阅读说明：本技术 带有减压阀的通气口 (Vent with pressure reducing valve ) 是由 J·桑德斯 M·J·赫伯特 D·多兹勒 K·盖兹 于 2018-03-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：披露了一种通气口组件,所述通气口组件具有壳体,所述壳体限定腔体、第一端部、第二端部和朝向所述第二端部的联接结构。安装表面被定位在所述腔体内的所述第一端部和所述第二端部之间,并且限定阀开口和通气口开口。通气口穿过所述通气口开口联接到所述安装表面,并且伞状阀穿过阀开口密封地布置在所述安装表面上。(vent assembly is disclosed having a housing defining a cavity, a end, a second end, and a coupling structure toward the second end.A mounting surface is positioned within the cavity between the end and the second end and defines a valve opening and a vent opening.)

A vent assembly of the type , comprising:

a housing defining a cavity, an th end, a second end, and a coupling toward the second end;

a mounting surface positioned within the cavity between the th end and the second end, the mounting surface defining a valve opening and a vent opening;

a vent coupled to the mounting surface through the vent opening; and

an umbrella valve sealingly disposed on the mounting surface through a valve opening.

2. The vent assembly of any of claims 1 and 3-17, further step includes an end cap coupled to the housing toward the th end.

3. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-2 and 4-17, , wherein the mounting surface forms a unitary structure with the housing.

4. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-3 and 5-17, , wherein the vent comprises a gas permeable membrane.

5. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-4 and 6-17, , wherein the housing defines an opening between an ambient environment and the cavity to define a fluid flow path between an exterior of the housing and the mounting surface.

6. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-5 and 7-17, the housing comprising a th barrier, wherein the th barrier is positioned between the opening and the vent.

7. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-6 and 8-17, , the housing comprising a second obstruction disposed on the mounting surface extending into the fluid flow path, wherein the second obstruction is positioned between the opening and the umbrella valve.

8. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-7 and 9-17, , wherein the fluid flow path defines a tortuous path between the opening and the umbrella valve.

9. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-8 and 10-17, , the coupling structure defining a fluid flow path between the exterior of the housing and the vent.

10. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-9 and 11-17, wherein the housing defines a th fluid flow path between the exterior of the housing and the vent, the coupling structure defines a second fluid flow path between the exterior of the housing and the vent, and the umbrella valve is configured to unseal from the mounting surface when a pressure in the second fluid flow path is 0.5psi to 1psi greater than a pressure in the th fluid flow path.

11. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-10 and 12-17, wherein the housing further defines a central axis extending from the end to the second end, and wherein the mounting surface surrounds the central axis.

12. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-11 and 13-17, wherein the valve opening comprises a plurality of openings defining a segmented ring about the central axis.

13. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-12 and 14-17, wherein the vent opening is a plurality of openings defining a segmented ring about the central axis.

14. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-13 and 15-17, wherein the mounting surface defines a central opening about the central axis and the umbrella valve includes an extension portion that extends through the central opening.

15. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-14 and 16-17, wherein the housing defines a radial opening about the central axis, wherein the radial opening defines a fluid flow path between an exterior of the housing and the vent.

16. The vent assembly of any of claims 1-15 and 17, , wherein the vent and the umbrella valve are concentric.

17. The vent assembly of any of claims , wherein further comprises a seal against the coupling structure.

Technical Field

The present technology relates generally to vents. More particularly, the present technology relates to vents with integrated relief valve functionality.

Background

However, in , the pressure inside the housing may rise substantially and the protective vent may not be sufficiently fast to achieve equalization to prevent damage to components in the housing or the housing itself.

Disclosure of Invention

The technology disclosed herein relates to vents having pressure relief valves in examples, the vents are configured to passively allow gas to vent between the housing and the outside environment under normal operating conditions, however, the pressure relief valves allow gas to bypass the vents in the event of a pressure spike inside the housing.

Drawings

The present technology may be more completely understood and appreciated in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an example vent with a pressure relief valve consistent with embodiments of the technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is the example vent of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another example vent with a pressure relief valve consistent with embodiments of the technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is the example vent of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is another example vent with a pressure relief valve consistent with embodiments of the technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 is the example vent of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is another example vent with a pressure relief valve consistent with embodiments of the technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the vent of FIG. 7.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the cross-section depicted in fig. 8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an example vent with a pressure relief valve consistent with embodiments of the technology disclosed herein.

