Ribbed Explosion Vent Structure for Full Vacuum Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Membrane pressure relief devices lack sufficient vacuum resistance, particularly those without secondary members for support, and existing designs are limited in their ability to handle pressure drops and environmental factors like wind and precipitation.
Innovation Solution
The use of radial rib structures in membrane pressure relief devices, such as explosion vents with corner compound domes and ribbed configurations, enhances vacuum resistance and stability, allowing for improved performance under full vacuum conditions and providing a design safety margin against back pressure, while also offering vibration stability and resistance to environmental loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If membrane pressure relief devices are designed without secondary members for support, then device complexity is reduced, but vacuum resistance becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is segmented into multiple regions by forming radial ribs that extend from a central region to a peripheral region. These ribs divide the membrane into discrete segments that can independently deform under vacuum, preventing catastrophic failure while maintaining structural integrity without secondary support members
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is configured with a pre-formed curvature or domed shape before installation. This spherical/curved geometry provides inherent structural strength and vacuum resistance, allowing the membrane to withstand pressure differentials without requiring flat secondary support members
2Reliability
If radial rib structures are added to enhance vacuum resistance, then vacuum resistance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Radial ribs are formed directly on the membrane surface, segmenting it into controlled regions. This segmentation enhances vacuum resistance by distributing stress across multiple rigid segments while allowing the membrane to remain a single integrated component, minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ribs modify the physical parameters of the membrane by creating regions of varying stiffness and flexibility. The ribbed structure changes the mechanical properties of the membrane itself, providing vacuum resistance through geometric parameter changes rather than adding separate structural components
3Reliability
If the membrane is made more rigid to withstand pressure drops, then vacuum resistance improves, but burst pressure performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane structure is designed to be dynamically responsive to pressure conditions. Under vacuum, the rigid ribbed structure provides support. Under overpressure, the membrane can deform and burst along predetermined lines. This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to provide both vacuum resistance and controlled burst functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The radial ribs create segmented regions that can deform independently. This segmentation allows the membrane to maintain rigidity in certain directions for vacuum resistance while remaining flexible in other directions to accommodate burst pressure release through predetermined failure lines
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum resistant pressure relief device is (100) disclosed. In one embodiment, a pressure relief device may be an explosion vent. The explosion vent may be provided with one or more ribbed features, which may be radial ribbed features (101).