Breathable Overpressure Assembly for Compact Sealed Enclosures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overpressure devices in sealed systems, such as rupture discs and explosion relief vents, often require external space due to their externally-facing design, limiting packaging space for internal components, and struggle to manage rapid internal pressure fluctuations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A breathable overpressure assembly with a rupture disc and integrated breathable membranes that allow for both gradual pressure regulation and instantaneous relief, featuring a central rupture portion and peripheral flange with vent openings, secured by a mounting ring, and utilizing materials like stainless steel or Inconel for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional externally-facing rupture discs and explosion relief vents are used, then overpressure protection is provided, but external packaging space is limited and device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rupture disc and explosion relief vent functions into a single integrated assembly. The rupture disc member with its peripheral flange integrates the pressure relief function with the mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate externally-facing components and reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining overpressure protection capability
2Ease of operation
If breathable vents are integrated into sealed enclosures, then pressure equalization is achieved, but rapid pressure fluctuations cannot be managed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure management system is segmented into two distinct functional components: breathable vents for gradual pressure equalization and a rupture disc for rapid overpressure relief. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its optimal pressure management scenario, with the rupture disc providing the necessary rapid response capability that breathable vents alone cannot achieve
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple internal and externally-facing components are included in sealed devices, then functional requirements are met, but available packaging space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture disc member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a pressure relief device, a mounting structure for the breathable membrane, and a sealing surface. The peripheral flange provides both structural support and attachment points for fasteners. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and maximizes packaging space while meeting all functional requirements
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 assembly provides efficient pressure regulation and instantaneous relief, protecting internal components while minimizing external footprint, suitable for applications like aerospace and military batteries, and preventing ingress of dust and moisture.
Implementation Method 1
a breathable membrane that covers the vent opening for allowing the passage of gas through the at least one of the central rupture portion and the peripheral flange via the breathable membrane
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided breathable overpressure assemblies that are secured to a sealed container and configured to rupture in the event of a rapid pressure increase and to regulate pressure inside the container. A breathable overpressure assembly includes a rupture member having a central rupture portion and a peripheral flange extending about at least a portion of a periphery of the central rupture portion. The breathable overpressure assembly includes at least one vent opening in at least one of the central rupture portion and the peripheral flange, and a breathable membrane that covers the at least one vent opening.