Modular Flameproof Housing Assembly for Cost-Effective Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing explosion-proof housings are often complex and costly, lacking a cost-effective and efficient modular approach that can easily meet standards like IEC/EN 60079-1 for flameproof encapsulation.

Innovation Solution

A modular system for producing explosion-proof housings using cast and sheet metal wall modules, with pressure relief elements and stabilization extensions, allowing for easy assembly and sealing to form a flameproof enclosure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional methods are used to produce explosion-proof housings, then the housing can meet safety standards, but the production process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexplosion-proof safetyVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple modular segments that can be produced separately and assembled together. Each segment can be independently manufactured using standard casting or sheet metal forming processes, then joined through welding or flange connections to form the complete explosion-proof enclosure, thereby simplifying production while maintaining safety integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized modular segments are designed to serve multiple functions and can be reused across different housing configurations. The same basic segment type can be adapted for various applications by combining different numbers and types of modules, reducing the need for custom production processes and lowering overall complexity

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

2Reliability

If traditional methods are used to produce explosion-proof housings, then the housing can meet safety standards, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexplosion-proof safetyVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the housing into standardized modules, the invention enables批量 production (batch production) of identical components using cost-effective casting or sheet metal forming processes, rather than requiring expensive custom manufacturing for each complete housing unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows for easy disassembly and reuse of housing segments. Damaged or worn modules can be replaced individually rather than replacing the entire housing, and segments can be recovered and reused in different configurations, reducing long-term production and replacement costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of manufacture

If a modular system is used to produce explosion-proof housings, then production becomes cost-effective and simple, but the sealing and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidsealing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Flange connections and sealing surfaces are pre-formed on the modular segments during the initial casting or forming process, ensuring precise geometry and fit before assembly. Alignment features such as positioning pins and guide surfaces are also pre-integrated into the modules to guarantee accurate positioning during assembly, thereby maintaining sealing precision without increasing assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If cast wall modules are used, then the housing can be produced cost-effectively, but the adaptability for different configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The housing system is segmented into standardized modular units that can be combined in various configurations to create different housing sizes and shapes. This segmentation maintains cost-effective casting or forming processes for each module while enabling high design flexibility through combinatorial assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular segments are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow the same basic module type to serve multiple functions and be adapted for different applications. This universality enables cost-effective production of standardized components while maintaining design versatility through flexible configuration options

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

Data Source

PatentEP3970458B1Modular system for producing a housing
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 R STAHL SCHALTGERATE GMBH
  • EP3970458B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3970458B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3970458B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to an explosion-proof housing (10), preferably of the protection class "flameproof enclosure", the housing (10) having a plurality of preferably cast wall modules (16a-h).