Thermal pressure relief device

US8800587B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Patrick Breuer · Montabaur, DE
• Stefan Nettesheim · Regensburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 5, 2011
• Grant date: Aug 12, 2014
• Expiry date: Mar 30, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/1812
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A thermal pressure relief device (TPRD) including a housing having a movable member and a retainer disposed therein. The movable member is movable between an open position and a closed position. A trigger mechanism is disposed between the movable member and the retainer. The trigger mechanism holds the movable member in the closed position and includes a substantially spherical shaped body and a temperature sensitive material disposed in the body. The temperature sensitive material volumetrically expands with an increase in temperature until a predetermined temperature is attained and a breakage of the body occurs. When the body of the trigger mechanism breaks, the movable member is displaced from the closed position to the open position, allowing a fluid to flow through the TPRD.