Modular Venting Unit Assembly for Watertight Electronics Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronics housings, such as battery cells, face challenges in maintaining gas-tight seals due to temperature and pressure fluctuations, requiring gas exchange while preventing foreign particles, dirt, and moisture ingress, with existing pressure equalization devices being complex and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly set for a venting unit that includes a housing with fixation means and an inlet body with a semipermeable membrane for pressure compensation and degassing, allowing interchangeable membrane types and concepts, simplifying manufacturing and enabling flexible installation in smaller spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure equalization devices with membranes are used to allow gas exchange while preventing liquid ingress, then gas permeability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization device is divided into separate functional components: a housing with fixation means for mounting to the battery housing, and a separate inlet assembly containing the membrane. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the membrane inlet, offers fixation means for mounting to the battery housing, and creates a sealed chamber. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing pressure equalization devices are used to prevent foreign particles and moisture ingress, then protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the membrane inlet assembly from the housing, the membrane can be pre-installed and tested independently, then integrated into the housing. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane provides self-service by automatically allowing gas passage while blocking liquid and particles without requiring additional active components or control systems. This passive operation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular assembly set with interchangeable inlet bodies is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing with its fixation means and receptacle design serves as a universal platform that can accommodate different types of inlet bodies and membrane configurations. This universal interface design enables adaptability while maintaining a consistent, simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire pressure equalization device modular and interchangeable, only the inlet body containing the membrane is made interchangeable. This inverted approach provides the necessary adaptability while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
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 a cost-effective, flexible, and efficient venting system that separates pressure compensation and degassing functions, allowing different membranes to be used in the same housing, reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling rapid depressurization in case of overpressure, thus protecting the electronics housing.
Implementation Method 1
an inlet configured to be inserted in the inner opening and covering the inner opening in a water-tight manner, the inlet comprising an inlet body with an inlet opening covered by means for pressure compensation and/or degassing of the electronics housing
Implementation Method 2
at least one fluid-permeable membrane support device overlapping the inner surface of the membrane
Data Source
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Figure 7~10
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly set for a venting unit (100) for venting an electronics housing, the assembly set comprising a housing (10) comprising a base body (12) with an inner opening (14), the base body (12) comprising fixation means (13) for connecting to a pressure compensation and/or degassing opening of the electronics housing, and an inlet (30) configured to be inserted in the inner opening (14) and covering the inner opening (14) in a water-tight manner, the inlet (30) comprising an inlet body (32) with an inlet opening (34) covered by means (35) for pressure compensation and/or degassing of the electronics housing. The housing (10) further comprises a receptacle (16) configured as an interface for the inlet body (32). The inlet body (32) comprises a corresponding counter-receptacle (40) configured to be connected to the receptacle (16).