Duct Joint Protection Blanket Assembly with Continuous Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duct protection systems, such as structural shielding and woven blankets, are cumbersome, expensive, and inefficient in maintaining joint integrity during a duct burst event, particularly in sensitive environments where heat and moisture are present.
Innovation Solution
A blanket assembly comprising a first and second blanket member coupled around adjacent ducts with a continuous strap to distribute compressive forces and redirect load paths, preventing rapid separation and protecting surrounding structures from high temperature and pressure fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a structural shielding system is used to protect sensitive structures from ducts, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible blanket assembly with blanket members wrapped around ducts instead of rigid structural shielding. The blanket members are held in place by straps that apply compressive force, creating a flexible protective barrier that is much simpler to install and adapt to various duct configurations while maintaining protection effectiveness during burst events.
2Reliability
If a woven blanket is used to protect surrounding structures during duct burst, then protection effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket protection system is segmented into multiple independent blanket members (first blanket member, second blanket member) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled around the ducts. Each blanket member is a simple rectangular piece of fabric that is wrapped around individual ducts, eliminating the need for complex pre-fabricated woven patterns while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing approach from creating complex fabric patterns through multiple weaving steps to using simple fabric pieces held in place by mechanical straps. The protective function is achieved through the assembly configuration and compressive force application rather than through complex fabric construction, significantly simplifying manufacturing.
3Reliability
If multiple fabric layers with complex patterns are used in the blanket, then protection effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is divided into separate blanket members that can be manufactured independently as simple fabric pieces. This segmentation allows each component to be produced quickly without complex multi-layer weaving processes, and the components are then assembled around the ducts to provide the necessary protection during burst events.
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 effectively maintains joint integrity by extending the time of decompression and protecting sensitive structures by redirecting load paths, reducing the complexity and cost of manufacturing while enhancing the service lifetime of duct systems.
Implementation Method 1
The strap is configured to couple the first blanket member to the second blanket member such that a load path is provided from the second blanket member to the first blanket member during a duct burst event
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for protecting a duct joint are provided. An assembly for protecting a joint formed between a first duct and an adjacent second duct includes a first blanket member coupled about the first duct and a second blanket member coupled about the second duct, wherein the second blanket member extends from the first blanket member. The assembly also includes a continuous strap coupled to the first blanket member and to the second blanket member. The strap is configured to couple the first blanket member to the second blanket member such that a load path is provided from the second blanket member to the first blanket member during a duct burst event.