pressure to the barrier member (102) to form an interference fit standard barrier (199) with the orifice (104), wherein elastic potential energy from the applied pressure is stored in the barrier member (102), and the elastic potential energy causes a force to be applied through at least a portion of the peripheral edge (124) abutting against at least a portion of the conformal inner peripheral edge (150), wherein the interference fit standard barrier (199) conforms to one or more of a fire barrier standard and an explosion barrier standard.

[0032] Preferably, the applied pressure causes the barrier member (102) to store a sufficient amount of elastic potential energy, such that the interference fit standard barrier (199) remains compliant with one or more of the fire barrier standard and the explosion barrier standard within at least one predetermined range of at least one operating condition.

[0033] Preferably, the applied pressure is less than or equal to 3,000 pounds and is mainly distributed on the pressure distribution element (108).

[0034] Preferably, the applied pressure is sufficient to make the gap depth of any gap present within the interference fit standard barrier (199) less than two-thousandths of an inch.

[0035] Preferably, applying pressure to the barrier member (102) includes applying pressure via a pressure distribution element (108), wherein the face of the pressure distribution element (108) pressing on the barrier member (102) is substantially flat, thereby allowing pressure to be applied to the barrier member (102) substantially uniformly.

[0036] Preferably, the method further includes engaging the through element (106) with an internal channel (126) of the barrier member (102), the internal channel (126) extending through a first facet (120), a member depth (123), and a second facet (122). Engaging the through element (106) with the internal channel (126) includes passing the through element (106) through the internal channel (126) such that a portion of the through element (106) is located on one side of the barrier member (102), and another portion of the through element (106) is located on the other side of the barrier member (102). Pressure is applied to the barrier member (102) causing the internal channel (126) to compress against the through element (106), thereby forming an interference fit of the through element, the interference fit of the through element conforming to one or more of the fire barrier standard and the explosion barrier standard.

[0037] Preferably, pressure is applied via a pressure block (220).

[0038] Preferably, the method further includes aligning portions of the components (100, 200) using one or more alignment elements (222).

[0039] Preferably, joining the barrier member (102) to the orifice (104) is to join the barrier member (102) to the orifice (104) such that the barrier member (102) cannot be further pressed into the orifice (104) without deforming the barrier member (102).

[0040] Preferably, the applied pressure is sufficient to cause at least a portion of the barrier member (102) to flow cold through one or more of the first opening (160) and the second opening (162) of the orifice (104).

[0041] Preferably, the method further includes forming a barrier member (102) by cutting material from a material block having sufficient material for forming more than one barrier member (102).

[0042] Preferably, the method does not involve heating the barrier member (102) to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the material constituting the barrier member (102), which is determined at standard temperature and pressure.

[0043] Preferably, the method further includes aging the interference-fit standard barrier (199), wherein the interference-fit standard barrier (199) is at least partially composed of a polymer.

[0044] Preferably, under standard temperature and pressure, the static, dry and clean coefficient of friction between the material constituting the peripheral edge (124) and the material constituting the conformal internal peripheral edge (150) is less than 0.2.

[0045] Preferably, the volume of the barrier member (102) is larger than the volume of the orifice (104).

[0046] Preferably, the element having the opening (104) is a housing for an electrical component (1002), the housing having a terminal side (1097) and an electronics side (1098), the terminal side having at least one terminal (1012) for connection to a network (1008), the electronics side having electronics (1010) for communication with the device (1004), wherein a first face (120) faces the terminal side (1097) and a second face (122) faces the electronics side (1010).

[0047] Preferably, the barrier member (102) is at least partially composed of a fluorocarbon compound.

[0048] Preferably, the fluorocarbon compound is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0049] Preferably, the surface area of ​​the second face (122) is smaller than the surface area of ​​the first face (120);

[0050] Preferably, the barrier member (102) is not cylindrical.

[0051] Preferably, the barrier member (102) is shaped as a narrowed curved triangle. Attached Figure Description

[0052] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote embodiments of the same elements. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0053] Figure 1 A sectional view of an embodiment of the press-on component 100 having an interference fit standard barrier 199 is shown.

[0054] Figure 2A A perspective view of an embodiment of a pre-pressing component 200 prepared for pressing is shown.

[0055] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A An exploded view of an embodiment of the pre-pressing component 200 shown.

[0056] Figure 2C A sectional side view of an embodiment of the pre-press component 200 is shown.

[0057] Figure 3 A perspective view of an embodiment of the barrier member 102 used to form the interference fit standard barrier 199 is shown.

[0058] Figure 4A perspective view of an embodiment of the pre-joining assembly 400 prior to the engagement of the barrier member 102 with the orifice 104 is shown.

[0059] Figure 5 A perspective view of an embodiment of the fixing assembly 500 after the pressure distribution element 108 is attached to the first surface 152 is shown.

[0060] Figure 6 A flowchart is shown of an embodiment of a method 600 for forming a component having an interference fit standard barrier 199.

[0061] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method 700 for forming the barrier member 102 is shown.

[0062] Figure 8 A flowchart is shown of an embodiment of a method 800 for joining elements to form a pre-press assembly 200.

[0063] Figure 9 A flowchart is shown of an embodiment of a method 900 for pressing a pre-pressed component 200 to form a pressed component 100.

[0064] Figure 10 A block diagram of an embodiment of a system 1000 having an interference-fit standard barrier 1099 is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Figures 1 to 10 The following description depicts specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to manufacture and use embodiments of the invention in the best manner. Some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted for the purpose of teaching the principles of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand variations of these examples that fall within the scope of this specification. Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form many variations of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments described below are not limited to the specific examples described below, but are defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0066] To manufacture a barrier member suitable for use in an interference-fit standard barrier, the barrier member can be made of a material that is sufficiently heat- and flame-retardant. Furthermore, in embodiments where the interference-fit standard barrier will have a through-through element, the material of the barrier member should be such that the barrier member accommodates the through-through element and protects its integrity. If the barrier member has a through-through element positioned within an internal passageway of the barrier member, and the barrier member will be pressed to form an interference-fit barrier within an orifice, the material should have a sufficiently low coefficient of friction over a wide range of conditions to prevent damage to the through-through element during compression. For example, the coefficient of friction of the interaction between the material constituting the barrier member and the material constituting the orifice-shaped element during interaction can be below a predetermined threshold. In embodiments, the static, dry, and clean coefficient of friction of the interaction between the material constituting the barrier member and the material constituting the orifice-shaped element is less than 0.2 or in the range between 0.04 and 0.2 (at a standard temperature of 273.15 Kelvin and a standard pressure of 101.6 kPa, hereinafter referred to as "STP"). Furthermore, the ductility of the barrier member material should allow the barrier member to be pressed relatively easily. Furthermore, the barrier member material's ability to store elastic potential energy should be sufficient to maintain the interference fit standard barrier under various conditions (while complying with relevant standards). Because polymers have a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion, barrier members made of polymer materials tend to expand and contract significantly with temperature changes. In applications such as flow meter transmitters, the barrier may be exposed to significantly varying conditions, leading to this expansion and contraction. To counteract the expansion and contraction experienced by the polymer barrier member due to its environment and / or the conditions in the flowing material, the barrier member can store sufficient elastic potential energy from the initial compression forming the interference fit standard barrier to expand accordingly (in response to contraction) to release some elastic potential energy, or compress (in response to expansion) to store more elastic potential energy. Moreover, in the context of fire and explosion protection, the material used should have sufficient resistance to combustion and other reactions; therefore, strongly inert polymers are preferred. Many polymers possess sufficient ductility, sufficient inertness, a sufficiently low coefficient of friction when interacting with conventional materials (such as those used in electronic device compartments and / or vibration sensors or transmitters), and sufficient capacity to store elastic potential energy for use in barrier components, thereby forming interference-fit standard barriers through the interference fit of the barrier components. One polymeric material possessing these properties is polytetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter referred to as "PTFE").

[0067] To manufacture such an interference-fit standard barrier, a specialized set of components, manufacturing assemblies, and methods may be useful. For example, to reduce the amount of pressure required to form the interference-fit barrier and to create a more uniform and robust interference-fit standard barrier, the outer edge of the barrier member engaging with the orifice via the interference fit can be tapered to provide resistance to compression without completely preventing the member from deforming through the orifice (which would occur if a fully sealed opposing plate were used). The orifice can also correspondingly have an interior that tapers to a portion substantially consistent with the tapered outer edge of the barrier member, further narrowing to provide a force opposite to the applied pressure to form the interference fit. In this embodiment, the applied pressure can force the barrier member to elastically deform such that a portion of the barrier member fits into a portion of the orifice that would otherwise be too narrow to accommodate an undeformed barrier member. By allowing the barrier member to deform in this manner, some of the elastic forces stored in the barrier member material are released, which could potentially be transmitted in directions that would cause the interference-fit standard barrier to fail. Furthermore, by not providing a flat, opposing member to resist the force applied to the barrier member on the side opposite to the side to which the pressure is applied, a smaller pressure is required to induce the desired deformation with the desired level of elastic potential energy (to compensate for the expansion and contraction of the barrier member material). Some of the pressure is converted into deformation of the barrier member to further align with the narrower inner edge of the orifice, where an interference fit is formed.

[0068] Barriers can be manufactured using many specialized tools. For example, a special pressure block can be used to apply pressure that creates an interference-fit standard barrier. The pressure block can be specially machined to accommodate a through-type element that will pass through the barrier member (and thus through the resulting interference-fit standard barrier). When pressure is applied to form the interference-fit standard barrier, the connecting element between the through-type elements also interferes with the through-type element. If the block simply applies pressure to the through-type element, the applied pressure may damage the through-type element. A pressure block that accommodates the through-type element and applies most of the pressing pressure directly or indirectly to the barrier member can eliminate the need for the through-type element.

