Remotely Resettable Blast Damper with Non-Welded Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blast dampers face issues with corrosion resistance, modularity, ease of maintenance, and accessibility, as they often require welding, which compromises corrosion resistance and makes them difficult to modify or repair after installation, and resetting the blades to the open position can be challenging due to inaccessible mounting locations.
Innovation Solution
A blast damper design that uses non-circular shafts and attachments to prevent rotation and eliminate the need for welding, allowing for corrosion resistance, modular assembly, and remote resetability, featuring a retention mechanism to keep blades closed and a release mechanism for easy reopening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to attach blades to shaft in blast dampers, then strength and rigidity are improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blade attachment system is segmented into modular components: blades with attachment brackets, shafts with non-circular cross-sections, and corresponding receiving features. This segmentation eliminates welding by allowing mechanical assembly through interference fits and keyway connections, preserving the corrosion-resistant galvanized coating on all surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-circular shafts (square, rectangular, or polygonal cross-sections) are used instead of circular shafts. The asymmetric geometry provides inherent anti-rotation capability and positive mechanical engagement with matching non-circular openings in attachment brackets, eliminating the need for welded connections while maintaining strength under blast loads.
2Strength
If welded construction is used for blast dampers, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of manufacture and modularity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blast damper is divided into separable modules including blades, attachment brackets, shafts, and frame components. Each module can be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, then assembled through mechanical connections without welding, significantly simplifying manufacturing and enabling modular replacement of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from static welded joints to dynamic mechanical connections that allow for assembly and disassembly. The non-circular shafts provide rotational constraint while permitting linear insertion and removal, enabling maintenance and replacement operations without permanent attachment.
3Reliability
If blast dampers are mounted in inaccessible locations, then protection effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation for resetting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A remote actuation mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator and the blade assembly. The system includes a remotely operable release mechanism connected to the blades through linkages or cables, allowing operators to reset closed blades from accessible locations without needing to physically access the damper housing in confined or hazardous areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The blast damper incorporates automatic blade closure through spring-loaded or weight-activated mechanisms that respond to pressure differentials. After a blast event, the system can self-reset to the open position through mechanical return springs, reducing the need for manual intervention in inaccessible locations.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a remotely resettable blast damper for use with an air duct or wall opening is provided. The blast damper includes a blade configured to be mounted at a duct and movable between an open position and a closed position where the blade is configured to move to the closed position responsive to a blast wave. The blast damper includes a retention mechanism configured to maintain the blade in the closed position when the blade moves to the closed position. The blast damper further includes a release mechanism remote from the retention mechanism and operably coupled to the retention mechanism. Actuation of the release mechanism of the blast damper disengages the retention mechanism enabling the blade to return to the open position.