Explosion Test Chamber With Removable Walls For Dynamic Pressure Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current test chambers for explosion-resistant products simulate explosions under static conditions, failing to replicate the dynamic pressure trends and non-hermetic environments of real explosions, leading to oversizing of products and inability to simulate impulsive forces and negative pressure conditions, which are critical for accurate testing and certification.

Innovation Solution

The test chamber features selectively removable wall portions to simulate non-hermetic environments and includes a hermetic explosive charge container that can control temperature, pressure, and humidity, allowing for dynamic pressure simulation and realistic testing conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If test chambers simulate explosions under static conditions with hermetic sealing, then the chamber structure can withstand high pressures without deformation, but the test conditions do not replicate real explosion dynamics including pressure decay and negative pressure phases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechamber pressure resistanceVSAvoidtest condition realism
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The test chamber introduces dynamic elements by making the chamber wall at least partially flexible or by incorporating movable elements that can move under pressure. This allows the chamber to replicate the dynamic pressure conditions of real explosions, including pressure decay and negative pressure phases, while maintaining structural integrity through controlled flexibility rather than rigid static resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If test chambers use fixed hermetic sealing, then the chamber can maintain pressure for static testing, but it cannot simulate non-hermetic real environments where pressure rapidly equalizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechamber pressure stabilityVSAvoidenvironment simulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber employs dynamic sealing mechanisms that can transition between hermetic and non-hermetic states. The movable elements or flexible walls allow the chamber to adapt its sealing properties during testing, enabling simulation of both hermetic and non-hermetic environmental conditions depending on the test requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber design allows changing the sealing parameter from fixed hermetic to variable non-hermetic conditions. By incorporating flexible or movable components, the chamber can adjust its pressure containment characteristics to match different real-world installation scenarios, including both sealed and unsealed environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If test chambers are designed for static pressure conditions, then the chamber structure remains simple and robust, but explosion resistant products are overspecified leading to increased manufacturing costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechamber structure simplicityVSAvoidproduct manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than designing for worst-case static pressure conditions, the chamber uses dynamic simulation that replicates actual explosion pressure-time profiles. This allows products to be tested under more realistic conditions, revealing that less conservative (and therefore less expensive) designs can meet actual performance requirements without being overspecified.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If test chambers simulate only positive pressure conditions, then the testing protocol is simple, but it cannot evaluate product performance under negative pressure conditions that occur in real explosions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting protocol simplicityVSAvoidforce direction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber's flexible or movable wall design enables it to generate both positive and negative pressure phases during explosion simulation. As the explosive charge expands, it creates positive pressure that moves the flexible wall outward, then as the pressure decays, the wall's elasticity or external atmospheric pressure creates negative pressure conditions, automatically replicating the bidirectional force environment of real explosions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design enables the simulation of real explosion scenarios, reducing product oversizing, allowing for accurate testing of explosion-resistant products under dynamic conditions, and aligns with regulatory standards by simulating the structural and climatic characteristics of the intended installation environments.

Implementation Method 1

an explosive charge, which is triggered from the outside by way of a suitable control system, is arranged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExplosion: Explosion

Implementation Method 2

the explosive charge inserted into the chamber is enclosed in a special hermetic container arranged therein, inside which it is possible to generate explosive atmospheres having controlled temperature, pressure and humidity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature control:

Implementation Method 3

inside which it is possible to generate explosive atmospheres having controlled temperature, pressure and humidity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure control:

Implementation Method 4

inside which it is possible to generate explosive atmospheres having controlled temperature, pressure and humidity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHumidity control:

Data Source

PatentEP2539684B1Test chamber for explosion resistant products
Publication Date: 2013.12.04 FIDELIBUS ANTONIO
  • EP2539684B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2539684B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A test chamber (1) for explosion resistant products consists of a container open on one side and comprising connecting means (2) suitable to allow to air-tightly assemble an explosion resistant product (3) on said open side, the test chamber (1) further comprising a plurality of side walls (4), a floor (5) and a ceiling (6) so configured as to withstand the explosions occurring therein without being deformed. At least one among said side walls (4), floor (5) and ceiling (6) comprises a plurality of selectively removable portions (9) suitable to put into communication the inner volume of the chamber (1) with the external environment surrounding it.