[0069] Of course, such a pressure block can have recesses to accommodate through-hole elements. These recesses may lead to uneven distribution of compressive force, causing the barrier element to be compressed unevenly, resulting in an unbalanced barrier prone to failure. A distribution plate can be positioned between the pressure block and the barrier element to apply pressure more evenly to the barrier element, thereby ensuring a more consistent interference fit standard barrier. After compression is complete, this pressure distribution element can also be incorporated as a permanent component of the barrier, further reinforcing it. This adds an extra layer of safety to ensure the barrier remains in place in the event of pressure spikes (e.g., from a significant explosion).

[0070] To ensure proper alignment of the components pressed by the press, the guide pin can be positioned such that a dedicated channel in one or more of the pressure block and pressure distribution elements receives the guide pin, and has a set of alignment elements to ensure all components are in place. If a through element is provided, an opposing component can be provided on the side opposite to the side where compression is applied, such that the through element is positioned by the opposing component and the conformal recess of the pressure block. The opposing component can be a removable element, such that the opposing component is an element of the invention only during the application of pressure that forms an interference fit standard barrier.

[0071] Figure 1 A sectional view of an embodiment of a pressed assembly 100 having an interference-fit standard barrier 199 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressed assembly 100 has been pressed to form the interference-fit standard barrier 199, such that the pressed assembly 100 can be considered as the pressed assembly 100. The pressed assembly 100 may include a barrier member 102, an orifice 104, a through element 106, a pressure distribution element 108, and a housing 110. The assembly before pressing can be referred to as a pre-pressed assembly 200. Figure 2A A perspective view of an embodiment of a pre-pressing component 200 prepared for pressing is shown. Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A An exploded view of an embodiment of the pre-pressing component 200 shown. Figure 2C A sectional side view of an embodiment of the pre-press assembly 200 is shown. In various embodiments, the pre-press assembly 200 may include a barrier member 102, an orifice 104, a through element 106, a pressure distribution element 108, and a pressure block 220. (Refer to...) Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The description has the same as Figure 1 The same reference numerals for the elements are for reference before pressing. Figure 1 The embodiments of those components described. The pre-press assembly 200 and the post-press assembly 100 may be collectively referred to as assemblies 100 and / or 200. In an embodiment, the post-press assembly 100 may be a component for a housing 110 of a transmitter adapted and / or configured to communicate with a flow sensor.

[0072] Various embodiments of the interference-fit standard barrier 199 are envisioned, such as those contained within the housing of a transmitter or within other housings containing electronic components. The pressed assembly 100 may have the interference-fit standard barrier 199 conforming to the standards of a recognized standards-setting organization trusted by those skilled in the art, such as one or more of the IEC "Ex d" and "Ex e" standards. The Ex d standard is a "fire-resistant standard." The Ex e standard is an "explosion-proof standard" with "increased safety." IEC has separate sets of requirements for both Ex d and Ex e standards. These standards are merely exemplary. Other standards for the interference-fit standard barrier 199 in industry are envisioned. The interference-fit standard barrier 199 can be formed by the interference fit of the barrier member 102 with one or more of the orifice 104 and the through element 106. This embodiment of the interference-fit standard barrier 199 may be referred to as the interference-fit standard barrier 199. The interference-fit standard barrier 199 can be configured to meet the IEC requirements for the gap between elements and the flame path length for the Ex e and Ex d standards. For example, the gap depth can be less than a predetermined gap depth. In one embodiment, the gap depth can be less than one-thousandth of an inch or two-thousandths of an inch. In another embodiment, the interference fit standard barrier 199 can have a flame path less than a predetermined threshold.

[0073] In one implementation, the interference-fitting standard barrier 199 may have a first side 197 and a second side 198. In another implementation, the first side 197 is connected to the first system, possibly via a network (e.g., a network). Figure 10 The terminal side of the electronic communication element (e.g., network 1008) communicates with the network 1008. Figure 10 Terminal side 1097). In the embodiment, the second side 198 is the electronic device side having the following electronic components (e.g., Figure 10 The electronic device side (1098): These electronic components can perform one or more of the following: storing data, receiving data, sending data, processing data, interpreting data, displaying data, etc. In the embodiment, the electronic device side (e.g., Figure 10 The electronics side 1098 may have electronics that communicate with a vibration sensor. In an embodiment, the shape of one or more of the barrier member 102 and the aperture 104 may be determined by the shape of the part to be mounted on the electronics side (e.g., Figure 10 The components on the electronic device side (1098) determine this. Figure 10 An embodiment of a system 1000 having a terminal side 1097 and an electronic device side 1098 with an interference fit standard barrier 199 is shown.

[0074] The embodiments presented in this specification illustrate various arrangements of the elements of the interference-fit standard barrier 199 within the context of the post-press assembly 100 and the pre-press assembly 200. While the post-press assembly 100 and the pre-press assembly 200 are described in this application as an embodiment of a flow sensor transmitter communicating with an external network, this embodiment is not intended to be limiting. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the post-press assembly 100 and the pre-press assembly 200 can be used in other applications as well.

[0075] The barrier member 102 is an element that deforms under pressure to create an interference fit, forming an interference fit standard barrier 199. The barrier member 102 can be pressed, for example, using a press, to deform it to conform to one or more of the orifice 104 and the through element 106, thereby forming the interference fit standard barrier 199. Pressure can be applied in a pressure direction 196, or in a direction from a first side 197 to a second side 198. The barrier member 102 may have a first facet 120, a second facet 122, and a peripheral edge 124. In one embodiment, the first facet 120 and the second facet 122 are located on opposite sides of the barrier member 102, wherein the peripheral edge 124 is located between the first facet 120 and the second facet 122. In another embodiment, the first facet 120 and / or the second facet 122 may be substantially flat and may have substantially parallel surfaces, wherein the barrier member 102 has a relatively uniform thickness between the first and second facest (at least before pressing).

[0076] In one embodiment, the peripheral edge 124 may be tapered (before and / or after pressing), such that the barrier member 102 has a larger volume near the first face 120 than near the second face 122. In one embodiment, this may mean that the first face 120 has a larger surface area than the second face 122. In one embodiment, the tapering along the peripheral edge 124 is a substantially flat edge with an angle 128. In one embodiment, the angle 128, as measured according to a barrier reference line 130 drawn from the first face 120 to the second face 122 and perpendicular to both the first face 120 and the second face 122, is an angle of less than 5 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle 128 is an angle of less than or equal to 2 degrees relative to the same barrier reference line 130. It should be understood that positive and negative angles are only relative to a reference, hence the angle sizes are given here. The peripheral edge 124 may be configured to partially conform to the internal conformal portion of the aperture 104. In one embodiment, the peripheral edge 124 is shaped to at least partially conform to the internal conformal portion of the aperture 104. It should be understood that the peripheral edge 124 may be flat, angled, or curved, and may have one or more of a flat portion, an angled portion, and a curved portion and / or the like. In different embodiments, the peripheral edge 124 may be flat and perpendicular to the first facet 120 and the second facet 122.

[0077] In an embodiment, the overall shape of the barrier member 102 may be determined by the space occupied by other components in the assembly. In an embodiment, the shape of the barrier member 102 may not be cylindrical. In an embodiment, the shapes of the first facet 120 and the second facet 122 may not be circular and may be the same or different. For example, the shapes of the first facet 120 and the second facet 122 may be triangular, possibly with rounded corners. For the purposes of this specification, this can be described as a curved triangle. The volume and cross-section of the barrier member 102 may narrow from the first facet 120 to the second facet 122, such that the resulting three-dimensional shape of the barrier member 102 can be characterized as a narrowed curved triangle. In an embodiment, the barrier member 102 may have a protrusion. This protrusion may be used to close the orifice 104, which has additional space to accommodate a connector for the through element 106. In an implementation, the peripheral edge 124 may be consistent between the first face 120 and the second face 122, such that the overall shape of the barrier member 102 is always a shape that narrows at the edge from the first face 120 to the second face 122, for example, a narrowing curved triangle shape (possibly narrowing from the first face 120 to the second face 122).

[0078] In one embodiment, the barrier member 102 may need to accommodate a through element 106. The through element 106 may extend through the barrier member 102 and thus through the interference-fit standard barrier 199. The barrier member 102 may have an internal channel 126 to accommodate the through element 106. Before being pressed to form the interference-fit standard barrier 199, the internal channel 126 may have sufficient space to receive the through element 106. During compression, this internal channel 126 may be compressed around the through element 106, thereby potentially forming an interference-fit connection with the through element 106. In an alternative embodiment, the through element is coupled to the interior of the barrier member 102 before pressing, such that the internal channel 126 is redundant or already filled with the through element 106 and may be suitably sealed.

