Reduced pressure assembly and method
By designing a thinned area on the container or lid, the venting system solves the problem of uncontrolled release when the container reaches maximum pressure, achieving a controlled pressure reduction effect. It is suitable for applications such as aerosol cans, battery cell containers, and pressure vessels.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
- Filing Date
- 2021-08-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
Smart Images
Figure CN116507564B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-references to related applications
[0002] This application claims the benefits of U.S. Application No. 17 / 395,727, filed August 6, 2021, and U.S. Application No. 63 / 062,588, filed August 7, 2020, entitled “Decompression Component and Method,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field
[0003] This disclosure relates to a lid or container having one or more decompression features for venting and decompression of the container. Background Technology
[0004] Various types of containers or canisters are used to hold or contain contents that may be initially pressurized or become pressurized over time. For example, an aerosol canister may be pressurized with an aerosol and may maintain this initial pressure until the user releases the aerosol, thus reducing the pressure within the canister. In some cases, containers may be pressurized and maintain their initial pressure level throughout the entire lifespan of their contents. In other cases, the container becomes pressurized over time due to one or more factors that cause it to become pressurized, such as a chemical reaction occurring within the container.
[0005] In any of the pressurization scenarios described above, one or more features may be constructed to or along one or more portions of the container, allowing for venting of the container if necessary. In cases where the pressure inside the container increases after it has been initially sealed, venting features may be included to prevent over-pressurization, which could lead to the uncontrolled release of the contents of the container.
[0006] While the various venting features available provide for venting or depressurizing containers containing contents that become pressurized over time, there is a need for improved apparatus and methods to allow for more controlled depressurization based on predetermined factors associated with the contents of a particular container. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to an exhaust system including the walls of a lid or container defining a central longitudinal axis, a straight section measurable from the longitudinal axis to the outermost surface of the lid or container, and a pressure-reducing feature disposed along the lid or container. The pressure-reducing feature includes a thinned region of the lid or container, the defined region having a minimum thickness less than 40% of the maximum thickness of the lid or container wall. The pressure-reducing feature extends at least 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis and is located at a distance from the longitudinal axis exceeding 80% of the straight section.
[0008] In some embodiments, the minimum thickness of the thinning region is less than 30% of the maximum thickness of each lid or container. In some embodiments, the minimum thickness of the thinning region is less than 20% of the maximum thickness of each lid or container. In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing feature is located at a position more than 90% of the distance from the longitudinal axis to the straight section. In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing feature includes a first notch along the inner side of the lid or container and a second notch along the outer side of the lid or container, with the thinning region disposed between the first and second notches. In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing feature includes a first notch that is disposed only on the outer side of the lid or container. In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing feature includes a first notch that is disposed only on the inner side of the lid or container.
[0009] In some embodiments, the venting system includes a container with sidewalls defining a central longitudinal axis, and a straight section measurable from the longitudinal axis to a lid or the outermost surface of the container. The venting system also includes a lid coupled to the container at its open end, and a pressure-reducing feature disposed within the sidewall of the container. The pressure-reducing feature includes a thinned region defining a minimum thickness less than 40% of the maximum thickness of the container sidewall, the pressure-reducing feature extending at least 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis, and the pressure-reducing feature located at a position on the straight section at a radial distance from the longitudinal axis exceeding 95% of the length of the straight section.
[0010] In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing feature is located at the bottom end of the container, closer to the bottom wall than at the top end. In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing feature is located at the top end of the container. In some embodiments, the thinning region defines a first region and a second region, with the first region being thinner than the second region, and the second region being thinner than the sidewall. In some embodiments, the thinning region defines a surface with a parabolic configuration. In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing feature defines a first notch along the outer or inner surface of the sidewall. In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing feature also defines a second notch along another of the outer or inner surfaces of the sidewall.
