Flexible Standoff for Pipe Insulation Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The direct contact between pipes and horizontal support members during installation complicates the insulation process, as there is no space for insulation, requiring time-consuming adjustments or replacement of supports to accommodate insulation thickness.
Innovation Solution
A temporary pipe standoff device with flexible blocks and connectors creates a space between the pipe and support, allowing insulation installation and later removal to facilitate efficient insulation application without altering the pipe support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the horizontal support member is in direct contact with the pipe to support the pipe weight, then the pipe support function is achieved, but there is no space for insulation around the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two distinct components: a temporary standoff component that provides spacing during insulation installation, and the permanent horizontal support member. This segmentation allows the spacing function to be provided temporarily without complicating the permanent support structure, as the standoff is removed after insulation is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The standoff is installed beforehand to create the necessary space between the pipe and support member before insulation installation begins. This preliminary action ensures that adequate space is available for insulation application, eliminating the need for complex adjustments or modifications during the insulation process.
2Productivity
If the pipe support is adjusted or replaced to accommodate insulation thickness, then space for insulation is created, but installation time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standoff is designed as a temporary, disposable component that is easy to install and remove. It serves its purpose of creating space during insulation installation and is then discarded, eliminating the need for time-consuming adjustments or replacements of permanent support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The standoff acts as an intermediary component between the pipe and the horizontal support member during the insulation installation process. It temporarily provides the necessary spacing and is then removed, allowing the insulation to be installed without requiring modifications to the permanent support system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid standoff is used to maintain space between pipe and support, then insulation space is provided, but the standoff cannot accommodate pipe movement or installation variations
Solution Approach 1:
The standoff transitions from a rigid structure during installation to a flexible structure during operation. The collapsible design allows it to be rigid when installed to maintain space, then collapse to a compact form for removal, adapting to the different requirements of installation and storage phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The standoff employs flexible elements such as springs or collapsible walls that can deform and adapt to different pipe positions and movements while maintaining the necessary spacing. This flexibility allows the standoff to accommodate installation variations and pipe movement without compromising its ability to provide consistent spacing.
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 device simplifies insulation installation by providing a temporary space for insulation, reducing installation time and complexity, and allows for adjustments post-insulation without needing to modify the pipe support.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of flexible connectors interconnecting the blocks. At least one flexible connector extends between adjacent blocks. The standoff defines a height such that in a first condition, in which the standoff is disposed between the pipe and the pipe support, the standoff defines a space and the flexible connectors flex with the standoff extending along at least a part of a circumference and the pipe.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for providing a temporary space between and a pipe and a pipe support comprises a standoff having a plurality of blocks, with each block having a top and a bottom surface spaced from each other by sides, and a plurality of flexible connectors interconnecting the blocks. At least one flexible connector extends between adjacent blocks. The standoff defines a height such that in a first condition, in which the standoff is disposed between the pipe and the pipe support, the standoff defines a space and the flexible connectors flex with the standoff extending along at least a part of a circumference and the pipe. The insulation can be disposed in the space between the pipe and the pipe support in a second condition in which the standoff is removed from between the pipe and the pipe support. A method is also disclosed.