[0079] In an embodiment, barrier member 102 may be made of a material having the properties required to manufacture the interference fit standard barrier 199. For example, the material may have one or more of the following: sufficient ductility, sufficient inertness, a sufficiently low coefficient of friction when interacting with conventional materials, tolerance to large temperature fluctuations (not too brittle at extremely cold temperatures nor melting at high temperatures), and sufficient capacity to store the elastic potential energy for the interference fit standard barrier 199. For example, barrier member 102 may be made of a material having one or more of the following predetermined properties: maximum elasticity, minimum coefficient of friction when interacting with conventional materials, maximum melting point at standard temperatures and pressures, minimum ignition point, minimum auto-ignition temperature, minimum inertness, and a minimum tendency to absorb fluids such as water at a specific operating temperature. These specifications may be in terms of predetermined thresholds. In an embodiment, barrier member 102 may be made of a material having properties selected to be different from those of the material constituting orifice 104. Alternatively, barrier member 120 may be made of a material selected to have a specific set of properties under a specific set of conditions (e.g., temperature and pressure). For example, compared to the material constituting the orifice 104 (and / or the conformal inner peripheral edge 150), the barrier member 102 (and / or the peripheral edge 124) may be made of a material having one or more of a lower Young's modulus and a higher Poisson's ratio. In embodiments, the barrier member 102 may be made of a polymer, such as a fluorocarbon or a fluoropolymer. Examples of fluorocarbon compounds that may be used may include PTFE, polyvinylidene fluoride (hereinafter referred to as "PVF"), polyvinylidene fluoride (hereinafter referred to as "PVDF"), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (hereinafter referred to as "PCTFE"), polyvinyl chloride trifluoroethylene (hereinafter referred to as "ECTFE"), ethylene tetrafluoroethane (hereinafter referred to as "ETFE"), perfluoromethyl alkoxy (hereinafter referred to as "MFA"), perfluoroalkoxy alkane (hereinafter referred to as "PFA"), fluorinated ethylene propylene (hereinafter referred to as "FEP"), perfluorinated elastomer (hereinafter referred to as "FFPM"), chlorotrifluoroethylene vinylidene fluoride (hereinafter referred to as "FPM"), tetrafluoroethylene-propylene (hereinafter referred to as "FEPM"), perfluoropolyether (hereinafter referred to as "PFPE"), perfluorosulfonic acid (hereinafter referred to as "PFSA"), perfluoropolyepoxybutane and / or the like.

[0080] Orifice 104 is an opening in an element of assembly 100 or 200 that receives barrier member 102 to form interference-fit standard barrier 199. Orifice 104 is a hole or channel through a portion of assembly 100 or 200. In an embodiment, orifice 104 may be an element of housing 110. Orifice 104 is configured to be blocked by receiving barrier member 102 to form interference-fit standard barrier 199. Orifice 104 may also be configured to be large enough to receive a connector for electronic devices that may be disposed on through element 106. Orifice 104 may be surrounded by a first surface 152 and a second surface 154. Orifice 104 may have a first opening 160 and a second opening 162. In an embodiment, first opening 160 has a larger surface area than second opening 162. In another embodiment, first opening 160 has the same surface area as second opening 162.

[0081] In one embodiment, the orifice 104 has a conformal inner peripheral edge 150. For example, at least a portion of the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 may be adapted to coincide with at least a portion of the peripheral edge 124 of the barrier member 102, such that when the peripheral edge 124 of the barrier member 102 engages with the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 of the orifice 104, at least a portion of the barrier member 102 can be placed within the orifice 104 without applying any pressure greater than that required for its own positioning.

[0082] In one embodiment, the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 may be flat and perpendicular to the first surface 152 and the second surface 154 surrounding the aperture 104, thus representing a flat edge. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge 124 of the barrier member 102 may also be flat and perpendicular to the first facet 120 and the second facet 122 of the barrier member 102. In another embodiment, the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 may be angled relative to the first surface 152 and the second surface 154. For example, the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 may be angled relative to an aperture reference line 156 drawn from the first surface 152 to the second surface 154, the aperture reference line 156 being perpendicular to both the first surface 152 and the second surface 154, at a point on the edge of the first surface 152. The conformal inner peripheral edge 150 may include a portion having a complementary angle 158 corresponding to and engaging with the angle 128 of the peripheral edge 124 of the barrier member 102. For example, if the peripheral edge 124 has a portion that has an angle 128 relative to a straight line drawn from the first facet 120 to the second facet 122, perpendicular to both the first facet 120 and the second facet 122 of the barrier member 102, then the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 may have a complementary angle 158 relative to the barrier reference line 130 (this complementary angle may be the same as or substantially the same as angle 128). In this embodiment, the barrier reference line 130 may be parallel to and / or coincide with the orifice reference line 156. Figure 2C In the embodiment shown, the barrier reference line 130 and the orifice reference line 156 coincide. Figure 2CEnlarged view 202, showing the engagement between barrier member 102 and orifice 104 before pressing, illustrates angles 128 and complementary angle 158, as well as barrier reference line 130 and orifice reference line 156. Enlarged view 202 shows a magnified portion of an embodiment of barrier member 102 engaged with orifice 104 before pressing. In this embodiment, angle 128 and complementary angle 158 are the same angle. Furthermore, in this embodiment, barrier reference line 130 and orifice reference line 156 are the same and / or coincident. It can also be seen that the first face 120 has a larger surface area than the second face 122, the first opening 160, and the second opening 162. The second face 122 has a smaller surface area compared to the first opening 160, but a larger surface area compared to the second opening 162. The second opening 162 may have a smaller surface area compared to any one of the first face 120, the second face 122, and the first opening 160. These surface areas can reflect the relative volumes of the elements at the positions of the first face 120 and the second face 122 relative to the positions of the first opening 160 and the second opening 162. When the barrier member 102 engages with the orifice 104 before being pressed, a portion of the barrier member 102 can be fitted into a portion of the orifice 104 without applying significant pressure. This can be facilitated by portions of the peripheral edge 124 and the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 having conformal or corresponding portions, possibly by portions of the edges of the peripheral edge 124 and the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 having appropriate or substantially identical angles 128 and complementary angles 158. Other conformal arrangements are also contemplated, such as any combination of polygonal or curved surfaces that are conformal or corresponding to each other.

[0083] In one embodiment, prior to pressing, the orifice 104 may have an orifice depth 164 along an orifice reference line 156 between the first surface 152 and the second surface 154, the orifice depth 164 being greater than the member depth 123 of the barrier member 102 along a barrier reference line 130 between the first face 120 and the second face 122. In various embodiments, prior to pressing to form the interference fit standard barrier 199, one or more relative dimensions of the element may include: the surface area of ​​the first opening 160 may be greater than the surface area of ​​the second face 122; the surface area of ​​the first opening 160 may be smaller than the surface area of ​​the first face 120; the surface area of ​​the second opening 162 may be smaller than the surface area of ​​the second face 122; and the surface area of ​​the second opening 162 may be smaller than the surface area of ​​the first face 120. One or more relative dimensions may allow the peripheral edge 124 of the barrier member 102 to conformally engage at least partially with the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 of the orifice 104 prior to pressing. During pressing, the barrier member 102 can be compressed at its peripheral edge 124, causing it to elongate between the first facet 120 and the second facet 122 during pressing, thereby distorting a larger amount of material to become part of the peripheral edge 124. This elongation also allows a larger surface area of ​​the peripheral edge 124 of the barrier member 102 to engage with a larger surface area of ​​the conformal inner peripheral edge 150. In some embodiments, during and / or after pressing, the barrier member 102 can overflow from one or more of the first opening 160 and the second opening 162 of the orifice 104, causing one or more of the following to occur: the first facet 120 can cool and overflow around the first surface 152, and the second facet 122 can cool and overflow around the second surface 154. In this embodiment, after pressing, the orifice 104 may have an orifice depth 164 along an orifice reference line 156 between the first surface 152 and the second surface 154, the orifice depth 164 being equal to, less than, or greater than the member depth 123 of the barrier member 102 along a barrier reference line 130 between the first face 120 and the second face 122. In this embodiment, the orifice 104 may have an opening on the second side 198 and / or the first side 197, which allows a portion of the barrier member 102 to flow outwards due to pressing. In this embodiment, the barrier member 102 may have a volume larger than the orifice 104. Embodiments in which the orifice 104 has a volume larger than the barrier member 102 are also contemplated.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first surface 152 may have an alignment element 222 for aligning elements of the pre-pressed assembly 200 during pressing. For example, the first surface 152 may have a hole for receiving an alignment pin 224 configured to guide certain elements when engaging and pressing the pre-pressed assembly 200. In another embodiment, the alignment pin 224 may be detachably engageable. In various embodiments, one or more elements of assembly 100 and / or assembly 200 or pressure block 220 may have holes for receiving these alignment pins 224 to hold elements of assembly 100 and / or assembly 200 and pressure block 220 in place. In another embodiment, the alignment element 222 is also a hole, and the alignment element 222 may have threads. In this embodiment, the threads may allow the alignment pin 224 to be easily engaged and disengaged. Furthermore, in embodiments with pressure distribution element 108, pressure distribution element 108 may have a connecting element 180, such that pressure distribution element 108 can be connected to the first surface 152 after the pressing to form the interference fit standard barrier 199 is completed. For example, pressure distribution element 108 may have a hole through which a screw can pass or be threaded to an alignment element 222 (here, a hole or threaded hole) on the first surface 152, thereby allowing pressure distribution element 108 to be connected to the first surface 152 after pressing. It should be understood that in this embodiment, pressure distribution element 108 may be used to reinforce the interference fit standard barrier 199 to withstand higher explosion pressures.

[0085] The through element 106 is the element that passes from the first side 197 through the interference fit standard barrier 199 to the second side 198. In one embodiment, the through element 106 passes through the barrier member 102 and possibly through the internal channel 126. It should be understood that the element 106 can be pre-connected to an element of the pre-press assembly 200, for example, to the internal channel 126 of the barrier member 102, before pressing. In another embodiment, the through element 106 can be connected to the interference fit standard barrier 199 by pressing, possibly by passing the through element through the internal channel 126 of the barrier member 102 and subsequently pressing the barrier member 102 to create a pressure fit connection between the through element 106 and one or more of the barrier member 102 and the internal channel 126 of the barrier member 102.

[0086] In one embodiment, the through element 106 may include a PCB. The PCB may be any type of PCB known in the art. In one embodiment, the PCB is formed of wafer layers. In one embodiment, the PCB is formed of wafer layers in which flexible electronic layers are sandwiched between rigid layers. The use of flexible layers can reduce stress on the PCB when pressed when the through element 106 is engaged through the internal channel 126 of the barrier member 102. In one embodiment, the through element 106 may have a first side 197 for coupling to the interference fit standard barrier 199 (e.g., Figure 10 The first network on the terminal side 1097) (e.g., Figure 10 The network 1008) has an electronic connector (when engaged for pressing and / or after pressing) and may have electronics for transmitter operation on a second side 198 (e.g., the electronics side 1098).