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of yet another example vent with a pressure relief valve consistent with embodiments of the technology disclosed herein.

Detailed Description

In various embodiments, the present technology combines the functionality of a protective vent with the functionality of a one-way pressure relief valve. The vent allows the enclosure to vent during normal operating conditions, but if there is a high pressure event in the enclosure (such as an explosive release of gas or a relatively large temperature rise over a relatively short period of time), the assembly can open to allow a higher unrestricted gas flow, thereby avoiding an overpressure in the enclosure that would otherwise result in damage to the internal components of the enclosure.

FIG. 1 is an example assembly 10 having a vent and pressure relief valve consistent with embodiments of the technology disclosed herein, FIG. 2 is the assembly 10 of FIG. 1 in an alternating state, the assembly 10 is generally configured to be coupled to a housing 40 and to accommodate gas flow into and out of the housing 40 from the ambient environment under normal operation, the assembly 10 is configured to allow gas to escape the housing 40 relatively quickly by bypassing the assembly 10 upon the occurrence of a high pressure event inside the housing 40.

Assembly 10 has a vent 20 and a coupling structure 30 the vent 20 is generally positioned in fluid communication with an opening 42 in the housing 40. the vent 20 is configured to allow gas to enter and exit the housing 40 from the environment outside the housing 40 by flowing through the vent 20. in embodiments, the vent 20 is configured to prevent particles from entering the housing 40. in embodiments, the vent 20 is also configured to prevent liquid from entering the housing 40. in embodiments, the vent 20 may be constructed from a variety of different materials and combinations of materials.

The coupling structure 30 is configured to couple the vent 20 to the housing 40 under normal pressure conditions when the pressure inside the housing 40 surges beyond a threshold T, the coupling structure 30 releases to allow gas to escape from the housing 40 to bypass the vent 20, as depicted in FIG. 2. the coupling structure 30 is typically an adhesive.

The housing 40 is generally configured to encase the components in examples, the housing 40 is a case for a battery cell, and in another example, the housing 40 is used in other types of systems.

FIG. 3 is another example vent with a pressure relief valve consistent with embodiments of the technology disclosed herein FIG. 4 is the example vent of FIG. 3 with the pressure relief vent in an alternating position the assembly 100 is generally configured to be coupled to the housing 140 and to accommodate gas flow into and out of the housing 140 from the ambient under normal operation the assembly 100 is configured to allow gas to escape the housing 140 relatively quickly by bypassing the assembly 100 upon a high pressure event inside the housing 140 the assembly 100 has a vent housing 110, a spring 120, and a vent 130.

The vent 130 and the housing 140 generally correspond to the situation described in the discussion of FIG. 1 above the vent housing 110 is generally configured to be coupled to the housing 140 in embodiments the vent housing 110 has a coupling surface 114 that is configured to be coupled to the housing 140 in embodiments the coupling surface 114 may be coupled to the housing 140 with an adhesive in embodiments the coupling surface 114 may define a mating structure that is configured to mate with a corresponding structure defined by the housing 140 in embodiments the coupling surface 114 of the vent housing 110 is welded to the housing 140 the vent housing 110 may be constructed from a variety of different materials and combinations of materials in embodiments the vent housing 110 is molded plastic in embodiments the vent housing 110 is metal in another embodiment .

The vent housing 110 is generally configured to position the vent 130 over an opening 142 defined by the housing 140. the vent housing 110 is secured to a -th end 122 of the spring 120, and the vent 130 is secured to a second end 124 of the spring 120. the spring 120 is biased in a compressed state between the vent housing 110 and the housing 140 such that the spring 120 couples the vent 130 to the housing 140 under normal pressure conditions about the opening 142. when the pressure inside the housing 140 spikes beyond a threshold T, pressure is exerted on the second side 134 of the vent 130 against the pressure exerted by the spring 120 on the -th side 132 of the vent, which may translate at least portion of the vent 130 away from the surface of the housing 140 to compress at least portion of the spring 120. pressurized gas from inside the housing 140 is allowed to escape the housing 140 and bypass the vent 130. in some embodiments of , the pressure inside the housing 140 returns the vent 130 to a position over the opening 142 in the housing 140 once the spring 120 returns to the threshold T or below.

