Elastomeric Membrane Housing for Pressure Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices housed in vehicles face contamination from water and debris due to pressure variations within the housing, leading to potential intrusion through joints weakened by cyclic loading, which can reduce the device's operational lifespan.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a membrane made of elastomeric material within the housing that deflects in response to pressure changes, creating an equalization space to reduce pressure differentials and minimize stress on the joints, thereby preventing contamination entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the housing is sealed to protect the electronic device from water and debris, then protection against contamination is improved, but pressure differentials build up over time which weakens joints and eventually allows contamination to enter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from water and debrisVSAvoidjoint strength under pressure differential

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An elastomeric membrane is installed within the housing to act as a flexible pressure equalization mechanism. The membrane deflects in response to pressure differentials, allowing the housing to maintain its sealed protective function while accommodating pressure changes without excessive stress on the joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane material properties are selected to provide appropriate elasticity and pressure response characteristics. By changing the physical parameters of the membrane (material composition, thickness, elasticity), the system can effectively equalize pressure across a range of operating conditions while maintaining joint integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the housing is made completely sealed to prevent contamination, then contamination resistance is improved, but pressure variations from temperature changes and vehicle operation cause cyclic loading on joints, reducing device lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination resistanceVSAvoiddevice operational lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric membrane serves as a flexible element that absorbs pressure variations caused by temperature changes and vehicle operation. This prevents cyclic loading from being transmitted to the housing joints, thereby extending the operational lifespan of the sealed housing while maintaining contamination resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane is pre-installed within the housing to provide cushioning against future pressure variations. This proactive measure allows the housing to withstand temperature changes and operational pressure fluctuations without compromising joint integrity or device lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If passages are provided for pressure equalization, then pressure differential stress on joints is reduced, but the passages may allow water and debris to enter the interior space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stress reductionVSAvoidsusceptibility to water and debris intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric membrane is positioned to fluidly separate the passage from the interior space while allowing pressure equalization. The membrane acts as a selective barrier that permits pressure balancing while blocking the passage of water and debris, thus resolving the contradiction between joint stress reduction and contamination protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane serves as an intermediary element between the external environment and the protected interior space. It mediates the pressure equalization function while maintaining the protective seal, allowing pressure differences to be balanced without providing a direct pathway for contamination.

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 elastomeric membrane effectively reduces pressure differentials within the housing, minimizing stress on the joints and preventing contamination, thus extending the service interval of the electronic device.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a membrane made of elastomeric material within the housing that deflects in response to pressure changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11470733B2Housing with pressure equalization

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An assembly includes a housing which includes a plurality of walls defining an interior space. An electronic device is located within the interior space. At least one passage extends through a first wall of the plurality of walls. A membrane is located on an interior side of the first wall and fluidly separates the at least one passage from the interior space of the housing.