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when pressed, the applied pressure presses at least a portion of the through element 106 from the first side 197 of the interference fit standard barrier 199 to the second side 198. For example, before pressing, the through element 106 should be located on the second side 198 (e.g., Figure 10 Some portions of the electronic component portion (e.g., the electronic component portion) on the electronic component side 1098 may be located on the first side 197 (e.g., Figure 10 On the terminal side 1097). This portion of the through element 106 can be properly pushed to the second side 198 by a pressing operation that forms an interference fit standard barrier 199.

[0088] During assembly, the pressure block 220 can be used to apply the pressure required to generate the interference fit standard barrier 199. Pressure can be applied to the pressure block 220 on its pressure side 226. To reduce any potential damage to the through element 106, the pressure block 220 may have recesses that are at least partially conformal to the shape of the through element 106. When pressed through the pressure block 220, these recesses may cause uneven pressure application onto the barrier member 102. This uneven pressure application may result in a weak interference fit. For example, uneven pressing may cause uneven conversion of stored elastic potential energy, leading to failure of the interference fit standard barrier 199.

[0089] The pressure distribution element 108 is an element that applies uniform pressure to another element when pressed. For example, in an embodiment where a pressure block 220 with a conformal recess is used, the pressure distribution element 108 may be positioned on the end of the pressure block 220 opposite to the pressure side 226 of the pressure block 220. In an embodiment, the pressure distribution element 108 engages between the pressure block 220 and the barrier member 102 before pressing, such that when pressure is applied to the pressure block 220 to form an interference fit standard barrier 199, pressure can be applied through the pressure distribution element 108, which applies substantially uniform pressure to the barrier member 102 around its surface opposite to the pressing pressure direction 196. In an embodiment, the pressure distribution element 108 may be a flat member having substantially parallel planar faces and a relatively narrow width between the faces. In an embodiment, the through element 106 may have a connecting element 180, for example, including a hole and / or a screw. These connecting elements 180 can be used to connect the pressure distributing element 108 to the pressed assembly 100, for example, to a first surface 152 surrounding a first side 197 of the orifice 104. In embodiments where the connecting element 180 includes holes, these holes can be used to receive alignment pins 224 to facilitate alignment of the pressure distributing element 108 during pressing. The pressure distributing element 108 may also have a slot 182 for allowing a through element 106 to pass through it. When the pressure distributing element 108 engages with and / or is connected to the barrier member 102, the slot 182 may be located where the slot 182 of the pressure distributing element 108 coincides with the internal channel 126 of the barrier member 102, such that the through element 106 can pass directly through both the pressure distributing element 108 and the barrier member 102. The groove 182 can be shaped to resemble a typical groove 182, i.e., the groove 182 is significantly wider in one dimension than in another at each cross-section of the through element 106 along a line perpendicular to the plane with the maximum surface area of ​​the through element 106.

[0090] Housing 110 is any container holding electronic components. Housing 110 may be a housing requiring Ex d and / or Ex e certification. In embodiments, housing 110 may be a housing or enclosure for a flow sensor, a transmitter configured and / or adapted to communicate with a flow sensor, any other device containing electronic components, etc. Housing 110 may be a housing residing in an environment with flammable and / or explosive gases during use. Housing 110 may have an interference-fit standard barrier 199 to ensure that any explosion / flame generated by sparks from the electronic circuitry within housing 110 is cooled by any flame or explosion within housing 110 that may escape from housing 110 or spread into an already flammable or explosive environment. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, housing 110 is a housing for a transmitter configured to receive signals from metering components and transmit these signals to an associated network (e.g., Figure 10 Network 1008). The second side 198 has electronics that serve as part of a transmitter. These electronics may include circuitry configured to perform one of the following: receiving data from a metering assembly, storing data, and transmitting data from the metering assembly to a terminal on the other side of the interference fit standard barrier 199; or receiving data from a terminal on the other side of the interference fit standard barrier 199, storing data, and transmitting data from a terminal on the other side of the interference fit standard barrier 199 to the metering assembly. In an embodiment, the first side 197 is the terminal side (e.g., Figure 10 The terminal side 1097), which has a means for use on the electronic device side (e.g., Figure 10 The electronic device side 1098) and external network (e.g., Figure 10 The terminal is used to transmit signals between networks 1008. The terminal side is separated from the electronics side by an interference-fit standard barrier 199, thereby potentially preventing the transmission of flames / explosions caused by sparks in the electronic circuitry on the electronics side, which could otherwise escape to the terminal side and subsequently into an environment with a sufficient concentration of flammable or explosive gases, leading to a dangerous fire and / or explosion. In this embodiment, the through element 106 may be a PCB having one side with the terminal element and another side with the electronic element. The electronic element may be positioned on the electronics side of the interference-fit standard barrier 199, and the terminal element may be positioned on the terminal side of the interference-fit standard barrier 199.

[0091] The following embodiments are contemplated in which one or more of the through element 106 and the pressure distribution element 108 are not part of one or more of components 100 and 200. In these embodiments, the steps and arrangements involving those elements may not be incorporated into the invention. For example, embodiments in which components 100 and / or 200 do not have the through element 106 passing through the interference fit standard barrier 199 are contemplated. Furthermore, embodiments in which components 100 and / or 200 do not have the pressure distribution element 108 are contemplated. Embodiments in which neither the through element 106 nor the pressure distribution element 108 are elements of components 100 and / or 200 are also contemplated.

[0092] After pressing, the spacing between the elements forming the interference fit standard barrier 199 can be limited to prevent flames or explosions from one side of the interference fit standard barrier 199 from reaching the other side. It should be understood that the interference fit standard barrier 199 does not need to be hermetically sealed. Some gas exchange can be allowed through the interference fit standard barrier 199. To ensure that gas flow is restricted, the space between one or more elements forming the interference fit standard barrier 199 can be limited to a predetermined threshold, for example, less than two-thousandths of an inch, three-thousandths of an inch, or five-thousandths of an inch. In an embodiment, any space between the barrier member 102 and the orifice 104 can be less than the predetermined threshold. In an embodiment, any space between the peripheral edge 124 and the conformal internal peripheral edge 150 is less than the predetermined threshold. In an embodiment, any space between the through element 106 and the barrier member 102 is less than the predetermined threshold. In an embodiment, any space between the through element 106 and the internal channel 126 of the barrier member 102 is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0093] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As can be seen in the figures, these two illustrations depict an embodiment of the pre-press assembly 200, where, prior to pressing, the side of the pressure block 220 opposite to its pressure side 226 can engage with one or more of the pressure distribution element 108 and the through element 106. If the pressure block 220 engages at least partially with the through element 106, the pressure block 220 may have a recess (not shown) that receives at least a portion of the through element 106. In some embodiments, when the pressure block 220 is pressed with the through element 106 partially engaged in the recess of the pressure block 220, a portion of the through element 106 can be intentionally bent into a desired final shape. This bending can better accommodate certain connectors used for electronic device components. In one embodiment, the pressure block 220 may have an internal channel for receiving an alignment element 222, such as an alignment pin 224 coupled to a corresponding hole in the first surface 152.

[0094] The pressure distribution element 108 can receive unevenly distributed pressure from the pressure block 220 on the side of the pressure distribution element 108 to which pressure is applied. The pressure distribution element 108 may have a substantially uniform and / or flat opposite side (opposite to the side to which pressure is applied by the pressure block 220) that applies uniform pressure to elements on the opposite side, such as the barrier member 102. In an embodiment, the pressure distribution element 108 may have a hole for receiving an alignment element 222, such as an alignment pin 224 coupled to a corresponding hole in the first surface 152. In this embodiment, the hole in the pressure distribution element 108 (and possibly additional holes) may also be used to couple the pressure distribution element 108 to a first side 197 of the interference fit standard barrier 199, thereby potentially enhancing the interference fit standard barrier 199. In this embodiment, the pressure distribution element 108 may abut against a first facet 120 of the barrier member 102. In an alternative embodiment that does not use the pressure distribution element 108, the pressure block 220 may engage directly with the barrier member 102 to press the barrier member 102.

[0095] The barrier member 102 may engage with one or more of the pressure distribution element 108 and the pressure block 220 on the first face 120. The barrier member 102 may engage with the orifice 104, possibly at the peripheral edge 124 of the barrier member 102. The pre-pressing assembly 200 may engage the peripheral edge 124 of the barrier member 102 with an internal portion of the orifice 104, such as a conformal internal peripheral edge 150.

[0096] Before pressing, the barrier member 102 may engage only partially with the orifice 104. For example, in one embodiment, only a portion of the peripheral edge 124 engages and / or conforms with the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 before pressing. Before pressing, the peripheral edge 124 and the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 may be at least partially conformal because the peripheral edge 124 and the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 are angular and / or complementary and / or conformal to each other; possibly, the peripheral edge 124 has an angle 128, and the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 has a complementary angle 158. For example, in one embodiment, the angle 128 and the complementary angle 158 may be negative values ​​relative to a particular reference, such as barrier reference line 130 and orifice reference line 156. It should be understood that the angle 128 and the complementary angle 158 may be exaggerated in the figures for illustrative purposes. In embodiments where only a portion of the peripheral edge 124 conforms to the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 before pressing, pressing can cause the inner peripheral edge 124 to deform together with the rest of the barrier member 102, resulting in a deformed peripheral edge 124 having a larger complementary and / or conformal surface area shared between the peripheral edge 124 and the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 compared to before pressing, which may contribute to the formation of the interference fit standard barrier 199.

[0097] The orifice 104 may be an element of a rigid structure, such as housing 110, which provides a base for providing reverse pressure that can be transmitted through the orifice 104, possibly via conformal inner peripheral edge 150, to resist pressure applied to the first face 120 of barrier member 102.