In embodiments, the spring 120 may be a helical coil constructed from metal or plastic in embodiments, the spring 120 may be a resilient material, such as a foam material in embodiments, the spring 120 may also be a plurality of coils.

In some, but not all embodiments of , the vent housing 110 may define an air flow path 112 that facilitates the passage of gas released from the enclosure 140 (bypassing the vent 130).

FIG. 5 is another example vent with a pressure relief valve consistent with embodiments of the technology disclosed herein, FIG. 6 is the example vent of FIG. 5 upon the occurrence of a high pressure event inside the enclosure 240, the assembly 200 is similar to the previously described assembly in that gas is allowed to pass between the enclosure 240 and the environment through the vent 230 under normal pressure conditions, the assembly 200 allows gas from inside the enclosure 240 to bypass the vent 230 under high pressure inside the enclosure 240.

The assembly 200 generally has a coupling structure 210, a spring 220, a hinge 222, and a vent 230. the vent 230 is positioned in fluid communication with an opening 242 defined in a housing 240. the housing 240 and the vent 230 result from the housing and vent that have been described herein above.

Coupling structure 210 is generally configured to couple assembly 200 to housing 240 coupling structure 210 may be configured to receive, for example, an adhesive coupled to housing 240 in some embodiments , coupling structure 210 defines mating features configured to mate with corresponding features defined by housing 240 in some embodiments , coupling structure 210 is coupled to housing 240 by welding, although other methods of coupling structure 210 to housing 240 may be used.

The hinge 222 couples the vent 230 to the coupling structure 210. the spring 220 urges the -th side 232 of the vent to bias the vent 230 against the housing 240 under normal pressure conditions about the opening 242. when the pressure inside the housing 240 surges past the threshold T, gas inside the housing 240 urges the second side 234 of the vent 230 against the spring 220, which translates the vent 230 away from the housing 240 and compresses the spring 220. then an opening is defined between the vent 230 and the housing 240 (FIG. 6) that allows gas inside the housing 240 to escape from the housing 240 and bypass the vent 230. the hinge defines a translation path for the vent 230, which is a pivot.

The spring 220 may correspond to the spring described above in the discussion of fig. 3-4 the hinge 222 may have a variety of configurations and generally defines a pivot axis of the vent 230 relative to the housing 240.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example vent with a pressure relief valve consistent with embodiments of the technology disclosed herein, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vent of FIG. 7 and the enclosure 370, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cross-section of FIG. 8, similar to the previously described assemblies, the present assembly 300 is generally configured to allow gas to pass between the enclosure 370 and the environment through the vent 330 under normal pressure conditions, the assembly 300 is configured to allow gas to escape the enclosure 370 through the vent 330 by-pass upon the occurrence of a high pressure event inside the enclosure 370, the assembly 300 generally has a vent housing 320, a coupling surface 310, a mounting surface 350, a vent 330, and a pressure relief valve 340.

The vent housing 320 is generally configured to house a vent 330 and a pressure relief valve 340. the vent housing 320 defines a cavity 322, a end 302, a second end 304, and a coupling structure 310. the vent housing 320 may be constructed from various materials and combinations of materials. in embodiments , the vent housing 320 is constructed from plastic or metal. in examples , at least a portion of the vent housing 320 is injection molded plastic. an end cap 324 is coupled to the vent housing 320 toward the end 302. in other embodiments , the end cap 324 may form a single part with the vent housing 320. the cavity 322 is also defined by the end cap 324.

The mounting surface 350 is generally positioned between the th end 302 and the second end 304 within the cavity 322 the mounting surface 350 is generally configured to receive the vent 330 and the pressure relief valve 340. although the mounting surface 350 may be a single planar surface, in some other embodiments the mounting surface may be defined by a plurality of surfaces that are not necessarily planar the mounting surface 350 defines a vent opening 352 and a valve opening 354 the vent opening 352 and the valve opening 354 may each be or more openings defined by the mounting surface 350. in various embodiments, the mounting surface 350 is a single structure with the vent housing 320. in some other embodiments, however, the mounting surface 350 is defined by a separate component that is coupled to the vent housing 320 by a friction fit or by using a coupler such as a screw.

