Modular Pipe Shield With Magnetic Closure for Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal shielding options for hot and cold conduits, such as steam risers, are inadequate in providing both effective protection against burns and aesthetic appeal, often requiring extensive and cumbersome installation processes, and existing materials like foam and fiberglass may degrade or pose health risks.
Innovation Solution
A modular thermal pipe shield system featuring adjustable sections of shielding material with connectors that allow for easy installation and removal, using materials like sisal rope and magnetic connections to ensure secure fitting without visible fasteners, accommodating various conduit geometries and temperatures while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foam or fiberglass tubes and wraps are used for thermal shielding, then thermal protection is provided, but aesthetic appeal is drastically reduced and materials may degrade or outgas on hot pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe shield is divided into multiple modular sections that can be individually installed and removed. Each section contains insulation material segmented into manageable units with connectors, allowing the shield to maintain aesthetic appeal while providing thermal protection. The segmentation enables flexible installation around pipes of various lengths and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe shield combines multiple materials including insulation material (foam or fiberglass), outer aesthetic covering (fabric or decorative material), and connector components. This composite structure integrates thermal protection functionality with aesthetic appearance, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.
2Reliability
If rope or material is wrapped around the pipe for shielding, then thermal protection is achieved, but installation becomes arduous and time-consuming requiring tens of feet of material
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is segmented into pre-fabricated modular sections that are ready for installation. Each section is a complete unit with integrated insulation and connectors, eliminating the need for time-consuming wrapping processes. Installation simply requires connecting the modular sections together around the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation and outer covering are pre-assembled into complete modular sections before installation. This preliminary action of pre-fabrication eliminates the need for on-site wrapping and assembly, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining thermal protection effectiveness.
3Reliability
If extensive wrapping material is used to shield pipes from floor to ceiling, then thermal protection is provided, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates as material sags and ages
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into multiple rigid or semi-rigid modular sections rather than a single continuous wrap. Each section maintains its structural integrity and aesthetic appearance independently, preventing the sagging and deterioration issues associated with extensive continuous wrapping material.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections are designed to be adjustable and adaptable to pipe configurations. The sections can be positioned and secured to maintain optimal aesthetic appearance and thermal protection over time, rather than relying on material that sags and degrades.
4Ease of operation
If connectors are used to join shielding sections, then easy installation and removal is enabled, but visible fasteners may reduce aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are designed with different aesthetic qualities for different locations. The outer surfaces of connectors that may be visible are finished to match the aesthetic appearance of the pipe and surrounding environment, while the functional connection surfaces provide secure joining. This local differentiation of quality resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and aesthetic appeal.
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 efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and safe thermal protection for conduits by allowing easy installation and removal of the shielding material, ensuring effective heat management and reducing the risk of burns while maintaining a clean appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the connector may include magnets, which may be embedded in the shielding material, or supported by a connector structure, e.g., cap, provided on the opposing ends of the shielding material, such that the shielding material is retained by the structure and held in a closed position by the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
thermal shielding for use with hot and cold conduits to prevent injuries... shielding material having opposing ends connected by a connector... provide a desired level of thermal shielding
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit thermal shield that may include a section of shielding material having opposing ends connected by a connector. The shielding material is configured to wrap around a pipe with the opposing ends connecting via the connector. In various embodiments, the shielding material may be sections of a roped material, such as sisal rope, and the connectors may include one or more cooperating magnets disposed at or near opposing ends of the shielding material and the connectors may be adjustable.