[0011] In some embodiments, the venting system includes the wall of a lid or container defining a central longitudinal axis, a straight section measurable from the longitudinal axis to the outermost surface of the lid or container, and a pressure-reducing feature disposed along the lid or container. In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing feature includes a thinned region of the lid or container defining a minimum thickness less than 40% of the maximum thickness of the wall of each lid or container, and the thinned region is defined by curved surfaces on its opposite sides and at least one flat surface.
[0012] In some embodiments, at least one flat surface comprises a plurality of flat surfaces defining a cross-sectional geometry. In some embodiments, a pressure-reducing feature is disposed along the lid and at the junction of the central and outer walls of the lid. In some embodiments, the pressure-reducing feature is at least partially defined by a semi-circular notch disposed along the inner surface of the container. In some embodiments, at least one flat surface comprises a first flat surface and a second flat surface connected by an intermediate flat surface.
[0013] The notch is defined, and a first flat surface defines a first plane, a second flat surface defines a second plane, and the first and second planes intersect to form an acute angle. In some embodiments, the decompression feature extends at least 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a container with decompression features according to the first embodiment obtained through section line 1-1 of Figure 3;
[0015] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the edge of the container in Figure 1, which depicts the decompression features in detail;
[0016] Figure 3 is an isometric view of the bottom of the container in Figure 1, depicting the decompression features extending 360 degrees around the container.
[0017] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container with decompression features in the second embodiment, obtained through section line 4-4 of Figure 6;
[0018] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the edge of the container in Figure 4, depicting the decompression characteristics in detail;
[0019] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the bottom of the container in Figure 4, depicting the decompression features extending 360 degrees around the container.
[0020] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the container with decompression features in the third embodiment, obtained through section line 7-7 of Figure 9;
[0021] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the edge of the container in Figure 7, which depicts the decompression features in detail;
[0022] Figure 9 is an isometric view of the bottom of the container in Figure 7, depicting the decompression features extending 360 degrees around the container.
[0023] Figure 10 This is a top isometric view of a lid with pressure-reducing features in a fourth embodiment, the lid being configured to be coupled to a container;
[0024] Figure 11 Through Figure 10 The side cross-sectional view obtained by cutting line 11-11;
[0025] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified detailed view of a portion;
[0026] Figure 13 This is a side cross-sectional view of the container of the fifth embodiment with decompression features;
[0027] Figure 14 yes Figure 14 A partial enlarged detail; and
[0028] Figure 15 Is with Figure 13 A detailed cross-sectional view of the lid coupled to the container. Detailed Implementation
[0029] Before explaining the embodiments of this disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited to the details of the structure and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments of this disclosure are possible, and it can be implemented or performed in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the phrases and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered restrictive. The use of "comprising" and "including" and their variations means including items listed below and their equivalents, as well as additional items and their equivalents. Throughout this disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" indicate a numerical value preceding each term plus or minus 5%.
[0030] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a container that may include a lid, a plate, or another type of closure for sealing contents within the container, the lid or container having one or more pressure-reducing or venting features that allow controlled and targeted pressure reduction when a maximum pressure threshold has been reached within the container. Upon reaching the maximum pressure, the container ruptures at one or more locations along its respective pressure-reducing feature to allow pressure reduction. The venting or pressure-reducing features described herein may be formed along all or part of the peripheral edge of the container or lid, or both the container and the lid. The venting features of this disclosure can be implemented using various techniques, including applications related to aerosol containers, battery cell containers, capacitors, and pressure vessels. In each of these applications, pressure may need to be released due to pressure buildup within the container, and the venting features disclosed herein allow for pressure reduction or venting after a maximum pressure threshold has been reached.
