Double-Walled Vessel Vent Plug for Pressure Equalization Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double-walled vessels face issues with excessive pressure fluctuations between vessel bodies due to temperature changes, leading to material stress and potential bursting, as well as adhesive stopper leaks allowing liquids into the gap, rendering the vessel unusable.
Innovation Solution
A double-walled vessel design with a pressure equalization opening in one of the vessel walls, allowing gas exchange to equalize pressure between the intermediate space and the outer space, featuring a plug with a gas passage channel that prevents liquid passage by using a hydrophobic material and specific dimensions to prevent capillary action, ensuring the channel only allows gas passage during pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure equalization opening is closed with a solid adhesive stopper, then liquid penetration is prevented, but pressure fluctuations cause the stopper to leak over time
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed with a porous structure containing numerous capillary channels. These capillaries have dimensions that allow gas permeation while preventing liquid penetration through capillary pressure effects. The porous structure enables the stopper to maintain sealing reliability while accommodating pressure fluctuations without leaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper exhibits different functional properties at different scales: at the macro level, it provides liquid-tight sealing; at the micro level (capillary scale), it allows gas passage. This local differentiation of properties enables simultaneous achievement of liquid prevention and pressure equalization functions.
2Loss of energy
If the space between vessel bodies is evacuated or filled with low thermal conductivity gas, then thermal insulation is improved, but temperature fluctuations cause excessive pressure changes leading to vessel stress or bursting
Solution Approach 1:
The porous stopper acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the sealed vacuum/insulated space and the external environment. It allows pressure equalization through gas permeation while maintaining the liquid barrier, thus protecting the vessel structure from excessive stress while preserving thermal insulation properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary dimensions of the porous stopper are specifically designed to change the permeation characteristics - allowing gas molecules to pass through while preventing liquid based on surface tension and capillary pressure relationships. This parameter optimization enables simultaneous pressure equalization and liquid sealing.
3Stress or pressure
If a pressure equalization opening is provided, then pressure fluctuations are reduced, but the opening allows liquid to enter the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization opening is implemented as a porous stopper with capillary channels sized to exploit surface tension effects. These capillaries permit gas flow for pressure equalization while the capillary pressure threshold prevents liquid entry, thus eliminating liquid contamination risk while maintaining pressure stability.
4Reliability
If the stopper material is made hydrophobic, then liquid passage is prevented, but gas passage capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic stopper is designed with a porous structure where capillary dimensions and surface properties work together to achieve selective permeability. The combination of hydrophobic surface treatment and optimized pore size creates a structure that inherently blocks liquids while permitting gas passage, maintaining functional simplicity despite enhanced performance.
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
This solution effectively stabilizes pressure within the vessel, preventing material stress and leaks, ensuring the vessel remains functional under temperature fluctuations and harsh conditions like dishwashing.
Implementation Method 1
the stopper has at least one gas passage channel extending through it, which allows gas, in particular air, to pass through in the event of pressure differences
Implementation Method 2
allowing liquids, in particular liquids, to pass through water, prevented. The dimensions of the gas passage channel are then selected in such a way that the capillary action in the channel effectively prevents the passage of water
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A double-walled vessel (1) is disclosed, which has a pressure equalization opening (24). Said opening is closed by a stopper (4), which has at least one gas passage channel (41). Said channel is configured such that it allows air to pass, while it prevents the penetration of water into the intermediate space. The stopper is preferably made from a silicone-based plastic and fastened to the vessel by means of an adhesive based on acetoxy silicone. For fastening purposes, it may comprise a disk-like fastening flange (43).