[0098] In this embodiment, the arrangement of the elements of the pre-pressing assembly 200 can be, in sequence, from the first side 197 to the second side 198 (in the pressure direction 196) as a pressure block 220, a pressure distribution element 108, a barrier member 102, and an orifice 104. It should be understood that the barrier member 102 may partially coincide with and engage with a portion of the interior of the orifice 104, such that a portion of the barrier member 102 and the orifice 104 overlap in the direction from the first side 197 to the second side 198 (and / or the pressure direction 196). Furthermore, a through element 106 may be disposed inside one or more of the elements—such as a recess in the pressure block 220, a groove 182 in the pressure distribution element 108, or an internal channel 126 in the barrier member 102—and pass through a portion of the orifice 104. The through element 106 may have one end, for example, located partially in the recess of the pressure block 220, on an axis defined by the pressure direction 196 defined from the first side 197 to the second side 198, and another end located on the second side 198 before pressing. In embodiments where the pressure distribution element 108 is not used, the sequence may be the same, except that the pressure distribution element 108 is not included.

[0099] Figure 3 A perspective view of an embodiment of the barrier member 102 used to form the interference fit standard barrier 199 is shown. Figure 3 The barrier component 102 presented therein can be Figure 2A and Figure 2B The barrier member 102 presented herein (before pressing) may require specialized components to generate the interference-fit standard barrier 199. Existing components are not specifically constructed for this purpose, and may not be readily adaptable to the purpose of forming the interference-fit standard barrier 199. For example, existing polymer bushings are typically layered with significant discontinuities between discontinuous horizontal heights and have circular internal channels 126, which are unsuitable for receiving through elements 106 such as PCBs and for forming the interference-fit standard barrier 199 around them. Before pressing, the applicant's barrier member 102 may have one or more properties that make the barrier member 102 better suited for generating the interference-fit standard barrier 199 and / or the application of the interference-fit standard barrier 199 with through elements 106.

[0100] The barrier member 102 can be adapted for this application by combining the following features already described with respect to the barrier member 102: for example, by having a peripheral edge 124 that interacts with the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 of the orifice 104; by having conformal and / or complementary portions of the peripheral edge 124 and the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 before pressing; by having a peripheral edge 124 with an angle 128; by having a surface area of ​​the first face 120 that is larger than that of the second face 122; by being constructed of the barrier member 102 from a material having suitable properties (as described in this specification) for manufacturing an interference fit standard barrier 199; by being constructed of a material having properties related to the element defining the orifice 104 (on which pressure is applied during pressing, such as the conformal inner peripheral edge 150); by having a portion of the first face 120 have a surface area larger than any cross-section of the orifice 104, etc. This list of features is exemplary and envisions all features described in this specification with respect to embodiments of barrier member 102 to improve barrier member 102 and the manner in which barrier member 102 is used in interference fit standard barrier 199.

[0101] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Views illustrating other embodiments of the invention are shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The elements indicated by the reference numerals in the attached drawings are Figures 1 to 3 Embodiments of elements indicated by similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0102] Figure 4 A perspective view of an embodiment of the pre-joining assembly 400 prior to the engagement of the barrier member 102 with the orifice 104 is shown.

[0103] Figure 5 A perspective view of an embodiment of the retaining assembly 500 after the pressure distributing element 108 is attached to the first surface 152 is shown. In this embodiment, the pressure distributing element 108 is attached to the retaining assembly 500 using a connecting element 180. A portion of the connecting element 180 may be received by holes in the first surface 152, wherein some of the holes may have been used as elements complementary to and / or aligned with the alignment element 222 before and during pressing.

[0104] flow chart

[0105] Figures 6 to 9A flowchart illustrating embodiments of methods for engaging elements of the pre-press assembly 200, pressing elements of the pre-press assembly 200, forming the post-press assembly 100, and fixing the post-press assembly 100 to form the fixed assembly 500 is shown. The methods disclosed in the flowcharts are not exhaustive and only show potential embodiments of steps and sequences. These methods must be interpreted within the context of the entire specification, including the elements disclosed in the description of the interference fit standard barrier 199, the description of the pressing assembly 100, the description of the pre-press assembly 200, and / or Figures 1 to 5 Any of the elements disclosed herein. The methods represented by the flowcharts and corresponding descriptions shall be interpreted in the context of the entire specification, including... Figures 1 to 5 The components disclosed in the description. The barrier component 102, orifice 104, through component 106, pressure distribution component 108, housing 110, interference fit standard barrier 199, post-press assembly 100, pre-press assembly 200, first side 197, second side 198, first face 120, second face 122, peripheral edge 124, internal channel 126, angle 128, barrier reference line 130, component depth 123, conformal internal peripheral edge 150, first surface 152, second surface 154, orifice reference line 156, complementary angle 158, first opening 160, second opening 162, orifice depth 164, connecting element 180, groove 182, pressure block 220, alignment element 222, alignment pin 224, and pressure side 226 may be as follows: Figures 1 to 3The disclosed embodiments include barrier component 102, orifice 104, through element 106, pressure distribution element 108, housing 110, pressure direction 196, interference fit standard barrier 199, pressed assembly 100, pre-pressed assembly 200, first side 197, second side 198, first face 120, second face 122, peripheral edge 124, internal channel 126, angle 128, barrier reference line 130, component depth 123, conformal internal peripheral edge 150, first surface 152, second surface 154, orifice reference line 156, complementary angle 158, first opening 160, second opening 162, orifice depth 164, connecting element 180, groove 182, pressure direction 196, pressure block 220, alignment element 222, alignment pin 224, and pressure side 226, but... In alternative embodiments, any suitable barrier component 102, orifice 104, through element 106, pressure distribution element 108, housing 110, interference fit standard barrier 199, post-press assembly 100, pre-press assembly 200, first side 197, second side 198, first face 120, second face 122, peripheral edge 124, internal channel 126, angle 128, barrier reference line 130, component depth 123, conformal internal peripheral edge 150, first surface 152, second surface 154, orifice reference line 156, complementary angle 158, first opening 160, second opening 162, orifice depth 164, connecting element 180, groove 182, pressure direction 196, pressure block 220, alignment element 222, alignment pin 224, and pressure side 226 may be used.

[0106] Figure 6 A flowchart is shown of an embodiment of a method 600 for forming a component having an interference fit standard barrier 199.

[0107] Step 602 is an optional formation of a component of the pre-pressed assembly 200. This formation 602 may include forming one or more of a barrier member 102, an orifice 104 (and / or a physical element defining the orifice 104), and a through element 106. Step 602 is optional in terms of the extent to which a component can be formed before the start of method 600. The pressure distribution element 108 may also be optionally formed if an embodiment of method 600 incorporates it. The component can be formed by any known method, such as extrusion, molding, 3D printing, casting, connecting sub-elements, or any other known method for forming elements. Any of the elements of the pre-pressed assembly 200 may be formed having any number of features described herein. Regarding the barrier member 102, the physical properties of the material may complicate conventional forming methods. In these embodiments, the barrier member 102 may be formed by cutting material from a bulk to substantially form a plurality of barrier members 102—the plurality of barrier members 102 may be cut from the bulk or otherwise removed. This could be advantageous for barrier members 102 made of materials with a low coefficient of friction when interacting with conventional materials in the relevant environment (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, or C22 in vibration sensors and / or transmitters). These materials might be too slippery to be handled by hand or tool alone due to a sufficiently low coefficient of friction (e.g., between the tool or hand used and the material of barrier member 102).

[0108] Step 604 involves joining the elements to form the pre-press assembly 200. The elements of the pre-press assembly 200 can be joined by joining conformal portions of the elements. The joining of the through element 106 to the barrier member 102 can be completed prior to the start of this method, such that the through element 106 is already coupled to the barrier member 102. In another embodiment, the through element 106 is joined to the barrier member 102 by passing the through element 106 through an internal channel 126 of the barrier member 102. Joining the pressure block 220 may include one or more of joining a recess of the pressure block 220 to the through element 106, joining the pressure block 220 to an optional pressure distribution element 108, and joining the pressure block 220 to a first facet 120 of the barrier member 102. In embodiments where the pressure distribution element 108 is used to uniformly apply pressure from the pressure block 220 to the barrier member 102 (to compensate for the recess), the pressure block 220 may not be directly joined to the barrier member 102. In other embodiments, where pressure from the pressure block 220 may be applied to the barrier member 102 without using the pressure distribution element 108, the pressure block 220 may engage directly with the barrier member 102. The barrier member 102 may engage with the orifice 104, possibly such that the peripheral edge 124 of the barrier member 102 at least partially engages with at least a portion of the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 of the orifice 104. Once engaged, the barrier member 102 may engage with the orifice 104 such that the barrier member 102 at least partially resides within the orifice 104. In embodiments, engaging the barrier member 102 with the orifice 104 may include fitting the barrier member 102 with the orifice 104 such that the barrier member 102 cannot be further pressed into the orifice 104 without deforming the barrier member 102. Some of the elements may be guided by alignment elements 222, such as alignment pins 224. In one embodiment, one or more of the barrier member 102, pressure distribution element 108, and pressure block 220 may have holes or channels for use as alignment elements 222 to align the elements for pressing using, for example, alignment pins 224. In another embodiment, the first surface 152 may have alignment elements 222, which include holes for receiving guide elements, such as alignment pins 224. In yet another embodiment, the holes and alignment pins 224 may be at least partially threaded to allow for a secure and aligned detachable connection.

