Flat Insulation for 3D Structures with Pre-Dried Adhesive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex 3D structures, such as ductwork with non-straight elements, face challenges in thermal insulation due to oxidation and moisture ingress, leading to corrosion and inefficient energy use, especially when traditional insulation methods fail to adhere properly and result in burr formation and uneven sealing.

Innovation Solution

A method using flat insulation material with a built-in water vapor barrier, applied in 2D elements that fit perfectly around the structure, combined with a pre-dried adhesive layer that is heated for enhanced adhesion, and filled with small insulation particles to fill gaps and prevent moisture ingress, ensuring long-term thermal efficiency and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional insulation methods are used on complex 3D structures, then insulation coverage is achieved, but adhesion is poor and burr formation occurs leading to uneven sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidapplication process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer is pre-dried before applying the insulation material, ensuring optimal adhesion conditions are established in advance. This preliminary action prevents poor bonding and burr formation during the insulation application process on complex 3D structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer undergoes parameter change through pre-drying, transforming from a wet state to a partially dried state with optimized viscosity and bonding properties. This parameter change enables reliable adhesion on complex geometries without causing burr formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If insulation material is applied on complex structures, then thermal insulation is provided, but moisture ingress and oxidation occur leading to corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidmoisture ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation system uses a composite structure combining insulation material with a pre-dried adhesive layer that has water-repelling properties. This composite material provides both thermal insulation and protection against moisture ingress and oxidation on complex 3D structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-dried adhesive layer acts as a sacrificial protective barrier that prevents moisture and oxidation from reaching the insulation material and underlying structure. This disposable protective layer can be applied as spray or brush-on coating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If flat insulation material is used to simplify application, then ease of installation improves, but fitting complex non-straight sections becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation processVSAvoidfitting complex structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation material is applied in a flexible, dynamic process where the pre-dried adhesive layer is first applied to conform to complex geometries, followed by the insulation material. This dynamic application process allows flat insulation material to adapt to non-straight sections and complex 3D structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 method provides a robust, aesthetically pleasing insulation with improved adhesion and reduced risk of corrosion, maintaining thermal efficiency and energy savings by preventing moisture and oxidation, even on complex structures with non-straight sections.

Implementation Method 1

a pre-dried adhesive layer that is heated for enhanced adhesion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

thermal insulation relates to a reduction of heat transfer between objects in thermal contact or in range of radiation influence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

flat insulation material with a built-in water vapor barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Data Source

PatentEP4311973B1Method for applying a thermal insulation on a 3-dimensional structure

Publication Date: 2024.12.25 R VAN DEN HANENBERG BV

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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary

The present invention is in the field of an improved method for applying insulation material thermal insulation on a 3-dimensional structure 10 and specifically thermal isolation of tubes, flanges, and valves, in particular by using flat insulation material 7 and the like, as well as an 3-dimensional insulated structure 10 obtained thereby. In particular the present invention is aimed at arrangements specially adapted to local requirements at flanges, junctions, valves or the like.