Gas-Permeable Vent Membrane Support for Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery devices face challenges in managing pressure buildup and protection of components due to gas venting, particularly when battery damage occurs, and require improved venting mechanisms that prevent damage to membranes and ensure effective gas escape.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device with a gas permeable membrane supported by a resilient membrane support, which extends beyond the vent opening and is secured to the housing, and a circuit board, allowing gas escape while preventing detachment or damage, and incorporating a dual-function vent as a light guide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gas permeable membrane is used for venting, then gas escape is enabled, but the membrane may detach or be damaged due to pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
A membrane support structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the membrane and the housing. This support structure bears the mechanical load of pressure buildup, protecting the membrane from detachment or damage while allowing gas to pass through the membrane's pores to the vent opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed as a thin, flexible, gas-permeable film that can deform under pressure without breaking. The flexible nature of the membrane allows it to accommodate pressure changes while maintaining its integrity and continued gas permeability, working in conjunction with the rigid membrane support.
2Reliability
If the membrane extends beyond the vent opening for support, then membrane stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical support to prevent membrane detachment, defines the vent opening geometry, and can serve as a mounting surface for other components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural elements, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the vent opening is covered by membrane, then gas permeability is achieved, but liquid impermeability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is constructed from a porous material with specifically controlled pore sizes that permit gas molecules to pass through while blocking liquid molecules. The porous structure provides selective permeability based on molecular size and surface tension properties, enabling gas venting while preventing liquid ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane exhibits different permeability properties for different substances (gas versus liquid) at the same location. The local quality of the porous structure allows it to be permeable to gases while remaining impermeable to liquids, resolving the contradiction between gas venting efficiency and liquid protection.
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 ensures effective gas venting and pressure management, protecting the membrane and circuit components, while maintaining device integrity and functionality, including a dual-purpose vent for LED visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane formed from a gas permeable material extending over the vent opening
Implementation Method 2
The membrane may be formed from a material that is substantially impermeable to liquid
Implementation Method 3
The membrane support can be made from a resiliently deformable material
Implementation Method 4
the membrane support applies a biasing force against the membrane to push it against the housing
Implementation Method 5
An LED may be mounted to the circuit board and positioned beneath the vent opening such that, when active, light from the LED is visible through the membrane
Implementation Method 6
The membrane can be made from, or be coated with, a material that diffuses the light from the LED
Data Source
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AI summary
A delivery device is disclosed and comprises a housing comprising a vent opening, and a battery received in the housing. A membrane formed from a gas permeable material extends over the vent opening.