[0031] Referring particularly to Figures 1-3, a first embodiment of an exhaust system 20 comprising a container 22 is shown, wherein a pressure-reducing feature 24 is formed within the container. The container 22 includes a bottom wall 26 and side walls 28. Although wall 26 is referred to as bottom wall 26, it is conceivable that bottom wall 26 could be top wall 26, or could define different, non-vertical directions. The container 22 also includes a bottom end 30 and a top end 32 (see Figure 1-3). Figure 14The sidewall 28 is generally cylindrical in cross-section and extends from the corner 36 connecting the sidewall 28 and the bottom wall 26. The bottom wall 26 and the sidewall 28 each define an inner surface 40 and an outer surface 42. The inner surface 40 defines the internal volume 44 of the container 22, while the outer surface 42 defines the external profile of the container 22. The sidewall 28 further defines a sidewall thickness 46, while the bottom wall 26 defines a bottom wall thickness 48. In some embodiments, the sidewall thickness 46 may be the same as the bottom wall thickness 48, while in other embodiments, the thicknesses 46 and 48 may be different. The maximum thickness of 46 and 48 will be discussed below for various proportions of the decompression feature 24.
[0032] Referring to Figure 1, the longitudinal axis 50 extends through the bottom wall 26 at its central location. In this embodiment, the container 22 is radially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 50 because the decompression feature 24 extends 360 degrees around the corner 36 of the container 22. The figure shows the longitudinal axis 50 extending through the container 22 at its central location and shows a straight segment or radius 52 of the container, which can be measured from the longitudinal axis 50 to the outermost surface 54 of the container 22. Although the distance between the decompression feature 24 and the longitudinal axis 50 shown in the figure exceeds approximately 95% of the radius length, the distance between the decompression feature 24 and the longitudinal axis 50 may exceed approximately 90% of the radius 52 length, or exceed approximately 85% of the radius 52 length, or exceed approximately 80% of the radius 52 length. The aforementioned distances are obtained along the straight segment or radius 52 relative to the outermost surface 54 obtained along a particular straight segment.
[0033] Although the container 22 of this disclosure is depicted as a cylindrical container, it is understood that the container 22 can take different forms and can have a prismatic, rectangular, or cubic cross-section. Therefore, the straight segment 52 disclosed herein can refer to the distance from the longitudinal axis 50 of the container 22 to the outermost surface 54 of one or more straight or flat walls (not shown) that may define the sidewalls of the container 22. In embodiments including prismatic, rectangular, or cubic cross-sections, the length of the straight segment 52 around the longitudinal axis 50 can vary; however, in this embodiment, since the container 22 defines a circular cross-section, the radius 52 around the longitudinal axis 50 is the same. While the container 22 of this embodiment is radially symmetrical, prismatic, rectangular, or cubic containers can be symmetrical about one, two, three, four, or more planes intersecting the longitudinal axis 50.
[0034] Referring to Figure 2, a pressure-reducing feature 24 is shown in detail, which is generally located within or along the corner 36 of the container 22. The pressure-reducing feature 24 includes a thinned region 58 between the inner surface 40 and the outer surface 42, which is configured to rupture if necessary to release pressure from the container 22. The thinned region 58 has a region thickness 60 that is less than about 20% of the maximum thickness of the thicknesses 46, 48. In some embodiments, the region thickness 60 of the thinned region 58 is less than about 25% of the maximum thickness of the thicknesses 46, 48, or less than about 30% of the maximum thickness of the thicknesses 46, 48, or less than about 35% of the maximum thickness of the thicknesses 46, 48, or less than about 40% of the maximum thickness of the thicknesses 46, 48. The region thickness 60 can be adjusted based on the desired performance of the exhaust system 20.
