Mitigating ice build up in a fluid handling assembly
US11555557B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 16, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/1244
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid handling assembly comprising a cavity in which water may become trapped due to use of the assembly, and a membrane disposed in the cavity. The membrane divides the cavity into a first sub-cavity on a first side of the membrane that is configured to collect any water trapped in the cavity and a second sub-cavity on a second, opposite side of the membrane. The membrane is configured to change shape such that the first sub-cavity increases in volume and the second sub-cavity decreases in volume in response to being subjected to water freezing conditions. The increase in volume accommodates an increase in volume of any water that may be trapped in the first sub-cavity when it freezes to ice.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.