Pressure Relief Cap With Two-Way Valve and Manual Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container caps lack effective mechanisms for automatically and manually controlling pressure relief, failing to manage both positive and negative pressure differentials efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relief cap with a two-way valve that automatically opens in response to pressure thresholds and a manual actuator for on-demand venting, combined with a plug for controlling the vent passage, allowing for selective pressure equalization between the interior and exterior of the cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure relief valve is added to automatically relieve pressure, then pressure management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the automatic pressure relief valve, manual actuator, and vent passage into a single integrated cap assembly. The valve, actuator, and passage are merged into one device that can perform both automatic and manual pressure relief functions, resolving the contradiction by improving pressure management capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manual actuator is added for on-demand venting, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual actuator is designed to serve multiple functions: it can manually open the pressure relief valve for on-demand venting, and it also forms part of the vent passage structure. This multi-functionality improves operational flexibility while reducing the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a plug is added to control the vent passage, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is integrated with the manual actuator assembly, combining the flow control function with the existing manual operation mechanism. This merging approach improves flow control capability by allowing selective opening and closing of the vent passage, while minimizing device complexity by reusing the actuator structure rather than adding a completely separate control mechanism.
4Reliability
If a two-way valve is used to handle both positive and negative pressure, then pressure relief effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two-way pressure relief valve is designed to automatically respond to both positive net interior pressure and negative net interior pressure, providing comprehensive pressure management in a single component. This multi-functionality improves pressure relief effectiveness by handling both pressure conditions, while reducing device complexity by using one valve instead of separate valves for each pressure type.
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 cap effectively manages pressure differentials by automatically relieving pressures exceeding thresholds and allowing manual intervention, preventing pressure imbalances while providing variable flow control through the vent passage.
Implementation Method 1
configured to open automatically in response to a positive net interior pressure exceeding a first threshold pressure and in response to a negative net interior pressure exceeding a second threshold pressure
Implementation Method 2
a manual actuator actuable from the exterior of the pressure relief cap to open the two-way pressure relief valve by selectively displacing the second valve member from a sealed position to an open position
Implementation Method 3
a plug positioned along the vent passage in series with the two-way pressure relief valve, the plug being movable between a first position, in which the vent passage is open between the two-way pressure relief valve and the exterior of the pressure relief cap, and a second position, in which the plug closes the vent passage
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure relief cap engageable with a container includes a vent passage between an interior of the cap and an exterior of the cap. A two-way pressure relief valve is located along the vent passage and is configured to open automatically in response to a positive net interior pressure exceeding a first threshold pressure and in response to a negative net interior pressure exceeding a second threshold pressure. A manual actuator is actuable from the exterior of the cap to open the two-way pressure relief valve. A plug is positioned along the vent passage in series with the two-way pressure relief valve, movable between a first position in which the vent passage is open between the two-way pressure relief valve and the exterior of the cap and a second position in which the plug closes the vent passage between the two-way pressure relief valve and the exterior of the cap.