Modular Pipe Assembly Insulation for Continuous Vapor Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulation systems fail to effectively provide a vapor barrier at complex pipe assemblies, such as mechanical couplings, valves, and elbow fittings, where pipe elements are joined, leading to heat loss and potential corrosion.

Innovation Solution

A modular cover system comprising interlocking cover portions with channels and canals, a foam insulation layer, and a sealant, designed to surround and seal pipe assemblies, ensuring a continuous vapor barrier and insulation across non-standardized pipe configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard insulation methods are used for straight pipe runs, then insulation is straightforward and easy to apply, but insulation fails at complex pipe assemblies where pipe elements are joined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor barrier effectivenessVSAvoidinsulation structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation cover is divided into multiple modular portions (first cover portion, second cover portion, etc.) that can be assembled around complex pipe assemblies. Each cover portion has specific channels and recesses designed to accommodate different pipe configurations, allowing the insulation system to adapt to various assembly geometries while maintaining vapor barrier integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the insulation cover are designed with different structural characteristics. The cover portions have varying channel configurations, recess depths, and sealing feature arrangements tailored to the specific local requirements of the pipe assembly being insulated, ensuring optimal vapor barrier performance at each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular cover portions are used to accommodate complex pipe assemblies, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different pipe configurationsVSAvoidnumber of cover portions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation cover portions are designed with universal features that allow them to accommodate multiple pipe configurations. The channels and recesses can be arranged in different patterns to fit various pipe diameters and assembly types (elbows, tees, couplings), reducing the need for completely different insulation components for each pipe configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular cover portions are designed to nest together through interlocking perimeter faces with grooves and tongues. This nesting arrangement allows multiple cover portions to be assembled in a hierarchical manner, with each portion fitting into the overall insulation system while maintaining individual functionality for its specific pipe section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If interlocking perimeter faces with grooves and tongues are used to join cover portions, then a continuous seal is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuity of vapor barrierVSAvoidgroove and tongue alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The grooves and tongues are designed to self-align during assembly. The interlocking features guide the cover portions into proper alignment as they are put together, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing tolerances. The geometry of the grooves and tongues provides mechanical guidance that ensures correct positioning without requiring extremely tight manufacturing controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 cover system effectively prevents heat loss and condensate formation, maintaining a vapor barrier and ensuring the integrity of the piping system by providing a continuous seal around complex pipe assemblies, even at non-standardized joints.

Implementation Method 1

a foam insulation layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

ensuring a continuous vapor barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor Barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Data Source

PatentUS11649919B2Pipe assembly insulation and vapor barrier

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 VICTAULIC

AI summary

An insulating cover for assemblies including pipe elements, pipe couplings, elbows, Tees and valves also acts as a vapor barrier. Cover portions are joined along a seam which provides for a continuous seal between both the cover portions and the pipe elements which extend through channels defined in the cover. The seam includes a furrow into which sealant is forced when the cover portions are joined around the assembly. The furrow is defined by an asymmetric tongue and groove joint. Canals in the channels, in communication with the grooves, also receive the sealant to provide the continuous seal.