Insulating Support Bracket Structure for Jacketed Pipe Heat Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing piping insulation methods fail to maintain the temperature of extremely hot or cold fluids effectively, often leading to structural issues and heat transfer problems, especially when dealing with heavy pipes and temperature-sensitive materials.

Innovation Solution

A jacketed pipe system utilizing an insulating support bracket composed of rigid standoffs and saddles, where the standoffs are made of insulating materials like Micarta NP572, providing structural integrity and maintaining temperature stability by minimizing heat transfer through an air gap between the inner and outer pipes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional insulation methods are used around pipes, then insulation is provided, but the structure becomes fragile and fails to maintain temperature of extremely hot or cold fluids effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature maintenanceVSAvoidstructural fragility

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials combining rigid insulating material (such as Micarta NP572) with metal components (saddles and fasteners) to create a support bracket that provides both structural strength and thermal insulation. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties - the rigid insulating material maintains temperature while the metal saddle provides structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The support bracket design nests multiple functional elements within a compact structure: the rigid insulating material forms the core standoff, which is then attached to metal saddles that interface with the pipe. This nested arrangement allows the smaller insulating component to be integrated within the larger structural assembly, achieving both insulation and support functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If heavy pipes are supported without adequate insulation, then structural support is provided, but heat transfer occurs and temperature stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidheat transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid insulating material acts as an intermediary element between the metal saddle (which contacts the heavy pipe for support) and the pipe itself. This intermediary component provides the necessary structural support through the metal saddle while simultaneously blocking heat transfer pathways, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If rigid insulating material is used for standoffs, then temperature stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated support bracket assembly. The rigid insulating standoff and metal saddle are combined into one unit that simultaneously provides thermal insulation, structural support, and mechanical attachment capabilities. This merging reduces device complexity compared to separate insulation and support components while maintaining temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If multiple fasteners are used to attach saddles to standoffs, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support bracket is segmented into modular components (standoff, saddle, fasteners) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured using appropriate processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity through controlled assembly points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively maintains the temperature of temperature-sensitive fluids by minimizing heat transfer and providing structural support, preventing damage from weight and environmental factors, while maintaining dimensional stability and insulating properties even at high temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

each standoff being formed of rigid insulating material... providing structural integrity and maintaining temperature stability by minimizing heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS12055264B2Insulating support bracket for jacketed pipe system

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 ASC ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A saddle for an insulating support bracket includes an arcuate central portion defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end, at least one vent formed through the arcuate central portion; a first flange portion bent radially inward from the arcuate central portion at the first end, a first fastener hole formed through the first flange portion, wherein the first fastener hole is accessible through the at least one vent; and a second flange portion bend radially inward from the arcuate central portion at the second end, a second fastener hole formed through the second flange portion, wherein the second fastener hole is accessible through the at least one vent.