Thermally Insulated Duct Element with Annular Spacer Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air management and distribution installations in buildings face issues with the quality of conduit networks, particularly with flexible conduits, due to defects in sealing and continuity of insulation, and require the use of cutting tools or fixing elements for assembly and maintenance, which complicates operations.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulated conduit element with annular spacer systems that maintain the concentric separation of inner and outer tubes, using compressible materials like crosslinked polyolefin foams to fill the annular space and limit calorie losses, and a clamping collar assembly for secure interlocking of conduit elements, ensuring effective insulation and airtightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional duct elements are assembled using cutting tools or fasteners (screws, rivets), then assembly and removal operations can be performed, but the assembly process becomes complicated and maintenance operations are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system is divided into modular duct elements that can be assembled and disassembled independently. Each element contains integrated connection features that enable tool-free assembly while maintaining sealing and insulation continuity across joints
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism, sealing system, and thermal insulation are merged into an integrated assembly. The duct element incorporates built-in connection features that combine fastening and sealing functions, eliminating the need for separate cutting tools or fasteners
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible conduits are used in air management systems, then installation flexibility is improved, but sealing quality and insulation continuity deteriorate due to frequent defects
Solution Approach 1:
The duct element combines flexible conduit material with integrated rigid connection features and continuous insulation layers. This composite structure maintains the flexibility needed for installation while ensuring reliable sealing and insulation continuity through engineered joint design
Solution Approach 2:
The duct element features localized reinforcement and sealing mechanisms at connection points. The insulation and sealing properties are enhanced specifically at joints where defects typically occur, while maintaining overall system flexibility
3Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is added to duct elements, then heat loss is reduced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation is merged with the duct structure itself, forming an integrated assembly where insulation layers are pre-positioned and secured within the duct element housing. This eliminates separate insulation installation steps and ensures continuous thermal protection
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 provides improved thermal insulation and airtightness throughout the air transport network, simplifies installation and removal, and allows for efficient assembly and disassembly, while maintaining low pressure losses and ensuring recyclability.
Implementation Method 1
A thermally insulated conduit element, comprising an inner rigid tube (2), an outer rigid tube (3), concentric and spaced apart to define an annular space (5)... The annular spacer systems (4) are made of a compressible material selected from cross-linked polyolefin foams... to limit calorie losses
Implementation Method 2
said clamping collar includes locking edges projecting inwards... and said locking edges of said clamping collar cooperate with said moldings of the two duct elements to be joined so as, when tightening said clamping collar, to compress said external faces of spacers against each other, and to obtain continuity and sealing of the internal area
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a thermally insulated duct element (1) adapted for air transport, in particular for creating an air transport network in a building's air management and distribution system. According to the invention, this duct element (1) comprises a rigid inner tube (2) and a rigid outer tube (3), which outer tube (3) is concentric with said inner tube (2), kept separate from the latter by at least two annular spacer systems (4) which are arranged at the ends (23, 33) of said inner tube (2) and said outer tube (3), between the facing surfaces (22, 31) of said inner tube (2) and said outer tube (3), which annular spacer systems (4) are made of a thermally insulating material and define between them at least one annular space segment (5, 5a) suitable for containing air or added thermally insulating material.