Pressure Testing Device with Reversible Relief Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing the resistance of flat components to pressure, such as explosion or earthquake simulations, are either expensive and complex or require large spaces and pose safety risks, and struggle to accurately simulate short-duration pressure loads due to limitations in shut-off elements and fluid dynamics.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a non-destructive, reversible check valve system with relief openings that allow pressure relief and fluid drainage to control pressure duration and gradients, enabling precise simulation of various pressure loads and reducing the exposure time of components to pressure pulses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If field test method is used to test pressure resistance, then test accuracy is improved, but test complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure resistance test accuracyVSAvoidtest setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a scaled-down model system that replicates the essential characteristics of full-scale field tests. The test chamber with pressure vessel and controlled explosive charge simulates explosion pressure effects on building components without requiring actual field deployment, thereby maintaining test accuracy while reducing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If shock tube test method is used, then test speed is improved, but space requirements and device weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest execution speedVSAvoidtest facility space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested configuration where the test chamber is positioned within or adjacent to the pressure vessel, and the explosive charge is contained within the pressure vessel. This nested arrangement allows the high-speed pressure testing functionality to be achieved in a compact footprint, reducing the overall space and weight requirements compared to traditional shock tube facilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If traditional shut-off elements are used in pressure chamber, then pressure containment is improved, but pressure distribution control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure containment capabilityVSAvoidpressure distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pressure containment system into multiple independent components: the pressure vessel with its shut-off element, and the test chamber with relief openings. This segmentation allows the shut-off element to maintain pressure containment while the relief openings provide controlled pressure release pathways, enabling precise pressure distribution control without compromising containment integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The relief openings act as intermediary elements between the pressure vessel and test chamber. They mediate the pressure transmission by allowing controlled pressure equalization and distribution throughout the test chamber, solving the problem of pressure distribution control while maintaining the strength and sealing of the primary shut-off element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If explosive charge is used to create pressure wave, then pressure load simulation is improved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure load simulation accuracyVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent contains the harmful effects of explosives by placing the charge inside a sealed pressure vessel rather than in open field conditions. The vessel confines the explosive energy and directs it through controlled pathways (relief openings) to generate the desired pressure waves on test specimens, converting the potential harm into a controlled and beneficial testing mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure vessel serves as an intermediary between the explosive charge and the test specimen. It mediates the energy transfer by containing the explosion and converting it into controlled pressure waves that can be directed at building components, thereby reducing direct safety risks while maintaining pressure load simulation accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach simplifies the testing process, allows for flexible simulation of different pressure loads, and reduces the complexity and safety risks associated with existing methods, enabling more accurate and cost-effective assessments of pressure resistance in flat components and building structures.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one relief opening is formed by an optionally releasing or closing relief valve which is designed as a check valve in the form of a flap valve which preferably only allows the pressure in the pressure chamber to be relieved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2840377B1Method and device for testing a laminar construction element for resistance to pressure
Publication Date: 2016.09.21 SALZER
  • EP2840377B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2840377B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for testing a planar component (2) with regard to its resistance to pressure, in which the component (2) is installed in a holding frame (3), the holding frame (3) provided with the component (2) is mounted on a wall (5) in such a way that a delimited pressure chamber (6) is formed, a pressure vessel (13) is filled with a compressible fluid until a pressure pB greater than the ambient pressure pU is reached in the pressure vessel (13) and a shut-off element (14) is moved from a closed position to an open position, thereby subjecting the component (2) to an overpressure of at least 0.1 bar.To simplify the setting of different pressure loads, the invention proposes that the shut-off element (14) be actuated non-destructively and reversibly, and that fluid is discharged from the pressure chamber (6) through at least one relief opening (15) during the pressure exerted by the fluid on the component (2). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device (1) with which the aforementioned method can be carried out.