[0035] Referring again to Figure 2, the decompression feature 24 further includes a first notch 64, which may be a semi-circular notch, groove, or cut, formed along the inner surface 40, and further includes a first ramp 66 disposed along the outer surface 42. In some embodiments, the first notch 64 may define different geometric cross-sections, such as triangular, square, conical, trapezoidal, or defining another type of polygon. A second ramp 68 extends from the first ramp 66 and connects to the outer surface 42 of the bottom wall 26. The notch 64 further defines a curved surface 70 that forms part of the inner surface 40. In some embodiments, the thinning region 58 is formed continuously around the entire corner 36 of the container 22, for example, extending 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis 50. In other embodiments, the thinning region 58 may be formed only along a portion of the corner 36, or may extend discontinuously around the entire corner 36, for example, the thinning segment is interrupted by a continuous segment. Furthermore, although a thinning region 58 is shown at one end, namely the bottom end 30 of container 22, the thinning region 58 may be formed at the bottom end 30 and / or the top end 32 of container 22. In some embodiments, the other end or the top end of container 22 may include a lid 74 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 10-15 (or other shutdown and / or assignment features.)
[0036] Referring now to Figures 4-6, a second embodiment of an exhaust system 20 including a container 22 is shown, with a pressure-reducing feature 24 formed in the container 22. The container 22 includes a bottom wall 26 and side walls 28. The side walls 28 have a generally cylindrical cross-section and extend from the bottom wall 26 at corners 36. The bottom wall 26 and the side walls 28 each define an inner surface 40 and an outer surface 42. The inner surface 40 defines an internal volume 44 of the container 22, while the outer surface 42 defines the external profile of the container 22. The side walls 28 further define a side wall thickness 46, while the bottom wall 26 defines a bottom wall thickness 48. A longitudinal axis 50 extends through the bottom wall 26 at a central location, and in this embodiment, the container 22 is radially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 50.
[0037] Referring to Figure 5, the decompression feature 24 is generally located within or along the corner 36 of the container 22. The decompression feature 24 includes a thinned region 58 between the inner surface 40 and the outer surface 42, which is configured to break off if necessary to release pressure from the container 22. Thicknesses 46, 48 and region thickness 60 are further shown in the figure, which are similar to or the same as those described above with respect to Figures 1-3. The thinned region 58 is formed by a notch 64 and a V-shaped cut 80, the notch being formed by the inner surface 40 of the container 22, a first bevel 66, and a second bevel 68, and the V-shaped cut being disposed between the first bevel 66 and the second bevel 68. The V-shaped cut 80 defines a first segment 82 and a second segment 84, which intersect to define an obtuse-angled cross-section. The first bevel 66 intersects the first segment 82, while the second bevel 68 intersects the second segment 84.
[0038] In some embodiments, the thinning region 58 is formed continuously around the entire corner 36 of the container 22, for example, extending 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis 50. In other embodiments, the thinning region 58 may be formed only along a portion of the corner 36, or may extend discontinuously around the entire corner 36, for example, the thinning segment is interrupted by a continuous segment. Furthermore, although the thinning region 58 is shown at one end, namely the bottom end 30 of the container 22, the thinning region 58 may be formed at the bottom end 30 and / or the top end (not shown) of the container 22. In some embodiments, the other end or the top end of the container 22 may include a lid (not shown) or other closure and / or dispensing features.
[0039] Referring now to Figures 7-9, a third embodiment of an exhaust system 20 comprising a container 22 is shown, in which a pressure-reducing feature 24 is formed. The container 22 includes a bottom wall 26 and side walls 28. The side walls 28 have a generally cylindrical cross-section and extend from the bottom wall 26 at corners 36. The bottom wall 26 and the side walls 28 each define an inner surface 40 and an outer surface 42. The inner surface 40 defines an internal volume 44 of the container 22, while the outer surface 42 defines the external profile of the container 22. The side walls 28 further define a side wall thickness 46, while the bottom wall 26 defines a bottom wall thickness 48. A longitudinal axis 50 extends through the bottom wall 26 at a central location; in this embodiment, the container 22 is radially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 50.
