Pressure Relief Assemblies with Localized Thinned Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container venting systems lack controlled and targeted pressure relief mechanisms, leading to uncontrolled releases of pressurized contents when maximum pressure thresholds are reached.
Innovation Solution
A lid or base with strategically positioned pressure relief features, including concavely and convexly shaped venting features, that rupture to allow for controlled depressurization, with venting radii between 10% and 25% of the total radius, providing localized and targeted pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If venting features are added to allow pressure relief, then pressure safety is improved, but container structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating thinned regions at specific locations on the lid or base where venting features are needed, while maintaining full thickness in other areas. This allows pressure relief functionality to be localized to specific zones without compromising the overall structural integrity of the container. The thinned regions are precisely positioned at defined distances from the outermost surface, creating localized weakness points that rupture under pressure while the rest of the structure remains strong.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system is segmented into multiple discrete venting features distributed across the lid or base surface. Each venting feature includes its own thinned region and rupture point, allowing independent pressure relief pathways. This segmentation enables the container to maintain structural integrity in non-venting areas while providing controlled pressure relief through multiple distributed points, preventing single-point failure.
2Reliability
If multiple venting features are distributed across the lid or base, then pressure relief effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by defining specific geometric parameters for venting features including thinned region depth, rupture point location at defined distances from the outermost surface, and angular positions. These parameters are optimized to achieve reliable pressure relief at predetermined pressure thresholds while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The standardized parameter definitions allow multiple venting features to be implemented with consistent geometry, reducing complexity through repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The thinned regions are pre-formed during manufacturing at defined locations and depths, creating predetermined rupture points before the container is put into service. This preliminary action ensures that when pressure builds up, the venting features will rupture at predictable locations and pressures, improving reliability without requiring complex control systems. The pre-positioned thinned regions eliminate the need for real-time pressure monitoring or control mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If thinned regions are created for venting features, then pressure relief controllability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thinned regions are created as integral parts of the lid or base during the initial forming process, rather than being added as separate components or requiring post-processing. This preliminary action allows the thinned regions to be formed simultaneously with the main container structure, reducing manufacturing steps and overall complexity while achieving the required geometric precision for controlled pressure relief.
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
Enables controlled and targeted pressure relief, preventing uncontrolled releases and ensuring safe depressurization of containers by allowing for programmable rupture points and directional venting, thus maintaining container integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure relief feature that is disposed along the lid or base. The pressure relief feature includes at least a first venting feature defining a thinned region of the lid or base
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a venting system that includes a lid or base with a center wall that defines a central longitudinal axis, and a total radius that is measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost surface of the lid or base. The venting system further includes a pressure relief feature that is disposed along the lid or base. The pressure relief feature includes at least a first venting feature defining a thinned region of the lid or base, a venting radius is measured from the longitudinal axis to an outermost extent of the first venting feature, and the venting radius is between about 5% and about 25% of the total radius of the lid or base.