Explosion-Proof Housing Frame With Pressure-Relief Support Tubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for explosion-protected housings with thin wall thicknesses and large dimensions that ensure pressure resistance while preventing ignition of gases or particles outside the housing during an explosion.

Innovation Solution

A skeletal frame with elongated support elements, such as hollow profiles, is used to create a pressure-resistant capsule, featuring a modular system with different basic element types that can be assembled to form various frame sizes, allowing for gas exchange without igniting the atmosphere outside, and includes pressure relief bodies to manage explosion pressure and prevent ignition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If thin wall thicknesses are used for large housings, then material usage and weight are reduced, but pressure resistance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial usageVSAvoidpressure resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a frame structure composed of multiple support elements rather than a solid monolithic structure. This segmentation allows thin-walled components to be arranged in a configuration that collectively provides pressure resistance, resolving the contradiction between using less material and maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame combines thin-walled support elements with strategic internal cavities and reinforcement structures. This composite approach allows the overall structure to achieve pressure resistance equivalent to or greater than solid structures while using significantly less material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If internal cavities are added to enclosure walls, then structural rigidity is increased, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural rigidity, create pressure relief pathways, and define the housing geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving multiple structural goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is segmented into modular support elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes despite the complex overall structure, as each module can be produced using standard techniques and then combined.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If pressure relief pathways are created for explosion venting, then safety is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexplosion safetyVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Pressure relief pathways are created by utilizing the internal cavities of the support elements themselves rather than adding separate vent channels. This three-dimensional utilization of existing structural space provides pressure relief functionality without compromising the external structural integrity of the housing walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution enables the construction of explosion-protected housings with thin walls and large dimensions that effectively manage explosion pressure and prevent ignition of gases or particles outside, ensuring safety and efficiency in explosive environments.

Implementation Method 1

the interior of the housing is fluidically connected to the interior space of the receiving support element in order to dissipate explosion pressure by venting combusted and uncombusted gas from the interior of the housing into the interior of the support element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure relief:

Implementation Method 2

The frame, which in some embodiments can also be described as a skeletal support, serves both a load-bearing and stabilizing function for the entire housing structure and a pressure-relieving function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support:

Data Source

PatentEP3970248B1Frame for an explosion-proof housing
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 R STAHL SCHALTGERATE GMBH
  • EP3970248B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3970248B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3970248B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a frame (20) for an explosion-proof housing (10). The frame (20) is composed of support elements (21). Preferably, the support elements (21) are square tubes, which are provided with elongate rectangular openings (27), which are preferably closed by welded or otherwise fastened, flame-proof mesh (31). The square tubes (21) of the embodiment are joined to form a skeletal frame (20), which supports the housing structure (support frame). Preferably metal plates (37 to 40) (for example stainless steel or aluminium) or even plastic plates are fastened to the outside of the frame (20) by bonding and/or welding, thereby closing the housing (10). Blow-out vents (17), which can be closed with flame-proof mesh (31), are preferably provided at suitable points of the housing (10), such as on the base (15) or on the end faces (14). According to the invention, thanks to the load-bearing and stabilizing support frame (20), which simultaneously contributes to reducing pressure, thin wall thicknesses are possible for the surface elements (37 to 40), for example plates, as are large housing dimensions, while simultaneously guaranteeing a pressure-resistant encapsulation.