[0040] Referring to Figure 8, the pressure-reducing feature 24 is generally located within or along the corner 36 of the container 22. The pressure-reducing feature 24 typically includes a thinned region 58 between the inner surface 40 and the outer surface 42, which is configured to rupture if necessary to release pressure from the container 22. Thicknesses 46, 48, and region thickness 60 are further shown in the figure, which are similar to or the same as those described above with respect to Figures 1-3. The thinned region 58 is formed between the inner surface 40 of the container 22 and a keyway-shaped or parabolic surface 86 formed along the outer surface 42 of the container 22. The parabolic surface defines a straight surface 88, which may be a straight segment or a flat segment, and a curved surface 90 extending from the straight surface 88 to the outer surface 42 of the sidewall 28.
[0041] In some embodiments, the thinning region 58 is formed continuously around the entire corner 36 of the container 22, for example, extending 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis 50. In other embodiments, the thinning region 58 may be formed only along a portion of the corner 36, or may extend discontinuously around the entire corner 36, for example, the thinning segment is interrupted by a continuous segment. Furthermore, although the thinning region 58 is shown at one end, namely the bottom end 30 of the container 22, the thinning region 58 may be formed at the bottom end 30 and / or the top end (not shown) of the container 22. In some embodiments, the other end or the top end of the container 22 may include a lid (not shown) or other closure and / or dispensing features.
[0042] Although the above-described embodiments of Figures 1-9 depict the decompression feature 24 disposed along the container 22, and more specifically along the corner 36 connecting the bottom wall 26 and the side wall 28 of the container 22, Figure 10-15The embodiments shown herein illustrate a multi-component vessel comprising a container 22 and a lid 74, wherein both the container and the lid may include, or individually include, one or more pressure-reducing features 24. In the embodiments described below, the lid 74 may be coupled to the container 22 by any coupling technique known in the art, such as welding or brazing. While the embodiments disclosed herein demonstrate the lid 74 coupled to the upper end 32 of the container 22, alternative embodiments are also contemplated, such as the lid 74 being coupled to the lid 74 at a midpoint between the bottom wall 26 and the upper end 32 of the container 22, or between the bottom wall 26 and the upper end 32. Furthermore, the one or more pressure-reducing features 24 disclosed above with respect to Figures 1-9 may be used in conjunction with the one or more pressure-reducing features 24 discussed herein with respect to the lid 74 and the container 22.
[0043] Now for reference Figure 10-12 An embodiment of an exhaust system 20 including a cover 74 is shown, which may be a plate, lid, or closure and may define the bottom, top, or side walls of a container (not shown). This container may be similar to the container 22 discussed above with respect to Figures 1-9, but may not include any pressure-reducing features therein or on it. See specifically... Figure 10 The figures depict an isometric top view of the lid 74, highlighting a first decompression feature 24 along a first or top surface 94 of the lid 74. A second or bottom surface 96 is positioned opposite the top surface 94. Although the lid 74 is depicted and shown in the figures as having a top surface and bottom surface or side surfaces 94, 96, it should be understood that the lid 74 can be arranged such that either its top surface 94 or bottom surface 96 is positioned upwards or downwards, and is not required to be limited to the orientation depicted in the figures. As described above, the lid 74 disclosed herein is adaptable to be attached to the upper end of a side wall of a jar or container.
[0044] As described below, in Figure 10-12 The pressure-relief feature 24 of the center-edge cap 74 allows for controlled and targeted pressure release when the maximum pressure threshold is reached within the container or can to which the cap 74 has been applied. (See reference...) Figure 11 and Figure 12 In this embodiment, the pressure-relief feature 24 is a first notch 64, which defines a trapezoidal profile generally having curved sides or an outward flare. Although not specifically shown in the figures, in some embodiments, the first notch 64 may be provided along the top side 94 and the bottom side 96 of the cover 74. The pressure-relief feature 24 may be a cutout that defines one or more planar or flat surfaces in a manner similar to the aforementioned pressure-relief feature 24. Alternatively, the pressure-relief feature 24 may be a cutout that defines only a curved surface.
