Hinged Pipe Mounting Device with Insulation Decoupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting and fixing systems for pipes and ducts face issues such as thermal bridging, condensation under insulation (CUI), low stability, and lack of versatility, as they often require dedicated systems for various diameters and compromise on insulation performance, safety, and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two shell parts connected by a hinge or snap-lock system with cradle-like inserts and a compressible insulation element, which provides thermal and acoustic decoupling, maintaining insulation integrity and versatility across different diameters without direct contact with the installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If spines or spikes are pushed through the insulation material to mount pipes, then mounting stability is improved, but thermal bridging and condensation under insulation (CUI) occur due to direct contact with the installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the shell parts and cradle inserts contact only the insulation material, not the installation itself. The insulation material acts as a mediator that transfers mounting forces while maintaining thermal break, preventing both thermal bridging and CUI while achieving secure mounting through friction and mechanical interlocking with the insulation layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible shell parts that can adapt to different pipe diameters while maintaining contact only with the insulation material. The flexible nature allows the shells to conform to the insulation surface and secure the installation through the insulation layer without rigid direct contact, preventing thermal bridges while ensuring mounting stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If closed shell constructions are used to prevent CUI, then CUI prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to bonding multiple insulation elements to the shell
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting device into separate shell parts that can be assembled around the installation. This segmentation allows each shell part to be manufactured independently and then joined together, simplifying manufacturing compared to bonding multiple insulation elements to a complete shell. The segmented design maintains CUI prevention by forming a closed shell while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the shell parts with the insulation material by having the shells contact and secure the installation through the insulation layer rather than requiring separate bonding of insulation elements to the shell. This merging approach simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the bonding step while maintaining the protective closed shell structure for CUI prevention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid insulation parts are used to provide structural support, then mounting stability is improved, but the insulation parts are prone to cracking or breaking under mechanical impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the insulation material by selecting materials with appropriate flexibility and elasticity. The insulation material is chosen to have sufficient structural support properties for mounting stability while maintaining flexibility to resist cracking under mechanical impact. This parameter optimization allows the insulation to serve both structural and protective functions without compromising reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If dedicated fixing systems are designed for each pipe diameter, then mounting precision is improved, but versatility decreases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal shell parts and cradle inserts that can accommodate multiple pipe diameters through adjustable positioning and flexible contact. The shell parts are configured to contact the insulation material at multiple points, allowing the same component to securely mount various diameters while maintaining mounting precision. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated fixing systems for each diameter, enhancing versatility without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability in the mounting system, allowing the shell parts and cradle inserts to adapt their position and contact points based on the installation diameter. This dynamic capability enables a single fixing system to precisely secure various diameters by adjusting to the specific dimensions, maintaining mounting precision while achieving versatility across different pipe sizes.
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 offers safe CUI prevention, enhanced thermal efficiency, noise reduction, and versatility in mounting various diameters with reduced manufacturing complexity and costs, ensuring consistent insulation performance and structural stability.
Implementation Method 1
at least two shell parts made from rigid material, with each of the shell parts having at least one closure element, preferably a snap-lock element, and/or a hinge to be connected with at least one next shell part
Implementation Method 2
at least two shell parts made from rigid material, with each of the shell parts having at least one closure element, preferably a snap-lock element
Implementation Method 3
at least two cradle inserts for bearing a compressible and/or compressed insulation element
Implementation Method 4
provides thermal and acoustic decoupling, maintaining insulation integrity
Implementation Method 5
at least two cradle inserts for bearing a compressible and/or compressed insulation element
Implementation Method 6
compressible material, preferably expanded polymer based material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device 1 for mounting and fixing installations 40, 41, preferably pipes or ducts, requiring thermal and/or acoustic insulation, exhibiting easy mounting, fastening and re-opening, being suitable for a broad variety of pipe/duct diameters per single item unit, the manufacturing of such item and the use of such item.