Pressure relief device
AssigneeBS&B Innovations Limited
InventorsColman Casey, Damien Hennessy, Geoffrey Brazier
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pressure relief device is disclosed, such as may be used with a battery. According to one embodiment, the pressure relief device may include a pressure-retaining membrane—which may be a polymer or flexible graphite membrane—supported by a support strip. In response to a predetermined pressure on the pressure-retaining membrane, the support strip may be caused to deform, allowing the pressure-retaining membrane to open. The pressure-retaining membrane may include one or more lines of weakness to define an opening area and/or to determine the pressure conditions under which the membrane may open. One or more stress-applying devices or piercing mechanisms may be provided to cause the membrane to open.
Claims26
A pressure relief device, comprising:
- a pressure-retaining membrane;
- a support strip positioned adjacent to a surface of the membrane, wherein the support strip is configured to support the membrane when the membrane is subjected to pressure from a pressurizable volume;
- and
- a stress-applying device;
- wherein the support strip is configured to activate by deforming in response to a predetermined pressure acting on the membrane;
- and
- wherein the membrane is configured to contact the stress-applying device when the support strip has deformed.
A pressure relief device, comprising:
- an inlet housing;
- a support ring having at least one support strip;
- and,
- a flexible graphite membrane sealed between the inlet housing and support ring, wherein the at least one support strip provides structural support for the flexible graphite membrane;
- wherein the flexible graphite membrane is provided with at least one line of weakness.
A pressure relief device, comprising:
- a housing;
- a piercing mechanism;
- a support member comprising a support strip, wherein the piercing mechanism is held between the housing and the support member;
- a membrane, wherein the membrane is supported by the support strip;
- and,
- a protective layer, wherein the membrane is held between the support member and the protective layer;
- wherein the support strip is configured to fail in response to a predetermined pressure imparted on the support strip via the membrane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.