[0109] Step 606 involves pressing the pre-pressing assembly 200 to form the pressed assembly 100. In this step, pressure is applied to the pressure block 220, for example, along a pressure direction 196 from the first side 197 to the second side 198. The pressure applied by the pressure block 220 can be applied directly to the first surface 120 of the barrier member 102 or via the pressure distribution element 108. An embodiment without the intermediate pressure block 220 is also contemplated. Step 606 may also apply pressure to the through element 106 via the recess of the pressure block 220. When pressure is applied via step 606, the rigid conformal inner peripheral edge 150 of the orifice 104 can provide opposing pressure to the peripheral edge 124 of the barrier member 102, such that the pressure applied to the first face 120 can cause the barrier member 102 to deform to conform to the narrower portion of the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 near the second side 198, possibly even causing some portions of the barrier member 102 to flow cold through one or more of the first opening 160 and the second opening 162. The directional pressure applied along the pressure direction 196 can be transmitted through a portion of the peripheral edge 124 that is wider than a portion of the conformal inner peripheral edge 150, the wider portion of the peripheral edge 124 being pushed into the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 to create a pressure gradient in the lateral direction between the barrier member 102 and the orifice 104. Some of the energy of the press is transmitted to deform the barrier member 102 to conform to the interior of the orifice 104. Some of the energy from the pressing is converted into stored elastic potential energy in the barrier member 102, such that, within a range of potentially predetermined operating conditions, the stored elastic potential energy can force the barrier member 102 to responsively expand and / or contract to maintain the interference-fit standard barrier 199. It should be understood that the element having the orifice 104 (possibly the housing 110) can expand and contract at a different rate than the expansion of the barrier member 102, and the stored elastic potential energy maintains the interference-fit standard barrier 199 in response to the expansion and / or contraction of the orifice 104. In an embodiment, some of the energy from the pressing may also be transferred to deform the barrier member 102, causing a portion of the barrier member 102 to cool, possibly through one or more of the first opening 160 and the second opening 162 of the orifice 104. In an embodiment with a through element 106, the applied pressure may be sufficient to create an interference fit between the internal channel 126 of the barrier member 102 and the through element 106, possibly creating an interference fit between the through element and the interface between the internal channel 126 and the through element 106 such that the interface between the internal channel 126 and the through element 106 can meet the same fire and explosion protection standards and / or explosion protection standards as the interference fit standard barrier 199 conforms to.

[0110] Step 608 may optionally remove the pressing element. Removing the pressing element may include removing one or more of the pressure block 220, pressure distribution element 108, alignment element 222, and alignment pin 224. In one embodiment, pressure distribution element 108 is used during pressing and then removed. In another embodiment, as shown in step 612, pressure distribution element 108 may be incorporated into the post-press assembly 100.

[0111] Step 610 optionally involves aging the interference-fit standard barrier 199. In embodiments where the interference-fit standard barrier 199 has a polymer component, for example, if barrier member 102 is made of a polymer material, the interference-fit standard barrier 199 can be aged to ensure quality. When initially formed, the polymer elements may still undergo significant structural changes. These changes can include changes in physical structure as well as chemical changes associated with polymer chain interactions. This aging allows the polymer material to settle into a relatively uniform static configuration and allows any chemical or physical interactions to occur between the polymer structural elements. Typically, when a polymer ages, it shrinks. In the context of the interference-fit standard barrier 199, this can be problematic because the space between elements should be limited. As the elements of barrier member 102 shrink, a larger space increases between the polymer material and the non-polymer material. Pressing can store significant elastic potential energy in the pressed polymer elements (e.g., polymer barrier member 102) that form the interference fit, such that although aging causes the polymer elements to shrink, the stored elastic potential energy can offset some of the shrinkage. This stored elastic potential energy and the resulting expansion can mitigate the shrinkage effect caused by aging. This stored elastic potential energy results in a corresponding expansion to effectively fill some of the spaces formed. It should be understood that if, after aging, the gaps between the elements of the interference-fit standard barrier 199 become too large (potentially exceeding a predetermined threshold), the defective interference-fit standard barrier 199 may have to be reformed, or the component with the defective interference-fit standard barrier 199 may be discarded. Aging can be carried out passively by exposing the polymer element to environmental conditions, or aging can be carried out actively, for example by exposing the polymer element to radiation (e.g., sunlight), specific humidity levels, specific chemical environments (e.g., in an oxygen-rich environment), specific temperatures or temperature ranges, physical stress conditions (e.g., vibration), combinations thereof, or other conditions commonly used in the art. Aging can be carried out for an appropriate period of time, such as at least one day, at least one week, at least two weeks, at least one month, periods known in the field of polymer aging, or similar periods. Polymer aging is recognized in the art, and for the sake of brevity, further description of aging is omitted.

[0112] Step 612 optionally secures the pressure distribution element 108 to the post-press assembly 100 to create a fixed assembly 500. The pressure distribution element 108 can be incorporated into the post-press assembly 100 by coupling the pressure distribution element 108 to one or more of the first surface 152 and the barrier member 102. In embodiments where the alignment element 222 has holes for receiving removable alignment elements 222 (possibly alignment pins 224), these holes can also serve as a coupling base for coupling the element 180 of the pressure distribution element 108 to the first surface 152. For example, the coupling element 180 can be a hole through the pressure distribution element 108 and a screw through said hole and engaging with a hole in the first surface 152. In embodiments where these holes in the first surface 152 are threaded to receive threaded alignment pins 224, the screw for securing the pressure distribution element 108 can be threaded such that said threads correspond to the threads in the holes in the first surface 152. In one embodiment, the first surface 152 may have additional holes, possibly threaded holes, which are not used for aligning components of the pre-press assembly 200, but rather for attaching the pressure distribution element 108 to the first surface 152. In this embodiment, the pressure distribution element 108 may have the same number of holes and / or screws as the first surface 152. In various embodiments, steps 608 through 612 may be performed in any order after step 606.

[0113] The following embodiments are envisioned in which one or more of the through element 106 and the pressure distribution element 108 are not part of component 100 and / or component 200. In these embodiments, steps involving those elements may be omitted.

[0114] In the implementation, Figure 6 Each step in the method shown is a different step. In another embodiment, although in Figure 6 The steps are described as distinct steps, but steps 602 through 612 may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, Figure 6 The method shown may not have all the steps described above, and / or may have other steps that are added to or replace the steps listed above. Figure 6 The steps of method 600 shown can be performed in a different order. The steps listed above are... Figure 6 A subset of the steps of method 600 shown can be used to form their own methods. The steps of method 600 can be repeated any number of times in any combination and order, for example, continuously looped to form multiple interference-fitting standard barriers 199.

[0115] Figure 7A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 700 for forming a barrier member 102 is shown. Method 700 may be an embodiment of step 602.

[0116] Step 702 is to form barrier member 102. Barrier member 102 can be formed by any known method, such as by extrusion, molding, 3D printing, casting, connecting sub-elements, any other known method for forming elements, etc. Regarding barrier member 102, the physical properties of the material can make conventional forming methods complex. In these embodiments, barrier member 102 can be formed by cutting material from a bulk to substantially form multiple barrier members 102, which can then be cut from the bulk or otherwise removed. This can be advantageous for barrier member 102 made of a material with a low coefficient of friction when interacting with conventional materials in the relevant environment (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, or C22 in vibration sensors and / or transmitters). These materials may be too slippery to be handled by hand or tool alone due to a sufficiently low coefficient of friction (e.g., between the tool or hand used and the material of barrier member 102). Step 702 itself can be an implementation of step 602.

[0117] In other embodiments, Figure 7 The methods shown may have additional steps that are added to or replace the steps listed above. The steps listed above are... Figure 7 A subset of the steps of method 700 shown can be used to form their own methods. The steps of method 700 can be repeated any number of times, for example, continuously looped to form multiple barrier members 102.

[0118] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 800 for joining elements to form a pre-pressed assembly 200 is shown. Method 800 may be an embodiment of step 604. The elements of the pre-pressed assembly 200 may be joined by joining conformal portions of the elements. The joining steps presented may be performed in any order.

[0119] Step 802 may optionally engage alignment elements 222. Some of the engaged elements may be guided by alignment elements 222, such as alignment pins 224. In an embodiment, one or more of the barrier member 102, pressure distribution element 108, and pressure block 220 may have holes or channels serving as alignment elements 222 for pressing to align elements using, for example, alignment pins 224. In an embodiment, the first surface 152 may have alignment elements 222, which include holes for receiving guide elements, such as alignment pins 224. In an embodiment, the holes and alignment pins 224 may be at least partially threaded to allow for a secure and aligned detachable connection. In an embodiment, step 802 may include engaging alignment pins 224, possibly securing alignment pins 224 to other alignment elements 222 in the first surface 152.

[0120] Step 804 may optionally engage the through element 106 with the barrier member 102. In some embodiments, the through element 106 is not connected to the barrier member 102 prior to this method. In this embodiment, the through element 106 may be engaged with the barrier member 102 by passing the through element 106 through the barrier member 102, possibly through the internal channel 126. In this embodiment, a press that may occur after method 800 may result in a connection between the through element 106 and the barrier member 102, for example, at least a portion of the through element 106 may be connected to the internal channel 126 of the barrier member 102 by an interference fit. In embodiments where the through element 106 is already connected to the barrier member 102 before the method begins, step 804 may be redundant. Furthermore, step 804 itself may be an implementation of step 604.

[0121] Step 806 involves engaging the barrier member 102 with the orifice 104. The barrier member 102 may engage with the orifice 104 such that the peripheral edge 124 of the barrier member 102 at least partially engages with the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 of the orifice 104. Once engaged, the barrier member 102 may engage with the orifice 104 such that the barrier member 102 is at least partially residing within the orifice 104. In an embodiment, the barrier member 102 may engage with the orifice 104 such that the barrier member 102 cannot be further pushed into the orifice 104 without deforming the barrier member 102.

