Foldable Pipe Support Element to Prevent Gaps and Moisture Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat pipe bearing elements and heating/cooling units require complex assembly, involve high costs due to the need for custom-made pipe holders and extensive storage of various insulation panels, and often result in gaps that lead to sound bridges and moisture ingress.
Innovation Solution
A flat pipe support element composed of interconnected, hinge-connected rectangular surface elements that can be folded or stacked for compact storage and transportation, forming a strip-shaped support with integrated pipe holding devices, which prevents moisture ingress and eliminates the need for custom-made components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipe support elements are used in the form of separate solid plastic panels with anchored pipe holders, then pipes can be securely fastened, but high-quality and expensive custom-made pipe holders and setting devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support element is divided into separate functional components: a generic panel structure and independently attachable pipe holding devices. This segmentation allows the use of standard, inexpensive materials for the panel while using specialized components only where needed for pipe support.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe holding devices are pre-formed as separate components that can be easily attached to the panel without requiring complex on-site assembly devices. The U-shaped cross-sections are manufactured in advance and simply snapped or secured onto the panel surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plate aggregates with insulating material plates and foil cover layers are used, then insulation and pipe support functions are combined, but relatively complex factory assembly and storage of multiple panel assemblies are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the insulation layer from the pipe support function. The pipe support element is a distinct component that can be applied to various insulation panel types, eliminating the need for pre-assembled plate aggregates and reducing storage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe support element serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for pipes, attaches to various insulation panel types, and creates a continuous barrier layer. This universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized panel assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If separate plastic panels are laid for pipe support, then pipe holding function is provided, but narrow gaps between panels occur that require complex adhesive strip application and still cause sound bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support element is made from a flexible material that can be dynamically adapted during installation. It can be bent and contoured to fit around pipes and conform to the insulation surface, ensuring continuous coverage without gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe support element is constructed as a flexible membrane or thin-walled structure that can conform to irregular surfaces and wrap around pipes. This flexibility eliminates gaps and maintains the acoustic and moisture barrier continuity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The element (1) has rectangular surface elements (4) connected with each other over a hinge (5), so that the surface elements are folded together to a surface element-stack and/or the surface element stack is foldable apart from each other to stripy pipe supporting element. The surface elements are arranged adjacent to the hinge that is alternatively arranged on an upper side (6) and a lower side (7) of the surface elements. The surface elements are made of plastic material i.e. extruded plastic material, and/or cardboard and/or wood fiber material. The hinge consists of plastic and/or fabric and/or paper and/or paperboard material. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a heating- and/or cooling device (2) a method for constructing a heating- and/or cooling device.