Gas Venting Flap With Deformable Connection For Enclosure Overpressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas evacuation devices for electrical equipment, such as medium-voltage substation enclosures, are bulky due to numerous moving parts and lack reliability in maintaining the shutter position and gas flow control during overpressure events, posing risks to operators and equipment integrity.
Innovation Solution
A compact gas evacuation device with reduced parts, featuring a flap connected to the enclosure via rigid and deformable elements, ensuring secure closure and controlled opening to manage gas passage and prevent mechanical stress, utilizing metal U-shaped guides and deformable tongues for controlled deformation under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable flap with many moving parts is used for gas evacuation, then the gas can be released, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means are divided into two separate elements: first rigid means for guiding and maintaining the flap in the open position, and second deformable means for securing the flap to the wall. This segmentation allows each element to have a specialized function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential functions from a complex multi-part mechanism and implements them through simplified connection means with only two separate elements. The dampening function is integrated into the deformable means rather than requiring a separate damping device, reducing the number of moving parts.
2Reliability
If a movable flap with many moving parts is used for gas evacuation, then the gas can be released, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the connection means: securing the flap, guiding its movement, limiting its speed, and maintaining position are all achieved through the interaction of the two separate elements without requiring additional separate components, thus reducing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable means automatically dampen the flap's movement and limit its speed through their own deformation characteristics, without requiring an external damping device. The rigid means self-guide the flap through their geometric configuration, eliminating the need for separate guiding components.
3Reliability
If the flap is secured firmly to maintain position, then reliability improves, but the opening speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means transition from a static firmly-secured state to a dynamic response based on pressure conditions. Under normal conditions, the rigid means maintain the flap firmly in place. During overpressure, the deformable means dynamically adjust to allow rapid opening while still maintaining control, optimizing both reliability and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the connection means change based on the pressure differential. The rigid means provide rigid support during normal operation, while the deformable means undergo parameter changes (deformation) during overpressure events to facilitate faster opening while maintaining position control afterward.
4Productivity
If the flap opening is not controlled, then gas evacuation is faster, but mechanical stress and flying parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means act as an intermediary between the flap and the wall, mediating the force transmission during gas evacuation. The rigid means provide stable connection points while the deformable means absorb excess energy and control the opening process, preventing uncontrolled flap ejection and reducing mechanical stress on surrounding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable means are designed to absorb and dissipate energy before the flap can be ejected uncontrollably. This beforehand cushioning through controlled deformation prevents the harmful effects of flying parts and excessive mechanical stress while still allowing rapid gas evacuation.
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 provides reliable and controlled gas evacuation, maintaining structural integrity and operator safety by minimizing mechanical stress and preventing 'flying' parts, while being cost-effective and easy to install, with a sliding flap design that opens quickly under pressure, ensuring IP protection ratings.
Implementation Method 1
second means securing the flap, preferably at the level of the first means, and the wall of the envelope via at least one deformable element capable of deforming when the pressure inside the envelope is greater than the threshold
Data Source
AI summary
The wrap (10) has a shutter (20) moved between a closing position of an aperture (16) formed in the wrap to an open position, in which the shutter does not close a passage formed by the aperture. The flap is secured to a wall (14) of the casing by a linking unit for maintaining the shutter in the closed position when pressure within the wrap is less than a predetermined value. A connection device comprises a rigid unit (40). A deformable element is deformed when pressure inside the wrap is greater than the predetermined value.