Rough-Interior Hose Connector for Loose-Fill Insulation Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loose fill insulation installation systems face inefficiencies in opening and conditioning insulation fibers, leading to clumping and uneven distribution, which can result in increased noise and difficulty in flow control during installation.

Innovation Solution

The use of a connection module for loose fill insulation hoses featuring a tubular body with a rough interior surface formed by numerous protrusions that extend transverse to the axis, enhancing the conditioning of insulation fibers as they travel through the hose.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pneumatic devices are used to install loose fill insulation, then the insulation can be conveyed and installed, but the insulation fibers are not adequately opened and conditioned, leading to clumping and uneven distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconditioning effectivenessVSAvoidflow control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hose interior surface is modified with roughening structures (protrusions, ridges, or corrugations) at specific locations to create localized conditioning zones. These structures are strategically positioned to break up clumps and open insulation fibers as they pass through, providing enhanced conditioning effectiveness without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The roughening structures on the hose interior surface create mechanical disruption and turbulence as insulation fibers pass through. This mechanical action physically breaks up clumps and separates fibers, improving conditioning effectiveness through dynamic mechanical interaction rather than static pneumatic forces alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Productivity

If the insulation is not adequately conditioned, then the installation process is simpler, but the insulation density is too high and distribution is uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoiddistribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hose interior features localized roughening structures that provide concentrated conditioning action at specific points along the hose length. This allows adequate fiber separation and density reduction without requiring complex system-wide modifications, maintaining installation efficiency while improving distribution uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The roughening structures change the physical parameters of the insulation material as it passes through, specifically reducing density and altering fiber arrangement. This transforms the insulation from a clumped, high-density state to a more open, evenly distributed state, improving manufacturing precision without sacrificing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the insulation density is high, then the material is easier to handle, but the noise level increases and flow control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial handlingVSAvoidnoise level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The roughening structures perform preliminary conditioning action on the insulation material while it is still in the hose, breaking up clumps and reducing density before the material is discharged. This preliminary action reduces noise levels during installation and improves flow control, while the material remains easy to handle throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively reduces insulation density and improves flow control, resulting in quieter and more efficient installation by ensuring the insulation is adequately opened and distributed, comparable to systems with constricted openings.

Implementation Method 1

The roughening structures form a rough interior surface of the connection module that surrounds a path for conveyed loose fill insulation. Each of the roughening structures includes at least one protrusion that extends transverse to the axis of the tubular body and into the path for conveyed loose fill insulation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4390202B1Loosefill insulation hose connector with rough internal surface, loosefill insuation hose, and loosefill insulation installation system and method
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SAINT GOBAIN ISOVER
  • EP4390202B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4390202B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4390202B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to loose fill insulation installation systems. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a connection module for a loose fill insulation hose. The connection module includes a tubular body extending along an axis and having an exterior side and an interior side that surrounds a path for conveying loose fill insulation. The connection module also includes a plurality of roughening structures coupled to the interior side of the tubular body so as to form a rough interior surface of the connection module. Each of the roughening structures includes at least one protrusion that extends transverse to the axis of the tubular body. The roughening structures form more than 400 protrusions that extend into the path of the loose fill insulation.