[0122] Step 808 may optionally engage the pressure distribution element 108 with the barrier member 102. In embodiments where the pressure distribution element 108 is used in assembly 100 and / or assembly 200, the pressure distribution element 108 may engage with the barrier member 102. If the barrier member 102 has an engaging through element 106, engaging the pressure distribution element 108 with the barrier member 102 may include engaging the through element 106 with a groove 182 in the pressure distribution element 108. In embodiments where the pressure distribution element 108 engages with the barrier member 102 prior to engagement with the through element 106, the through element 106 may engage with the pre-press assembly 200 by passing through both the pressure distribution element 108 and the barrier member 102 simultaneously, potentially eliminating the need for a separate step 802.

[0123] Step 810 may optionally engage the pressure block 220. Engaging the pressure block 220 may include engaging one or more of the following: engaging a recess of the pressure block 220 with the through element 106, engaging the pressure block 220 with an optional pressure distribution element 108, and engaging the pressure block 220 with a first facet 120 of the barrier member 102. In embodiments where pressure from the pressure block 220 is uniformly applied to the barrier member 102 (to compensate for the recess) using the pressure distribution element 108, the pressure block 220 may not be directly engaged with the barrier member 102. In other embodiments, possibly where pressure from the pressure block 220 is not applied to the barrier member 102 using the pressure distribution element 108, the pressure block 220 may be directly engaged with the barrier member 102. Combinations of both are contemplated, such as the presence of the pressure distribution element 108 in component 100 or component 200, but it is also contemplated that at least some direct contact still exists between the pressure block 220 and the barrier member 102.

[0124] Furthermore, in embodiments using alignment element 222, pressure block 220 may have a hole or recess for receiving portion of alignment element 222, such as alignment pin 224. In such embodiments, engagement step 808 may include engaging pressure block 220 with alignment element 222, for example, engaging pressure block 220 with alignment pin 224. This step is optional because embodiments applying pressure via something other than pressure block 220 are contemplated.

[0125] Embodiments are envisioned in which one or more of the through element 106 and the pressure distribution element 108 are not part of component 100 and / or component 200. In these embodiments, parts of the steps involving those elements may be omitted.

[0126] In the implementation, Figure 8Each step in the method shown is a different step. In another embodiment, although in Figure 8 The steps are described as distinct, but steps 802 through 810 may not be distinct. In other embodiments, Figure 8 The method shown may not have all the steps described above, and / or may have other steps that are added to or replace the steps listed above. Figure 8 The steps of method 800 shown can be performed in a different order. The steps listed above are... Figure 8 A subset of the steps of method 800 shown can be used to form their own methods. The steps of method 800 can be repeated any number of times in any combination and order, for example, in a continuous loop to form multiple interference-fitting standard barriers 199.

[0127] Figure 9 A flowchart is shown of an embodiment of a method 900 for pressing a pre-pressed component 200 to form a pressed component 100. Method 900 may be an embodiment of step 606.

[0128] Step 902 involves applying pressure to form the interference fit standard barrier 199. In one embodiment, pressure is applied to a first side of the pressure block 220. In embodiments where the pressure block 220 is not used, pressure may be applied directly to either the barrier member 102 or the housing having the orifice 104. Pressure may be applied by any machine configured to press the element, such as a mechanical press. Pressure may be applied along a pressure direction 196 from the first side 197 to the second side 198. Pressure may be applied to the pressure block 220 of the pre-pressing assembly 200, possibly to the pressure side 226 of the pressure block 220. Pressure is applied via the pressure block 220 to the element on which the pressure block 220 engages. The pressure applied via the pressure block 220 may be applied directly to the first face 120 of the barrier member 102 or via the pressure distribution element 108. Pressing may also be applied to the through element 106 via the recess of the pressure block 220. When pressure is applied during step 606, the rigid conformal inner peripheral edge 150 of orifice 104 can provide opposing pressure to the peripheral edge 124 of barrier member 102, such that the pressure applied to the first face 120 may cause barrier member 102 to deform to conform to a narrower portion of the conformal inner peripheral edge 150 closer to the second side 198, possibly even causing some cold flow in barrier member 102 through one or more of the first opening 160 and the second opening 162. Step 902 itself can be an implementation of step 606. In an implementation, any of steps 608 to 612 may optionally be performed in any order after pressing step 902. In the same or different implementations, any one of steps 602 to 604 may optionally be performed in any order before pressing step 902.

[0129] The pressure required in step 902 can be reduced by the arrangement of the elements of the pre-pressed assembly 200. For example, the applied pressure can be less than or equal to 3000 pounds. Compression of the non-ductile barrier member 102 requires significantly higher pressure. Furthermore, by allowing the barrier member 102 to deform and / or flow cold into the orifice 104, less pressure will be required to produce the interference fit standard barrier 199 compared to a case where the orifice 104 is not adapted to the expansion and potential overflow of the barrier member 102 under pressure, without providing an opposite face. The depth of the orifice 104 between its first surface 152 and second surface 154 is greater than or less than the width of the barrier member 102 between its first face 120 and second face 122, which can facilitate expansion and potential overflow. The orifice 104 having a second opening 162 can facilitate expansion and potential overflow, possibly allowing (during pressing) a portion of the deformed barrier member 102 to partially protrude from the second opening 162. The result of step 902 can be a pressed assembly 100.

[0130] In this implementation, to ensure sufficient elastic potential energy is stored in the barrier member 102 after pressing, the barrier member 102 is not heated before and / or after pressing. Heating may cause the barrier member 102 to expand or contract, and subsequent cooling may cause the barrier member 102 to contract or expand additionally, potentially damaging the interference fit standard barrier 199 as the barrier member 102 cools. This is facilitated by ensuring that the barrier member 102 remains at a temperature below the melting point determined at standard temperatures and pressures of the material constituting the barrier member 102 before, during, and after pressing the element and engaging the element.

[0131] Embodiments are envisioned in which one or more of the through element 106 and the pressure distribution element 108 are not part of component 100 and / or component 200. In these embodiments, steps involving those elements may be omitted.

[0132] In other embodiments, Figure 9 The methods shown may include additional steps that are added to or replace the steps listed above. The steps listed above are... Figure 9 A subset of the steps of method 900 shown can be used to form their own methods. The steps of method 900 can be repeated any number of times, such as in a continuous loop, to form multiple pressed components 100 and / or fixed components 500.

[0133] system

[0134] Figure 10 A block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system 1000 having an interference fit standard barrier 1099 is shown. The system 1000 includes electrical components 1002, a device 1004, a network 1008, a first communication channel 1020, and a second communication channel 1022. The electrical components 1002 include a through-PCB 1006, electronic components 1010, terminals 1012, a terminal side 1097, an electronic component side 1098, and the interference fit standard barrier 1099.

[0135] Electrical component 1002 is a component that processes data from components and / or transmits data to or between components. In one embodiment, electrical component 1002 is a transmitter configured to communicate with device 1004 (e.g., a sensor) and network 1008. In this embodiment, the transmitter may include electronics 1010, which may perform one or more of the following functions: acting as a transceiver between devices 1004, storing data from device 1004, processing data from device 1004, transmitting data to device 1004, and receiving data from device 1004. Electrical component 1002 may have an assembly (e.g., a pressed assembly 100 or a fixed assembly 500) with an interference-fit standard barrier 1099. The interference-fit standard barrier 1099 may be an embodiment of interference-fit standard barrier 199. Interference-fitting standard barrier 1099 may provide a fire-resistant and / or explosion-proof barrier (possibly satisfying one or more of the “Ex d” and “Exe” IEC standards) between terminal side 1097 and electronic device side 1098. Terminal side 1097 and electronic device side 1098 may be embodiments of first side 197 and second side 198, respectively. Terminal side 1097 may have terminal 1012, i.e., an element configured to electronically communicate with external networked elements via network 1008. Electronic device side 1098 may have electronic device 1010, which is an electronic device for processing, storing, and / or transmitting data. In embodiments, one or more data processed, stored, or transmitted by electronic device 1010 may be data representing one or more of the following: flow rate, density, viscosity, sound velocity, time delay, phase shift, frequency, temperature, fluid composition, ventilation or porosity, response signal, drive signal, other signals associated with vibration sensors, etc. Electrical component 1002 may have a through PCB 1006 passing through interference fit standard barrier 1099 to allow communication between the terminal side 1097 of interference fit standard barrier 1099 and the electronic component side 1098. The through PCB 1006 may be an embodiment of through element 106. Although not shown, in an embodiment, interference fit standard barrier 1099 may have a fixing assembly 500 having a coupled pressure distribution element 108.

[0136] Device 1004 is an electronic component configured to communicate data with electrical component 1002. Device 1004 may communicate with the electronics 1010 of electrical component 1002 via a second communication channel 1022. In embodiments, device 1004 is a sensor, such as a Coriolis flow sensor, density meter, viscometer, pressure sensor, any other device 1004 for measuring fluid properties, vibration sensor, and / or the like. In this embodiment, electrical component 1002 may be a transmitter configured to transmit data to and from device 1004, said data being, for example, sensor data. In various embodiments, sensor data may include one or more of the following: flow rate measurement, density measurement, viscosity measurement, pressure measurement, pickup signal, time delay or phase shift associated with Coriolis force, frequency, phase difference, phase error, command frequency, other commands, and / or the like.

[0137] Network 1008 is an electronic communication medium capable of communicating with any number of devices 1004 and / or electrical components 1002 and storing or transmitting data as needed. Network 1008 can perform one or more of the following: storing data on electrical components 1002, transmitting data to electrical components 1002, or receiving data from electrical components 1002. Networking elements can be used to issue commands to one or more of electrical components 1002 and devices 1004 and / or receive data from one or more of electrical components 1002 and devices 1004. These network 1008 elements can also process data from one or more of electrical components 1002 and devices 1004. The transmitted or processed data may include one or more of the following: sensor data, flow measurement, command signals, data retrieval, data writing, setting adjustments, and / or the like.