[0045] Reference Figure 10 and 11The cover 74 is generally disc-shaped and defines an outer wall 100 that defines the periphery of the cover 74. The outer wall 100 connects to the central wall 102 at a corner 36, thereby defining a thinned region 58 of the cover 74. The corner 36 is generally rounded and defines portions of the top side 94 and the bottom side 96 of the cover 74. A first notch 64 is provided between the outer wall 100 and the central wall 102. In some embodiments, one or more additional features, such as corners, intermediate walls, or other features, are provided along or within the central wall 102. Walls 100 and 102 each define a top or outer side 94 and a bottom or inner side 96. The top side 94 of walls 100 and 102 is generally continuous but interrupted by the first notch 64. The bottom side 96 of walls 100 and 102 is generally continuous and is not interrupted by the notch.
[0046] A thinning region 58 is disposed between the inner side 96 and the notch 64, forming a membrane or rupture wall configured to rupture at a specific pressure threshold. Thicknesses 46, 48 and region thickness 60 are further shown, and these thicknesses are similar to or the same as those described above with respect to Figures 1-3. The decompression feature 24, including the first notch 64 and the thinning region 58, can extend 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis 50. Furthermore, the first notch 64 can be formed by being disposed along or cut from the cover 74 in the same manner as described above with respect to the decompression features of Figures 1-9.
[0047] Specific reference Figure 12 The first notch 64 is defined by a first or top inner surface 104 and a second or top outer surface 106, which are connected to each other by a first flat surface 108. The first flat surface 108 and the inner surface 40 define a thinning region 58, which is configured as a fracture wall. A first corner 36 is provided along opposite sides of the thinning region 58. While the first surface 104 and the second surface 106 define curved portions intersecting the top side 94, the first surface 104 and the second surface 106 also include straight or flat portions, which define a first plane 110 and a second plane 112, respectively, which coincide with each of the first surface 104 and the second surface 106, thereby forming a trapezoidal configuration. Figure 12 As shown, the thinning region 58 positioned between the first notch 64 and the inner surface 40 defines a minimum film thickness, or distance 60. Furthermore, the first notch 64 defines a maximum depth, i.e., a distance 112. (See again...) Figure 11 The walls 100 and 102 preferably have similar or identical thicknesses 112. The thickness 60 of the thinned region 58 may have a similar thickness ratio to that of the thickness 112 described above with respect to Figures 1-3.
[0048] Now for reference Figure 13-15This shows another embodiment of the exhaust system 20, which includes a pressure-reducing feature 24 disposed along the container 22, and further includes a cover 74 (see Figure 15 Container 22 includes sidewalls 28 and defines a central longitudinal axis 50. In this particular embodiment, the decompression feature 24 includes a stepped portion 116 into which the sidewall 28 is embedded, and the upper end 32 of container 22 includes a thinned region 58 that is relatively thinner than the thickness 46 of the sidewall 28. The thinned region 58 includes a first region 120 and a second region 122, the second region being disposed above the first region 120. The first region 120 is thinner than the second region 122, the latter including an edge 124 extending radially outward from the upper end 32 of container 22. Figure 15 As shown, the stepped portion 116 is configured to receive the cover 74. Thicknesses 46, 48 and regional thickness 60 are further shown, and these thicknesses are similar to or the same as those described above with respect to Figures 1-3.
[0049] refer to Figure 15 The container 22 and the lid 74 are shown connected to each other, preferably using one of the connection techniques discussed above. Although the lid 74 does not include one of the pressure relief features 24 disclosed herein, it is conceivable to apply one or more of the pressure relief features discussed above to the lid 74 of this embodiment. The thinning region 58 of the container 22 is shown in more detail, which is configured to yield or rupture when maximum pressure is reached within the container 22. Figure 15 The image further shows a first region 120 and a second region 122 of the thinning region 58, and that, when the lid 74 is not coupled to the container 22, the container 22 is preferably configured to yield along the first region 120 of the thinning region.
