Flexible Elastomeric Insulation Structure That Resists Sagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulation materials face challenges in maintaining structural integrity on large diameter installations, especially when flexible materials sag or collapse under weight, leading to poor energy efficiency, noise reduction, and condensation issues due to their lack of rigidity and compressibility.
Innovation Solution
A shaped article made from an expanded and crosslinked elastomeric material with tapered recesses forming a pointed angle, providing structural integrity while remaining flexible and compressible, formed by an interpenetrating network of crosslinked elastomer polymer and resin, which can be easily installed and self-supporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible elastomeric insulation material is used, then ease of installation and flexibility are improved, but structural integrity and load-bearing capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining elastomeric polymer with reinforcing fibers or mesh within the foam structure. This creates a hybrid material that exhibits both the flexibility and ease of installation of elastomeric materials and the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of composite reinforcement, directly resolving the technical contradiction between softness and strength.
2Strength
If rigid insulation material is used, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of installation and ability to close gaps deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of different stiffness within the insulation material. The elastomeric base provides flexibility for installation and gap-closing, while localized reinforcement zones provide structural integrity. This spatial variation in material properties allows the single material to exhibit both rigid and flexible characteristics as needed.
3Ease of operation
If flexible insulation material is used on large diameter installations, then ease of installation is improved, but sagging and collapse under weight occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials with embedded reinforcement structures that provide tensile strength and dimensional stability. The reinforcement network prevents sagging and collapse under the weight of the insulation layer on large diameter installations, while the elastomeric matrix maintains flexibility for ease of installation.
4Strength
If additional support strips or belts are applied to flexible insulation, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the reinforcement function directly into the insulation material itself rather than using separate support strips or belts. The reinforcing fibers or mesh are embedded within the elastomeric foam, combining the insulation and structural support functions into a single unified component, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating additional installation steps.
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 ensures tight and reliable insulation with enhanced energy efficiency, improved noise reduction, and better condensation prevention by maintaining structural integrity and flexibility, suitable for large diameter installations without the need for additional supports.
Implementation Method 1
the shaped article comprises or consists of an expanded and crosslinked elastomeric material, the elastomeric material comprising at least one crosslinked elastomer polymer (A) and at least one crosslinked resin (B), wherein the at least one elastomer polymer (A) and the at least one resin (B) form an interpenetrating network
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Shaped article (100) having a planar form with two main sides and a plurality of tapered recesses formed in one of the main sides. The tapered recesses form each a pointed angle and the sum of the pointed angles of all tapered recesses being 300 to 355 degrees. The protrusion of the recesses into the form is more than 20% but not more than 80% of the thickness of the planar form. The shaped article (100) comprises an expanded and crosslinked elastomeric material, the elastomeric material comprising at least one crosslinked elastomer polymer (A) and at least one crosslinked resin (B), wherein the at least one elastomer polymer (A) and the at least one resin (B) form an interpenetrating network.