Hinged Elastomeric Pipe Sleeves for ADA Undersink Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe-insulating systems for undersink piping are difficult to install and remove, prone to mold and bacteria buildup, and lack aesthetic appeal while failing to comply with ADA regulations regarding accessibility and safety.

Innovation Solution

The development of elastomeric foam sleeves with a hinged design that can rotate up to 180 degrees, featuring anti-fungal and antibacterial components integrated into the material, allowing for easy installation and removal while providing effective thermal insulation and preventing bacterial growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional foam insulation is wrapped around piping, then thermal insulation is provided, but the insulation fits poorly and is difficult to secure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation sleeve is divided into two separate halves that can be independently manipulated. Each half can be opened and positioned separately to accommodate the pipe, then joined together to form a complete enclosing structure. This segmentation allows the insulation to be easily installed without requiring complex tools or techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation sleeves are constructed as flexible shell structures that can be opened, positioned around the pipe, and closed. The flexible nature of these shells allows them to conform to the pipe shape while maintaining their insulating properties, and they can be easily secured with fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Temperature

If foam wrap is used for insulation, then thermal protection is achieved, but it is not aesthetically pleasing and leaves ridges and cavities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal protectionVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the insulation into two smooth-walled halves joined together, the design eliminates the ridges and cavities created by wrapping methods. The joined halves form a continuous, smooth outer surface that is aesthetically pleasing while maintaining effective thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation assembly combines the insulating material with a smooth outer shell structure. This composite approach provides both thermal protection and an aesthetically pleasing appearance, eliminating the unsightly ridges associated with traditional foam wrapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If sleeves with openings along the length are used, then pipe installation is possible, but the sleeves are difficult to secure and remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe installationVSAvoidsecuring difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single sleeve with openings, the design uses two separate halves that are joined together. This segmented approach allows the pipe to be easily inserted while the joined halves provide secure retention. The fastening mechanisms at the joint ensure reliable securing, and the same mechanisms allow for easy removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Temperature

If compressed foam insulation is used, then thermal insulation is provided, but it is prone to mold and bacteria buildup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidmold and bacteria buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The use of smooth-walled shell structures for the insulation sleeves eliminates the ribbed construction of compressed foam. The smooth surfaces do not trap moisture or provide crevices for mold and bacteria to grow, while still providing effective thermal insulation through the shell design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enables easy installation and removal of pipe-insulating sleeves, prevents mold and bacteria buildup, and meets ADA standards for accessibility and safety, offering a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing thermal insulation solution for undersink piping.

Implementation Method 1

elastomeric foam sleeves with a hinged design that can rotate up to 180 degrees, featuring anti-fungal and antibacterial components integrated into the material, allowing for easy installation and removal while providing effective thermal insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11746946B2ADA-compliant pipe-insulating sleeves

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 OATEY CO

AI summary

A system of pipe insulating sleeves includes a series of elastomeric foam insulating sleeves that are capable of opening up to, and beyond, 180 degrees, to accommodate and capture an undersink pipe. The disclosed system may include a number of different sleeves that are capable of coupling to one another at respective couplers so as to form the system. The sleeves may include fastening mechanisms to retain the sleeves in the closed configuration while capturing the pipe, so as to create a smooth, streamlined appearance that is aesthetically pleasing. Also disclosed is a method of installing the sleeves. The sleeves are made of an elastomeric foam material that has heat insulating properties, and which may also have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that make it particularly advantageous for use in undersink pipe insulating.