[0050] In some embodiments, the thinning regions 58 may be discontinuously arranged around the longitudinal axis 50, thus the thinning regions 58 may be interrupted by areas of normal thickness. Therefore, in some embodiments, there may be approximately 10 to approximately 100 discrete thinning regions 58, or approximately 20 to 90 discrete thinning regions 58, or approximately 30 to 80 discrete thinning regions 58, or approximately 40 to 70 discrete thinning regions 58, or more than 10 discrete thinning regions 58, or more than 20 discrete thinning regions 58, or more than 30 discrete thinning regions 58, or more than 40 discrete thinning regions 58, or more than 50 discrete thinning regions 58, or more than 60 discrete thinning regions 58, or more than 70 discrete thinning regions 58, or more than 80 discrete thinning regions 58, or more than 90 discrete thinning regions 58.
[0051] In some embodiments, the decompression feature 24, and therefore, the thinning region 58, may extend around the axis 50 between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 350 degrees, or between approximately 20 degrees and approximately 340 degrees, or between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 330 degrees, or between approximately 40 degrees and approximately 320 degrees, or between approximately 50 degrees and approximately 310 degrees, or between approximately 60 degrees and approximately 300 degrees, or between approximately 70 degrees and approximately 290 degrees, or between approximately 80 degrees and approximately 280 degrees. It may extend between approximately 90 degrees and approximately 270 degrees around axis 5, or between approximately 100 degrees and approximately 260 degrees around axis 50, or between approximately 110 degrees and approximately 250 degrees around axis 50, or between approximately 120 degrees and approximately 240 degrees around axis 50, or between approximately 130 degrees and approximately 230 degrees around axis 50, or between approximately 140 degrees and approximately 220 degrees around axis 50, or between approximately 150 degrees and approximately 210 degrees around axis 50, or between approximately 160 degrees and approximately 200 degrees around axis 50, or between approximately 170 degrees and approximately 190 degrees around axis 50.
[0052] In some implementation features, the decompression feature 24 and thus the thinning region 58 may extend about 10 degrees, or about 20 degrees, or about 30 degrees, or about 40 degrees, or about 50 degrees, or about 60 degrees, or about 70 degrees, or about 80 degrees, or about 90 degrees, or about 100 degrees, or about 110 degrees, or about 120 degrees, or about 130 degrees, or about 140 degrees, or about 150 degrees, or about 160 degrees, or about 170 degrees, or approximately 180 degrees, or approximately 190 degrees, or approximately 200 degrees, or approximately 210 degrees, or approximately 220 degrees, or approximately 230 degrees, or approximately 240 degrees, or approximately 250 degrees, or approximately 260 degrees, or approximately 270 degrees, or approximately 280 degrees, or approximately 290 degrees, or approximately 300 degrees, or approximately 310 degrees, or approximately 320 degrees, or approximately 330 degrees, or approximately 340 degrees, or approximately 350 degrees, or approximately 360 degrees.
[0053] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., may be used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only relative to the orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. These orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise altered so that upper is lower, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and so on.
[0054] Variations and modifications to the foregoing are within the scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features mentioned in or apparent from the text and / or drawings. All these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of this disclosure. To the extent permitted by the prior art, the claims should be construed as including alternative embodiments.
[0055] Those skilled in the art will understand that while embodiments of this disclosure have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments and examples, this disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and many other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and variations thereof are intended to be covered by the appended claims. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1. An exhaust system, comprising: The wall of a lid or container, the lid or container defining a central longitudinal axis, and a straight section measured from the central longitudinal axis to the outermost surface of the lid or container; as well as Pressure-reducing features, wherein the pressure-reducing features are disposed along the lid or container. The pressure-reducing feature includes a thinning region of the lid or container, wherein the minimum thickness defined by the thinning region is less than 40% of the maximum thickness of the wall of the corresponding lid or container. The pressure reduction feature extends at least 180 degrees around the central longitudinal axis. The pressure reduction feature is located at a distance from the central longitudinal axis exceeding 80% of the distance from the straight section. The thinned region is defined by a curved surface forming part of the inner surface and at least one flat surface on the opposite side of the wall.
