Pressure Equalization Element With Membrane Sealing Against Liquid Ingress
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure compensation elements are complex to construct and assemble, and costly to manufacture, while also requiring improved sealing properties to prevent liquid ingress and maintain gas permeability.
Innovation Solution
A pressure compensation element comprising a tubular base element, a cover, and a membrane with a sealing element, where the cover is recessed in the base element, forming ventilation channels and a sealing arrangement that prevents direct liquid contact with the membrane, allowing for high-pressure resistance and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal sleeves and clamping arrangements with tensioned spring elements are used for sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane made of elastomeric material that is stretched over a support structure to create the sealing surface. This flexible film approach replaces complex metal sleeves and spring clamping arrangements, achieving reliable sealing through the elastic properties and conformability of the membrane to the support structure geometry.
2Reliability
If complex sealing arrangements are used, then sealing properties are improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into distinct functional components: the membrane as the sealing element, the support structure providing geometry and reinforcement, and integrated sealing elements at critical interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled through straightforward attachment processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves as an intermediary between the membrane and the housing, providing a simplified interface that distributes loads and facilitates easy assembly. The support structure mediates the connection, allowing the membrane to be attached without complex fastening mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover completely closes the through-opening, then liquid impermeability is improved, but gas permeability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with locally differentiated properties: it is solid and liquid-impermeable in the regions forming the peripheral wall, while incorporating openings or porous sections specifically where gas permeability is required. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of liquid blocking and gas transmission functions.
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 simplifies construction and assembly, enhances sealing properties, and maintains effective gas permeability while preventing liquid ingress, even under high-pressure conditions, such as high-pressure cleaning, and allows for cost-effective production.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure compensation element is not only gas-permeable to enable pressure equalization, but also impermeable to liquids
Implementation Method 2
the membrane can be positioned in the through-opening in such a way that it advantageously hinders and/or prevents the passage of liquids through the through-opening
Implementation Method 3
The membrane presses against the sealing surface of the base element in a clamping area of the membrane with a compressive force per unit area. This prevents fluid from passing between the sealing surface and the membrane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure equalization element (1) for providing pressure equalization. The pressure equalization element (1) comprises a tubular base element (2) with a through-opening (3) formed by the tubular base element (2), a cover (4), a membrane (7), and a sealing element (8), wherein the cover (4), the membrane (7), and the sealing element (8) are each arranged in the through-opening, and wherein the membrane (7) and the sealing element (8) are held axially, at least partially, between the base element (2) and the cover (4) by the cover (4).