Motor-Assisted Thermal Insulation for Complex Pipe Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for thermal insulation of complex piping structures, such as ductwork and valves, are inefficient and prone to burr formation, requiring manual craftsmanship and resulting in suboptimal sealing, increased energy consumption, and potential corrosion due to moisture ingress.

Innovation Solution

A motor-assisted method using a flat foam plate with a built-in water vapor barrier, cut into 2-dimensional elements to form a closed structure around pipes, ensuring precise fit and burr-free cutting, which can be applied to complex shapes without large equipment investment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual craftsmanship is used to cut and fit insulation material, then adaptability to complex structures is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to complex structuresVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation system is divided into modular components: pre-cut insulation panels with specific dimensions and shapes, adhesive layers, and protective coverings. These segmented modules can be independently manufactured and then assembled on complex structures, combining the precision of automated cutting with the adaptability of manual assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Insulation panels are pre-cut to precise dimensions and shapes before application. This preliminary cutting action is performed using automated equipment that ensures burr-free edges and exact fit dimensions, eliminating the need for on-site manual cutting and fitting while maintaining adaptability to various pipe configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If abrasion apparatus is used to shape insulation covers, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical abrasion apparatus with a simpler system based on pre-cut panels and adhesive bonding. Instead of using abrasive machines to shape insulation covers on-site, the solution uses pre-manufactured panels with precision-cut edges that are directly applied using adhesive, eliminating the need for complex shaping equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation panels are manufactured as precise copies or templates that replicate the required shape and dimensions. Rather than shaping material on-site using complex apparatus, the final insulation shape is copied in advance during manufacturing, ensuring precision without requiring complex application equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If cutting is performed with high precision to prevent burrs, then reliability is improved, but loss of time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidloss of time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

High-precision cutting is performed in advance during manufacturing, producing burr-free insulation panels with exact dimensions. This preliminary precision cutting eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site adjustments and re-cutting, ensuring both reliability (no burrs) and efficiency (faster application).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation system is segmented into pre-cut panels that are manufactured separately with high precision. This segmentation allows precision cutting to be performed in a controlled manufacturing environment using optimized equipment, rather than attempting precision cutting during time-constrained on-site installation.

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

Significantly increases work efficiency by 10-20% and reduces waste by 5-20%, providing improved thermal efficiency, preventing corrosion, and maintaining a consistent angle for precise cutting, thus enhancing insulation quality and reducing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

thermal insulation relates to a reduction of heat transfer between objects in thermal contact or in range of radiation influence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The thermal insulation has a reduced thermal conduction or likewise an insulating action

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a panel of substantially flat insulation material, such as a foam plate. Preferably the material of the foam plate has an inbuilt, water vapor barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater vapor barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Data Source

PatentEP3262332B1Method for applying thermal insulation on a 3-dimensional structure

Publication Date: 2024.11.27 R VAN DEN HANENBERG BV

Figure 1~6b
Figure 7~8

AI summary

A method for applying thermal insulation on a 3-dimensional structure comprising at least two individual tube sections (10) and an outward extending connecting section and a three-dimensional insulation element obtainable by such a method.