Explosion-proof housing with split cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large explosion-proof housings with single, large covers face handling difficulties due to weight and size, particularly in restricted spaces like ships or oil rigs, where emergency escape routes are a concern, and existing designs do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cover arrangement with two or more covers forming non-continuous, linear flameproof gaps with the housing body, allowing for a butt joint with tolerances and a butt joint closure to prevent ignition breakthrough, and includes a pressure relief device to manage overpressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single large cover is used to close the housing, then the housing can be sealed effectively, but handling and installation become difficult due to weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The cover arrangement is divided into multiple covers (first cover, second cover, and optionally third cover) that together close the access opening. Each individual cover has reduced weight and size compared to a single large cover, making them easier to handle and install while collectively providing effective sealing through flameproof gaps between them and the housing body
2Ease of operation
If the housing size is increased to provide unimpeded access to installed elements, then accessibility is improved, but the cover weight and size increase causing handling problems
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the cover arrangement into multiple smaller covers, the patent enables larger housing sizes for better accessibility while each individual cover remains manageable in weight and size. The multiple covers can be independently positioned and installed, making it feasible to use larger housing dimensions without proportionally increasing cover handling difficulties
3Reliability
If a continuous ring-shaped flameproof gap extends around the cover circumference, then flameproof protection is maximized, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous ring-shaped flameproof gap is segmented into multiple linear flameproof gaps between adjacent covers and between covers and the housing body. Each gap is defined by specific abutment surfaces that are easier to manufacture and assemble than a continuous circular gap, while collectively providing equivalent flameproof protection through the arrangement of multiple covers
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cover arrangement have different gap configurations tailored to local requirements. The flameproof gaps are positioned at specific locations where abutment surfaces meet, allowing optimized manufacturing at each location rather than requiring a uniform continuous gap structure around the entire circumference
Data Source
AI summary
An explosion-proof housing having a cover arrangement which includes two or more covers. The covers are adjacent to a flameproof gap in the housing body (11). A flameproof gap is likewise arranged between the individual covers. Special seals, more particularly in the form of a butt joint closure, are arranged on the remaining butt joints or other gaps and through-holes.