Eccentric Push-Off Mechanism for Explosion-Proof Container Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing explosion-proof or flameproof containers face difficulties in being opened without damaging the cover part or base body due to adhesion caused by protective agents, which can compromise their safety and integrity.

Innovation Solution

A push-off device is introduced, featuring a rotatable push-off part mounted on either the cover or base body, which rotates into contact with a push-off shoulder to create a gap between the parts, allowing for easy separation without applying excessive force, thus maintaining the container's safety features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tool is used to create a gap between the cover part and base body, then the container can be opened, but damage to the cover part or base body occurs in the area of the opening edge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of openingVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A push-off part is introduced as an intermediary element between the tool and the container structure. This push-off part receives the opening force from the tool and transmits it to the push-off shoulder, creating a controlled gap without concentrating stress on the opening edge of the cover part or base body, thus preventing damage while enabling opening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The opening force is applied at a specific localized point (push-off part) rather than directly on the opening edge, segmenting the force application from the vulnerable structural area. This allows the gap-forming function to be separated from the structurally critical opening edge region

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If appropriate force is applied to open the container, then the cover part can be separated, but damage to the cover part or base body occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of separationVSAvoidexplosion-proof integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The push-off part acts as a mediator that transforms the opening force into a controlled gap-forming action. By transmitting force through this intermediary to the push-off shoulder, the system achieves separation without applying damaging concentrated forces to the explosion-proof critical areas of the cover part or base body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If softer material tools are used to produce the gap, then damage during gap formation is avoided, but opening the container remains quite difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage avoidanceVSAvoiddifficulty of opening
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The push-off part serves as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies the opening force. When the tool engages the push-off part and rotates it, the lever action and force transmission to the push-off shoulder create sufficient gap-forming force without requiring the tool to directly contact and damage the container structure, thus avoiding damage while facilitating opening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 push-off device enables the container to be opened simply and safely, overcoming adhesion issues while ensuring the container remains explosion-proof or flameproof, reducing the risk of damage and subsequent costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one push-off part (10) is rotatably mounted on the lid part (6) or base body (3) between a push-off position (11) and a passive position (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentEP2599368B1Forcing-off device and container comprising such a device
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • EP2599368B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2599368B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2599368B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A forcing-off device of an, in particular, explosion-proof or flameproof container for electronic devices, the container including at least one base body having an opening surrounded by an opening edge and a cover part that can be placed onto or inserted into the opening edge. A forcing-off shoulder is formed on the base body or cover part at least in a section in circumferential direction of the container. The forcing-off shoulder is part of a shoulder running around the opening edge, and at least one forcing-off part is rotatably mounted in a lateral recess of the cover part or on the base body in an eccentric fashion between a forcing-off position and a passive position. The forcing-off part is an eccentric disc and in the forcing-off position is in abutment with the forcing-off shoulder for the gap-forming spacing of cover part and base body.