Dual-Membrane Breather Vent for Accumulator EOL Pressure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breather vents in electric accumulators are not compatible with satisfactory end-of-line (EOL) testing procedures, leading to economic losses and reduced productivity due to the inability to maintain internal pressure within safe limits during testing, which compromises the structural integrity and functionality of the accumulators.
Innovation Solution
A breather vent design incorporating a peripheral frame with a breathing membrane and an impermeable membrane that acts as a rupture disc, allowing safe discharge of overpressures during EOL testing while maintaining structural integrity, enabling reliable and efficient testing without compromising the accumulator's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gas-permeable membrane is used in the breather vent, then the accumulator can maintain pressure equalization during normal operation, but the EOL testing procedure cannot be conducted properly due to inability to maintain confined testing volume
Solution Approach 1:
The breather vent is segmented into two distinct functional components: a gas-permeable membrane for normal pressure equalization and an impermeable membrane for EOL testing. This segmentation allows each component to independently perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between maintaining pressure equalization reliability and enabling EOL testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational states: during normal operation, the gas-permeable membrane is active for pressure equalization; during EOL testing, the impermeable membrane becomes active to maintain confined testing volume. This dynamic behavior allows the breather vent to adapt to different operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between the two opposing needs.
2Ease of manufacture
If an impermeable membrane is used to enable EOL testing, then the testing can be conducted properly, but the pressure equalization function during normal operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The breather vent is segmented into two distinct functional components: a gas-permeable membrane for normal pressure equalization and an impermeable membrane for EOL testing. This segmentation allows each component to independently perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between maintaining pressure equalization reliability and enabling EOL testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas-permeable membrane is designed to be sufficiently permeable to handle normal pressure equalization requirements, while the impermeable membrane provides the necessary sealing for EOL testing. By providing partial permeability rather than complete impermeability during normal operation, the system achieves both objectives without compromising either function.
3Productivity
If forced overpressure is applied during EOL testing, then the testing can be performed, but the structural integrity of the accumulator may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The impermeable membrane is specifically designed to withstand the forced overpressure applied during EOL testing without causing structural damage to the accumulator. This pre-engineered cushioning capability allows high-pressure testing to be performed efficiently while protecting the accumulator's structural integrity from compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The impermeable membrane acts as a sacrificial component that can be replaced after EOL testing. By using a disposable or replaceable membrane rather than relying on the permanent structural integrity of the accumulator to withstand test pressures, the system enables efficient testing while protecting the main accumulator structure from damage.
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
Enables reliable EOL testing without damaging the breather vent or the accumulator, ensuring the accumulator's performance is retained post-testing, and allows for precise determination of the breather vent's behavior under forced overpressures, facilitating efficient production and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable and gas-permeable membrane which allows for a safe 'transitional' increase or decrease of the internal accumulator pressure
Implementation Method 2
an impermeable membrane (4) inscribed in the peripheral frame (2), which is configurable at least between a pre-testing condition, wherein it keeps a structural integrity under application of a pressure lesser than a predetermined threshold value, and a post-testing condition wherein it defines at least a pressure discharge opening in occurrence of the just cited threshold value of pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A breather vent comprises a peripheral frame and a breathing membrane contained within in the peripheral frame and adapted to withstand a given range of nominal pressure exerted on a surface of the breathing membrane; the breather vent further comprises an impermeable membrane contained within in the peripheral frame and configurable between a pre-testing condition, wherein it keeps a structural integrity under application of a pressure lesser than a predetermined threshold value, and a post-testing condition, wherein it defines at least a pressure discharge opening in occurrence of said threshold value of pressure exerted on said surface of the breathing membrane, the breathing membrane being adapted to keep a structural integrity over time both in occurrence of said pre-testing condition and of said post-testing condition of the impermeable membrane.