Pressurized Explosion-Proof Enclosure Layout for Lighter Battery Systems

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing explosion-proof apparatuses with flameproof enclosures for batteries and protective devices are larger and heavier than necessary, as they require increased size and weight to prevent ignition while maintaining internal pressure.

Innovation Solution

An explosion-proof apparatus with a hollow frame, separate increased-safety and flameproof enclosures for the battery and protective device respectively, and an air supply system to maintain internal pressure higher than external pressure, preventing ignition without increasing size and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the battery and protective device are housed in a flameproof explosion-proof enclosure, then ignition is prevented, but the size and weight of the apparatus increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition preventionVSAvoidapparatus weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into two separate enclosures: a flameproof explosion-proof enclosure for the protective device and an increased-safety explosion-proof enclosure for the battery. This segmentation allows each component to have its own optimized protective structure, preventing the need for a single large flameproof enclosure that would contain both components, thereby reducing overall size and weight while maintaining ignition prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different enclosure types are applied to different components based on their specific safety requirements. The protective device, which generates sparks during operation, is placed in a flameproof enclosure, while the battery is placed in an increased-safety enclosure. This localized application of appropriate protection levels optimizes the overall safety performance while minimizing unnecessary weight and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the battery and protective device are housed in a flameproof explosion-proof enclosure, then ignition is prevented, but the size of the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition preventionVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into two separate enclosures: a flameproof explosion-proof enclosure for the protective device and an increased-safety explosion-proof enclosure for the battery. This segmentation allows each component to have its own optimized protective structure, preventing the need for a single large flameproof enclosure that would contain both components, thereby reducing overall size and weight while maintaining ignition prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a single flameproof enclosure is used for both battery and protective device, then safety is ensured, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexplosion-proof safetyVSAvoidenclosure structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into two separate enclosures: a flameproof explosion-proof enclosure for the protective device and an increased-safety explosion-proof enclosure for the battery. This segmentation allows each component to have its own optimized protective structure, preventing the need for a single large flameproof enclosure that would contain both components, thereby reducing overall size and weight while maintaining ignition prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different enclosure types are applied to different components based on their specific safety requirements. The protective device, which generates sparks during operation, is placed in a flameproof enclosure, while the battery is placed in an increased-safety enclosure. This localized application of appropriate protection levels optimizes the overall safety performance while minimizing unnecessary weight and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively prevents ignition while minimizing the size and weight of the apparatus, allowing for efficient operation in explosive atmospheres without the need for larger, heavier enclosures.

Implementation Method 1

a gas supply device configured to maintain inside of the frame at pressure higher than certain pressure by supplying gas to the inside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11876234B2Explosion-proof apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

An explosion-proof apparatus includes a frame having a hollow shape; a gas supply device configured to maintain inside of the frame at pressure higher than certain pressure by supplying gas to the inside; an electrical component disposed inside the frame; a battery configured to supply power to the electrical component; a protective device configured to stop power supply from the battery to the electrical component; a battery housing enclosure being an increased-safety explosion-proof enclosure configured to house the battery therein; and a protective device housing enclosure being a flameproof explosion-proof enclosure configured to house the protective device. The battery does not include a management device that manages parameters of the battery.