[0138] Although system 1000 has been described in the context of a transmitter for a sensor, it should be understood that the implementation of the interference-coordinated standard barrier 199 can be used in any appliance with internal electronics. This can include appliances not configured to communicate with any other external electronics (e.g., not configured to communicate with device 1004 and / or network 1008).

[0139] The detailed description of the embodiments above is not an exhaustive description of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to fall within the scope of this specification. In fact, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above embodiments can be combined or eliminated in various ways to produce other embodiments, and such other embodiments are within the scope and teachings of this specification. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above embodiments can be combined, in whole or in part, to produce additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of this specification. When specific numbers representing parameter values ​​are specified, ranges between all such numbers, as well as ranges above and below these numbers, are contemplated and disclosed.

[0140] Therefore, although specific embodiments have been described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of this specification, as those skilled in the art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other methods and apparatus for manufacturing interference-fit standard barriers, and not only to the embodiments described above and those shown in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the scope of the above embodiments should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A component (100, 200) having an interference-fit standard barrier (199), said component (100, 200) being adapted to be pressed to form an explosion-proof and / or fire-proof barrier certified to meet Ex d and / or Ex e International Electrotechnical Commission standards, said component (100, 200) comprising: Orifice (104) in the component; as well as Barrier member (102), the barrier member (102) comprising: First face (120); Second face (122); A peripheral edge (124) located between the first face (120) and the second face (122) is at least partially angled at an angle (128) relative to a barrier reference line (130), the barrier reference line being perpendicular to at least a portion of the first face (120) and at least a portion of the second face (122), the angle (128) being inclined from the first face (120) toward the second face (122); An internal channel (126) extends through a component depth (123) of the barrier member (102), the component depth (123) being between the first facet (120) and the second facet (122), the internal channel (126) having a length greater than its width in the surfaces of the first facet (120) and the second facet (122). The barrier member (102) is made of a polymer; and The orifice (104) includes an inner peripheral edge (150) that conforms to the peripheral edge (124) of the barrier member (102).

2. The component (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein, The barrier component (102) is at least partially composed of fluorocarbons.

3. The component (100, 200) according to claim 2, wherein, The fluorocarbon compound is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

4. A component (100, 200) comprising: Barrier member (102), the barrier member (102) comprising: First face (120); Second face (122); The peripheral edge (124) located between the first face (120) and the second face (122); and An internal channel (126) extends through a component depth (123) of the barrier member (102), the component depth (123) being between the first face (120) and the second face (122); An element having an aperture (104), said aperture (104) comprising: First opening (160); The second opening (162); and The conformal inner periphery edge (150) is located between the first opening (160) and the second opening (162). The barrier member (102) is at least partially engaged to the orifice (104), and the barrier member (102) is engaged to the orifice (104) by the peripheral edge (124) conformally engaging with the conformal inner peripheral edge (150). The barrier member (102) is at least partially made of a material with greater ductility than the material constituting the element having the orifice (104). The second face (122) of the barrier member (102) is located inside the orifice (104). The components (100, 200) are pre-pressed components (200) that can be pressed to form an interference fit standard barrier (199). The barrier member (102) includes a pressure block (220) having at least one surface that engages with at least a portion of a through element (106), at least a portion of a pressure distribution element (108) that contacts the barrier member, and at least a portion of the barrier member (102), wherein the pressure block (220) has at least one recess, wherein the pressure block (220) engages at least partially with the through element (106) in the at least one recess.

5. The component (100, 200) according to claim 4, wherein, The component depth (123) is less than the orifice depth (164) between the first opening (160) and the second opening (162).

6. The component (100, 200) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein, The surface area of ​​the first face (120) is greater than the surface area of ​​the owner of the second face (122), the first opening (160) and the second opening (162), wherein the surface area of ​​the second face (122) is smaller than the surface area of ​​the first opening (160), but the surface area of ​​the second face (122) is greater than the surface area of ​​the second opening (162).

7. The component (100, 200) according to any one of claims 4 to 6 further comprises a through element (106) engaging with the internal channel (126) by passing through the internal channel (126), wherein, When the through element (106) engages with the barrier member (102), the through element (106) has a portion located on each side of the barrier member (102).

8. The component (100, 200) according to any one of claims 4 to 7 further comprises a pressure distributing element (108), the face of the pressure distributing element (108) engaging with the first face (120) of the barrier member (102), the pressure distributing element (108) having a groove (182) extending from a surface of the pressure distributing element (108) to an opposite surface of the pressure distributing element (108), wherein, When the pressure distribution element (108) engages with the barrier member (102), the groove (182) coincides with the internal channel (126), creating a passage through both the barrier member (102) and the pressure distribution element (108).

9. The component (100, 200) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein, The barrier member (102) engages with the orifice (104) such that the barrier member (102) cannot be further pushed into the orifice (104) without deforming the barrier member (102).

10. The component (100, 200) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein, The element having the orifice (104) has a first surface (152) surrounding the first opening (160) of the orifice (104), wherein the first surface (152) has an alignment element (222) to align one or more engaged elements.

11. The component (100, 200) according to claim 10, wherein, The alignment element (222) includes a hole in the first surface (152) and an alignment pin (224) that can be detachably connected to the hole in the first surface (152), wherein one or more of the pressure block (220) and the pressure distribution element (108) have holes for receiving the alignment pin (224) to align the one or more engaged elements.

12. A component (100, 200) forming an explosion-proof and / or fire-proof barrier certified to meet Ex d and / or Ex e International Electrotechnical Commission standards, comprising: Interference matching standard barrier (199), wherein the interference matching standard barrier (199) comprises: A barrier member (102) made of a solid polymer, the barrier member (102) comprising: First face (120); Second face (122); Peripheral edge (124); and An element having an aperture (104), the element being made of a material with less ductility than the material constituting the barrier member (102), the aperture (104) having a conformal inner peripheral edge (150), at least a portion of the conformal inner peripheral edge (150) coinciding with at least a portion of the peripheral edge (124), The barrier member (102) has stored elastic potential energy, which exerts pressure on the orifice (104) and maintains the interference fit standard barrier (199); and The conformal inner peripheral edge (150) further includes a complementary angle (158) relative to the peripheral edge (124).

13. The component (100, 200) according to claim 12, wherein, Any gap between the barrier member (102) and the orifice (104) in the interference fit standard barrier (199) is less than five-thousandths of an inch.

14. The component (100, 200) according to any one of claims 12 to 13 further comprises a through element (106), wherein, The through element (106) passes through the interference fit standard barrier (199) through an internal channel (126) at least through the barrier member (102), wherein any gap between the through element (106) and the internal channel (126) is less than five-thousandths of an inch.

15. The component (100, 200) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 further comprises a pressure distribution element (108), wherein, The pressure distribution element (108) is connected by a connecting element (180) which is connected to a first surface (152) surrounding a first side (197) of the orifice (104).

16. The component (100, 200) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein, The peripheral edge (124) forms an angle (128) with respect to the barrier reference line (130), and the conformal inner peripheral edge (150) forms a complementary angle (158) with respect to the orifice reference line (156), wherein the orifice reference line (156) and the barrier reference line (130) coincide, and wherein both the angle (128) and the complementary angle (158) are less than 5 degrees and greater than 0 degrees.

17. The component (100, 200) according to any one of claims 4 to 16, wherein, Under standard temperature and pressure, the static, dry and clean coefficient of friction between the material constituting the peripheral edge (124) and the material constituting the conformal internal peripheral edge (150) is less than 0.

2.

18. The component (100, 200) according to any one of claims 4 to 16, wherein, The volume of the barrier member (102) is larger than the volume of the orifice (104).

19. The component (100, 200) according to any one of claims 4 to 16, wherein, The element having the aperture (104) is a housing for an electrical component (1002), the housing having a terminal side (1097) and an electronic component side (1098), the terminal side (1097) having at least one terminal (1012) for connection to a network (1008), the electronic component side (1098) having an electronic component (1010) for communication with a device (1004), wherein the first face (120) faces the terminal side (1097), and the second face (122) faces the electronic component side (1098).

20. A method for manufacturing an assembly (100, 200) having an interference-fit standard barrier (199) and forming an explosion-proof and / or fire-proof barrier certified to meet Ex d and / or Ex e International Electrotechnical Commission standards, the method comprising: A barrier member (102) made of a solid polymer having a peripheral edge (124) is joined to an element having an orifice (104) having a conformal inner peripheral edge (150), wherein, when the barrier member (102) is joined to the orifice (104), at least a portion of the peripheral edge (124) engages and conforms with at least a portion of the conformal inner peripheral edge (150), wherein the barrier member (102) is at least partially, but not completely, located within the orifice (104), and Pressure is applied to the barrier member (102) to form the interference fit standard barrier (199) with the orifice (104), wherein elastic potential energy from the applied pressure is stored in the barrier member (102), and the elastic potential energy causes a force to be applied through at least a portion of the peripheral edge (124) abutting against at least a portion of the conformal inner peripheral edge (150); and The conformal inner peripheral edge (150) further includes a complementary angle (158) relative to the peripheral edge (124).

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The applied pressure is less than or equal to 3000 pounds, and is mainly distributed on the pressure distribution element (108).

22. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 21, wherein, The applied pressure is sufficient to make the gap depth of any gap present within the interference fit standard barrier (199) less than two-thousandths of an inch.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, Applying pressure to the barrier member (102) includes applying pressure via a pressure distribution element (108), wherein the face of the pressure distribution element (108) pressing on the barrier member (102) is substantially flat, thereby allowing pressure to be applied to the barrier member (102) substantially uniformly.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein, Pressure is applied through the pressure block (220).

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24 further comprises aligning portions of the components (100, 200) using one or more alignment elements (222).

26. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 25 further comprises forming the barrier member (102) by cutting material from a material block having sufficient material for forming more than one barrier member (102).

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