Blast Damper With Spring-Loaded Latch Lever for Narrow Frame Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blast dampers in petrochemical and process industry plants are not designed to have a narrow frame in the flow direction, which can increase the thickness and complexity of the ventilation systems, making them less efficient in managing sudden pressure loads.
Innovation Solution
A blast damper with a frame comprising profile sections that limit a flow channel, featuring pivotable closing blades with a spring-loaded latch lever system that allows the blades to pivot into an open position for normal flow and close automatically under pressure increases, while maintaining a narrow profile due to a monolithic protecting screen and remotely operable prestressing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pressure valves with multiple axles and plate-like closing blades are used, then the closing blades can effectively close the flow channel under pressure loads, but the frame becomes thick and complex in the flow direction
Solution Approach 1:
The closing function is segmented from the frame structure. Instead of having the closing blades mounted on multiple axles extending across the flow channel, the closing blade is separated and mounted on a single axle at one end, with the spring mechanism providing the closing force independently. This segmentation allows the frame to be narrower while maintaining the closing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing mechanism is moved from a multi-axle configuration spanning the flow direction to a single-axle configuration at the end, with the spring mechanism operating in a different spatial arrangement. The closing blade pivots on a single axle located at one end of the flow channel, and the spring is positioned to apply force perpendicular to the blade, changing the dimensional arrangement of the closing mechanism.
2Productivity
If closing blades are arranged parallel to the flow direction in the open position, then airflow efficiency is improved, but the structure requires more space in the flow direction to accommodate the blade movement
Solution Approach 1:
The closing blade is pre-positioned in a retracted location at the end of the flow channel when open. The spring mechanism pre-loads the blade into this retracted position, allowing the blade to be parallel to the flow direction for efficient airflow while requiring minimal space in the flow direction. The blade is ready to pivot closed without requiring additional travel space.
3Length of stationary object
If a narrow frame is implemented, then the ventilation system becomes more compact and efficient, but the closing blades require a more compact prestressing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism and the closing blade are merged into a compact assembly at one end of the flow channel. The spring is positioned adjacent to the blade's pivot point, and both elements work together in a coordinated manner within a compact space. This merging allows the prestressing mechanism to be compact while maintaining the narrow frame configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient airflow while maintaining a slim profile, effectively safeguarding against pressure loads by ensuring the closing blades can pivot into the closed position quickly and securely, thus protecting ventilation systems without unnecessary thickness or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The blast damper comprises a spring-loaded latch lever functionally acting on the turning lever that is connected to the axle means of the closing blade closest to the first profile section so as in a locking position between the spring-loaded latch lever and the turning lever releasably keep the closing blade in the open position and so as to allow the closing blade to pivot into the closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
Presented if a blast damper comprising a frame (1) defining a flow channel (2). The blast damper comprises closing blades (7) pivotably arranged in the flow channel (2). Each closing blade (7) can be pivoted about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The blast damper comprises a prestressing means (8) for prestressing each closing blade (7) into the open position and for triggering each closing blade (7) to pivot into the closed position. Each closing blade (7) being pivotably supported at the frame (1) by means of an axle means (9). Each closing blade (7) comprising a turning lever (10). The blast damper comprising a common operating lever (11) pivotably connected to each turning lever (10). The prestressing means (8) comprising a spring-loaded latch lever (12) acting on the turning lever (10) that is closest to a first profile section (3) of the frame (1).