Loose-Fill Insulation Hose Connector for Fiber Opening and Turbulence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loose fill insulation installation systems face inefficiencies in opening up compacted insulation fibers during installation, leading to suboptimal conditioning and distribution of insulation material.

Innovation Solution

A loose fill insulation hose system featuring tubular sections with internal projections and constricted openings, designed to expand and condition insulation fibers as they are conveyed from a blowing machine to an installation site, enhancing the installation process by increasing turbulence and fiber separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional smooth-bore hoses are used to convey loose fill insulation, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the insulation fibers remain compacted and poorly conditioned during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation conditioning qualityVSAvoidhose internal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hose incorporates internal elements with different surface characteristics at different locations - smooth sections for material flow and protruding sections for fiber agitation and conditioning. This local variation in surface quality enables both conveyance and conditioning functions within the same hose structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Internal protruding elements serve as intermediary structures between the hose wall and the insulation material. These elements mediate the interaction by mechanically agitating the fibers during conveyance, transforming the compacted insulation into a more open, conditioned state without requiring external conditioning equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If insulation is conveyed through a constricted opening, then turbulence increases and fiber separation is enhanced, but the cross-sectional area for material flow is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber separation and conditioningVSAvoidmaterial flow capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The hose design incorporates alternating sections of constricted and expanded cross-sectional areas along its length. This periodic variation creates repeated cycles of turbulence and expansion, continuously agitating and conditioning the insulation fibers while maintaining overall material flow capacity through the full hose length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The hose is divided into multiple functional sections - smooth bore sections for efficient material conveyance and constricted sections with internal protrusions for fiber agitation. This segmentation allows different portions of the hose to perform specialized functions, balancing flow capacity with conditioning effectiveness.

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 improves insulation installation performance by increasing the R-value and coverage area, ensuring better insulation quality and distribution, while maintaining operational simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

a first connector section coupled to the first hose section, the first connector section comprising a first tubular body including a first interior surface that surrounds the path, wherein the first interior surface includes a major surface portion and a plurality of projections that extend inward from the major surface portion, wherein the projections are configured to open the loose fill insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a second connector section coupled to the first hose section, the second connector section comprising a second tubular body including a second interior surface that surrounds the path, the second interior surface including a constricted opening with a second cross-sectional area that is no more than 50% of the first cross-sectional area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConstricted Flow: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4261362A1Loosefill insulation hose connector, loosefill insuation hose and loosefill insulation installation system

Publication Date: 2023.10.18 SAINT GOBAIN ISOVER

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to loose fill insulation installation systems, for example, suitable for installing loose fill insulation to an installation site. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a loose fill insulation hose including a plurality of tubular sections coupled together so as to form a conduit configured to convey loose fill insulation along a path from a blowing machine to an installation site. The tubular sections include a first hose section, a first connector section, and a second connector section. The first hose section includes a flexible body that forms an opening with a first cross-sectional area. The first connector section includes a plurality of projections that extend inward. The second connector section includes a constricted opening with a second cross-sectional area that is no more than 50% of the first cross-sectional area.