The vent 330 is coupled to the mounting surface 350 through a vent opening 352. The vent 330 is generally configured to allow passive airflow between the enclosure 370 and the surrounding environment while preventing liquids and particulates from entering the enclosure 370. The vent 330 is positioned in fluid communication with an opening 372 in the housing 370. The vent 330 may be coupled to the mounting surface 350 with an adhesive. The vent 330 may be constructed of materials similar to the vents described herein above. In the current example, the vent 330 forms a ring-shaped member, and the vent 330 may be coupled to the mounting surface 350 with an adhesive disposed adjacent to its outer periphery 332 and its inner periphery 334 to form a seal between the vent 330 and the mounting surface 350.

The valve 340 is sealingly disposed on the mounting surface 350 through the valve opening 354. In various embodiments, the valve 340 is an umbrella valve. The valve 340 is generally configured to form a seal around the valve opening 354 to allow gas to passively vent through the vent opening 352 and the vent 330 under normal pressure conditions, and when a pressure spike inside the housing 370 exceeds a threshold T, the pressure displaces the umbrella valve 340 to unseal the valve opening 354 and allow gas to bypass through the vent 330 and exit the housing 370 through the valve opening 354. The valve 340 is configured to be parallel to the vent 330 with respect to air flow between the ambient environment and the enclosure 370.

Pressure relief valve 340 is typically formed of an elastomeric material, pressure relief valve 340 may also be another type of pressure relief valve, but is typically a one-way pressure relief valve the pressure relief valve 340 may be any type of umbrella valve, such as a Belleville valve in embodiments, the pressure relief valve 340 is configured to reseal around valve opening 354 when the pressure inside enclosure 370 returns to a level at or below pressure threshold T.

The coupling structure 310 is generally configured to couple the assembly 300 to the enclosure 370 about the opening 372 defined by the enclosure 370 (fig. 8). the coupling structure 310 is defined toward the second end 304 of the vent housing 320. the coupling structure 310 is generally configured to engage the enclosure 370. in the present example, the coupling structure 310 forms a snap-fit connection with the enclosure 370. in some other embodiments, the coupling structure 310 forms a mating structure configured to mate with a corresponding structure defined by the enclosure 370. for example, the coupling structure 310 may define screw threads configured to be received by the enclosure 370 about the opening 372. as another example, the coupling structure 310 may define a connector, such as a bayonet connector, that interlocks with the enclosure 370 about the opening 372. in some embodiments, the coupling structure 310 may be coupled to the enclosure 370 about the opening 372 using an adhesive.

In embodiments consistent with the present example , seal 312 generally bears against coupling structure 310 seal 312 is configured to form a seal between assembly 300 and enclosure 370 when assembly 300 is coupled to enclosure 370 seal 312 may be an elastomeric material in embodiments seal 312 is rubber or another gasket or sealing material.

In an example consistent with the current embodiment , the vent housing 320 defines an opening 326 between the ambient environment and the cavity 322 to define a th fluid flow path between the exterior of the vent housing 320 and the mounting surface 350 and/or the vent 330, further, the coupling structure 310 defines a second fluid flow path between the exterior of the vent housing 320 and the vent 330 in such embodiments, the umbrella valve 340 is configured to unseal from the mounting surface 350 when the pressure in the second fluid flow path is at least 0.2psi (pounds per square inch) and no more than 3psi greater than the pressure in the th fluid flow path (and from 0.5psi to 1psi in embodiments).

The vent housing 320 has a barrier 358 positioned between the opening 326 and the vent 330. The obstruction 358 forms a tortuous path between the opening 326 and the vent 330, which means that fluid flowing into the opening 326 does not directly impact the vent 330. Similarly, a barrier 358 is positioned between the opening 326 and the valve 340.

In an example consistent with current embodiment , the vent 330 and the valve 340 are concentric, although the valve 340 is in the center of the vent 330, in some other embodiments the vent may be in the center of the valve in an example consistent with current embodiment , the vent housing 320 defines a central axis X extending from the end 302 to the second end 304 the mounting surface 350 surrounds the central axis X although not fully visible in the current view, the valve opening 354 is a plurality of openings defining a segmented ring around the central axis X similarly, the vent opening 352 is a plurality of openings defining a segmented ring around the central axis X the mounting surface defines a central opening 356 around the central axis X and the umbrella valve 340 has an extension 342 extending through the central opening 356 the opening 326 is a series of radial openings around the central axis X.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of another example assembly 400 having a vent 430 and a pressure relief valve 440, similar to the assemblies described above, that is consistent with embodiments of the technology disclosed herein, the present assembly 400 is generally configured to allow gas to pass between a housing (not presently depicted) and the outside environment through the vent 430 under normal pressure conditions, the assembly 400 is configured to allow gas to escape the housing by bypassing the vent 430 when a high pressure event occurs inside the housing, the assembly 400 generally has a vent housing 420, a mounting surface 450, a vent 430, and a pressure relief valve 440.

