Pressure Relief Cover Assembly Torque Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing whole house water filtration systems face difficulties in easily releasing pressure to access the interior for maintenance, as traditional methods like snap rings or multi-turn threaded engagements can be cumbersome and challenging for users without experience.
Innovation Solution
A pressure release lid assembly with a filter access cap, seal plate assembly, and relief valve, along with an arm mechanism that increases torque for easier rotation and pressure release, allowing for 5 to 365 degrees of rotation for improved access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional snap rings or multi-turn threaded engagements are used to maintain pressure, then pressure containment is achieved, but access to the interior becomes cumbersome and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a filter access cap for opening, a seal plate assembly for sealing, and a relief valve system for pressure control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the overall system easier to operate while maintaining reliable pressure containment during filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief valve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pressure containment system and the user. It provides a controlled method to release pressure before accessing the interior, mediating the transition from a pressurized state to an accessible state without requiring the user to directly combat high pressure.
2Ease of operation
If traditional pressure release methods are used, then pressure can be released, but the operation remains difficult and cumbersome for users without experience
Solution Approach 1:
The relief valve system is designed to be self-regulating and easy to activate. The valve automatically responds to pressure conditions and can be opened by simple user action (such as lifting a lever or turning a knob), eliminating the need for complex manual pressure release procedures that require specialized knowledge or tools.
3Ease of operation
If the lid assembly is designed for easy rotation and removal, then access is improved, but maintaining pressure during operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly incorporates dynamic sealing elements that adapt to pressure conditions. The seal plate assembly includes flexible seals that maintain contact with the vessel under pressure, while the threaded connection allows for controlled rotation and removal. This dynamic design enables easy operation during low-pressure states while automatically maintaining reliable sealing during high-pressure operation.
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
Facilitates easier access and maintenance of the pressure vessel by allowing for efficient pressure release and rotation of the lid assembly, making it simpler for users to open and remove the lid without requiring extensive experience with pressure vessels.
Implementation Method 1
The lid assembly has a relief valve for selectively releasing the interior non-atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
torque applied through the arm to the lid assembly is increased to ease rotation of the lid assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A lid assembly being attached to a pressure vessel includes a filter access cap having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a tubular portion extending from the top portion to the bottom portion to define a throughhole, the top portion having a radial slot. The lid assembly includes a seal plate assembly connected to the bottom portion of the filter access cap and configured to rotate relative to the filter access cap to assist in releasing a pressure from the pressure vessel, and a relief valve for releasing non-atmospheric pressure when opened. Further, the lid assembly includes a seal stem located in the throughhole, wherein the relief valve is mounted in the seal stem, and an arm operatively engaging the relief valve and having a proximal end pivotally secured to the lid assembly, whereby when the arm is pivoted in a first direction the relief valve can be opened.