2. The exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein, The minimum thickness of the thinned region is less than 30% of the maximum thickness of the corresponding lid or container.
3. The exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein, The minimum thickness of the thinned region is less than 20% of the maximum thickness of the corresponding lid or container.
4. The exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein, The decompression feature is located at a distance from the central longitudinal axis that exceeds 90% of the straight section.
5. The exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure-reducing feature includes a first notch along the inner side of the lid or container, and a second notch along the outer side of the lid or container. The thinning region is located between the first notch and the second notch.
6. The exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure-reducing feature includes a first notch, which is provided only on the outside of the lid or container.
7. The exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure-reducing feature includes a first notch, which is provided only on the inside of the lid or container.
8. An exhaust system, comprising: A container, the container including sidewalls defining a central longitudinal axis, and a straight section measured from the central longitudinal axis to the outermost surface of the container. A lid, the lid being coupled to the container at its open end; as well as A pressure-reducing feature, wherein the pressure-reducing feature is disposed within the side wall of the container. The pressure reduction feature includes a thinning region, wherein the minimum thickness defined by the thinning region is less than 40% of the maximum thickness of the sidewall of the container. The pressure reduction feature extends at least 180 degrees around the central longitudinal axis. Wherein, the decompression feature is located at a radial distance from the central longitudinal axis exceeding 95% of the straight section, and The thinned region is defined by a curved surface forming part of the inner surface and at least one flat surface on its opposite side.
9. The exhaust system according to claim 8, wherein, The pressure-reducing feature is located at the bottom end of the container, closer to the bottom wall than at the top end of the container.
10. The exhaust system according to claim 8, wherein, The pressure reduction feature is located at the upper end of the container.
11. The exhaust system according to claim 10, wherein, The thinning region defines a first region and a second region, and The first region is thinner than the second region, and the second region is thinner than the sidewall.
12. The exhaust system according to claim 8, wherein, The thinned region defines a surface with a parabolic configuration.
13. The exhaust system according to claim 8, wherein, The decompression feature defines a first notch along the outer or inner surface of the sidewall.
14. The exhaust system according to claim 13, wherein, The decompression feature also defines a second notch along the other of the outer or inner surfaces of the sidewall.
15. An exhaust system, comprising: The wall of a lid or container, the lid or container defining a central longitudinal axis, and a straight section that can be measured from the central longitudinal axis to the outermost surface of the lid or container; as well as A pressure-reducing feature, wherein the pressure-reducing feature is disposed along the lid or container. The pressure-reducing feature includes a thinned region of the lid or container, wherein the minimum thickness defined by the thinned region is less than 40% of the maximum thickness of the wall of the corresponding lid or container, and The thinned region is defined by a curved surface forming part of the inner surface and at least one flat surface on the opposite side of the wall.
16. The exhaust system according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one flat surface includes a plurality of flat surfaces, the flat surfaces defining a cross-section having a certain geometry.
17. The exhaust system according to claim 15, wherein, The pressure-reducing feature is disposed along the lid and at the junction of the middle wall and the outer wall of the lid.
18. The exhaust system according to claim 15, wherein, The decompression feature is defined at least in part by a semi-circular notch provided along the inner surface of the container.
19. The exhaust system according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one flat surface includes a first flat surface and a second flat surface, the first flat surface and the second flat surface being connected by an intermediate flat surface and defining a notch, and Wherein, the first flat surface defines a first plane, the second flat surface defines a second plane, and the first plane and the second plane intersect to form an acute angle.
20. The exhaust system according to claim 15, wherein, The decompression feature extends at least 180 degrees around the central longitudinal axis.