The vent housing 420 is generally configured to receive a vent 430 and a pressure relief valve 440. the vent housing 420 defines a cavity 422, a end 402, a second end 404, and a coupling structure 410. the vent housing 420 may be constructed from various materials and combinations of materials, as discussed above.

The mounting surface 450 is generally positioned within the cavity 422 between the th end 402 and the second end 404. the mounting surface 450 is generally configured to receive the vent 430 and the pressure relief valve 440. the mounting surface 450 defines a vent opening 452 and a valve opening 454. the vent opening 452 and the valve opening 454 may each be or more openings defined by the mounting surface 450.

The vent 430 is coupled to the mounting surface 450 through a vent opening 452. The vent 430 is generally configured to allow passive airflow between the enclosure and the surrounding environment while preventing liquids and particulates from entering the enclosure. The vent 430 is positioned in fluid communication with an opening in the housing. The vent 430 may be coupled to the mounting surface 450 with an adhesive. The vent 430 may be constructed of materials similar to the vents described herein above. In the current example, the vent 430 is circular, and the vent 430 may be coupled to the mounting surface 450 with an adhesive disposed adjacent an outer periphery 432 thereof to form a seal between the vent 430 and the mounting surface 450.

The valve 440 is sealingly disposed on the mounting surface 450 through a valve opening 454. In various embodiments, the valve 440 is an umbrella valve. Valve 440 has an extension 442 that is received by a central valve extension opening 456. The valve 440 is generally configured to form a seal around the valve opening 454 to allow gas to passively vent through the vent opening 452 and the vent 430 under normal pressure conditions, and when a pressure spike within the housing exceeds a threshold T, the pressure displaces the umbrella valve 440 to unseal from the valve opening 454 and allow gas to bypass through the vent 430 and exit the housing through the valve opening 454. The valve 440 is configured to be parallel to the vent 430 with respect to air flow between the ambient environment and the housing.

The pressure relief valve 440 may be any type of umbrella valve, such as a Belleville valve, in embodiments, the pressure relief valve 440 is configured to reseal around the valve opening 454 when the pressure inside the housing returns to a level at or below the pressure threshold T.

The coupling structure 410 is generally configured to couple the assembly 400 to the housing about an opening defined by the housing. The coupling structure 410 is defined toward the second end 404 of the vent housing 420. The coupling structure 410 is generally configured to engage the housing. In the present example, the coupling structure 410 is a bottom (relative to the figures) surface that may be coupled to the housing with an adhesive around the opening. As noted above, alternative types of coupling structures 410 may also be used.

In an example consistent with the current embodiment , the vent housing 420 defines an opening 426 between the ambient environment and the cavity 422 to define a th fluid flow path between the exterior of the vent housing 420 and the mounting surface 450 and/or the vent 430. furthermore, the coupling structure 410 defines a second fluid flow path between the exterior of the vent housing 420 and the vent 430. in such embodiments, the umbrella valve 440 is configured to unseal from the mounting surface 450 when the pressure in the second fluid flow path is at least 0.2psi and no more than 2psi greater than the pressure in the th fluid flow path (and in some embodiments , from 0.5psi to 1 psi).

Vent housing 420 has a barrier 458 positioned between opening 426 and vent 430. a th barrier 458 forms a tortuous path between opening 426 and vent 430, meaning that fluid flowing into opening 426 does not directly impact vent 430. similarly, or more second barriers 459 are positioned between opening(s) 426 and valve 440. second barrier(s) 459 forms a tortuous path between opening 426 and valve 440, meaning that fluid flowing into opening 426 does not directly impact valve 440.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of another example assembly 500 having a vent 530 and a pressure relief valve 540, similar to the assemblies described above, that is consistent with embodiments of the technology disclosed herein current assembly 500 is generally configured to allow gas to pass between a housing (not currently depicted) and the outside environment through vent 530 under normal pressure conditions similar to the assemblies described above, assembly 500 is configured to allow gas to escape the housing by bypassing vent 530 when a high pressure event occurs inside the housing, assembly 500 generally has a vent housing 520, a mounting surface 550, vent 530, and a pressure relief valve 540.

