Explosion-proof housing with split cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large explosion-proof housings with large covers pose handling difficulties due to weight and size, particularly in cramped installations like ships or oil rigs, where access and escape routes are critical, and existing designs do not adequately address these issues.

Innovation Solution

A cover arrangement with two or more covers forming a flameproof gap along the circumference, supplemented by a linear flameproof gap between the covers, which allows for a butt joint with tolerances and optional hinges or quick-release mechanisms, reducing the weight and size of the covers while maintaining flameproof integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large single cover is used to close the housing opening, then the flameproof integrity is maintained, but the handling and installation become difficult due to weight and size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflameproof integrityVSAvoidhandling and installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover assembly is divided into multiple individual covers (first cover, second cover, etc.) that together close the housing opening. Each cover forms a flameproof gap with the housing and with adjacent covers, collectively maintaining flameproof integrity while reducing the weight and size of each individual cover component for easier handling and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If multiple covers are used to reduce weight and size, then handling becomes easier, but the flameproof gap continuity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehandlingVSAvoidflameproof gap continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each cover is designed with specific flameproof gap characteristics appropriate to its location. The flameproof gaps between adjacent covers have dimensions and configurations tailored to their specific positions, ensuring that local flameproof requirements are met while allowing each cover to be manageable in size and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a continuous annular flameproof gap is formed around the cover assembly, then flameproof safety is ensured, but the complexity of positioning and aligning multiple covers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflameproof safetyVSAvoidpositioning and alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover assembly incorporates self-aligning features such as positioning elements, guide rails, or tapered surfaces that automatically align the multiple covers with each other and with the housing during installation. This self-alignment mechanism reduces the complexity of manual positioning and ensures proper flameproof gap formation without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables easier handling and assembly of large explosion-proof housings by distributing the weight and size of the covers effectively, while ensuring flameproof safety through the flameproof gap geometry and pressure relief, preventing ignition breakdown.

Implementation Method 1

the openings and joints between the interior of the enclosure and the environment are so narrow and yet so long that flames or glowing particles cannot escape from the enclosure into the environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlame cooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP3830917B1Explosion-proof housing with split cover
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 R STAHL SCHALTGERATE GMBH
  • EP3830917B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3830917B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3830917B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The explosion-proof housing (10) according to the invention has a cover arrangement (12) which consists of two or more covers (13, 14). The covers (13, 14) are adjacent to a flameproof gap (17) in the housing body (11). A flameproof gap (20) is likewise arranged between the individual covers (13, 14). Special seals, more particularly in the form of a butt joint closure (24), are arranged on the remaining butt joints (19) or other gaps and through-holes.