The vent housing 520 is generally configured to receive a vent 530 and a relief valve 540. the vent housing 520 defines a cavity 522, a end 502, a second end 504, and a coupling structure 510. the vent housing 520 may be constructed from various materials and combinations of materials, as discussed above.

The mounting surface 550 is generally positioned between the th end 502 and the second end 504 within the cavity 522. the mounting surface 550 is generally configured to receive the vent 530 and the pressure relief valve 540. the mounting surface 550 defines a vent opening 552 and a valve opening 554. the vent opening 552 and the valve opening 554 may each be or more openings defined by the mounting surface 550. the mounting surface 550 may be configured as discussed herein above, and in the present example, the mounting surface 550 has two surfaces.

The vent 530 is coupled to the mounting surface 550 through a vent opening 552. The vent 530 is generally configured to allow passive airflow between the enclosure and the ambient environment while preventing liquids and particulates from entering the enclosure. Vent 530 is positioned in fluid communication with an opening in the housing. The vent 530 may be coupled to the mounting surface 550 using an adhesive. Vent 530 may be constructed of materials similar to the vents described herein above. In the current example, vent 530 is circular, and vent 530 may be coupled to mounting surface 550 with an adhesive disposed adjacent an outer perimeter 532 thereof to form a seal between vent 530 and mounting surface 550.

The valve 540 is sealingly disposed on the mounting surface 550 through a valve opening 554. In various embodiments, the valve 540 is an umbrella valve. The valve 540 has an extension 542 that is received by the central valve extension opening 556. The valve 540 is generally configured to form a seal around the valve opening 554 to allow gas to passively vent through the vent opening 552 and the vent 530 under normal pressure conditions, and when a pressure spike within the housing exceeds a threshold value T, the pressure displaces the umbrella valve 540 to unseal from the valve opening 554 and allow gas to bypass through the vent 530 and exit the housing through the valve opening 554. The valve 540 is configured to be parallel with the vent 530 with respect to air flow between the ambient environment and the housing.

The pressure relief valve 540 may be any type of umbrella valve, such as a Belleville valve, in embodiments, the pressure relief valve 540 is configured to reseal around the valve opening 554 when the pressure inside the housing returns to a level at or below the pressure threshold T.

Coupling structure 510 is generally configured to couple assembly 500 to a housing about an opening defined by the housing. The coupling structure 510 is defined toward the second end 504 of the vent housing 520. The coupling structure 510 is generally configured to engage the housing. In the present example, the coupling structure 510 is a bottom (relative to the figures) surface that may be coupled to the housing with an adhesive around the opening. As noted above, alternative types of coupling structures 510 may also be used.

Note that in an embodiment consistent with current example , cavity 522 is actually two separate cavities, namely cavities that house valve 540, and another cavities that house vent 530 in embodiments , there is a single cavity in embodiments consistent with current embodiment , vent housing 520 defines an opening 526 between the ambient environment and cavity 522 to define a th fluid flow path between the exterior of vent housing 520 and mounting surface 550 and/or vent 530. furthermore, coupling structure 510 defines a second fluid flow path between the exterior of vent housing 520 and vent 530. in such embodiments, umbrella valve 540 is configured to unseal from mounting surface 550 when the pressure in the second fluid flow path is at least 0.2psi and no more than 2psi greater than the pressure in the th fluid flow path (and from 0.5 to 1psi in embodiments ).

Vent housing 520 has a barrier 558 positioned between opening 526 and vent 530. the th barrier 558 forms a tortuous path between opening 526 and vent 530, meaning that fluid flowing into opening 526 does not directly impact vent 530. similarly, or more second barriers 559 are positioned between opening(s) 526 and valve 540. second barrier(s) 559 forms a tortuous path between opening 526 and valve, meaning that fluid flowing into opening 526 does not directly impact valve 540.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase "configured to" describes a system, device, or other structure that is constructed or arranged to perform a particular task or take a particular configuration. The phrase "configured to" may be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as "arranging," "arranging and configuring," "constructing and arranging," "constructing," "manufacturing and arranging," and the like.

All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.