Multilayer Tape Assembly for Self-Sealing Insulation Jacket Flaps

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulation jacketing methods for pipes face issues with flap detachment due to adhesive breakdown, leading to delamination and disintegration, especially in damp environments, requiring frequent replacement to maintain protection.

Innovation Solution

A tape assembly with a double release coated carrier and liner, featuring primary and secondary adhesives, is applied to the insulation jacket, allowing for secure attachment and sealing without contaminating the adhesive face, enabling easy transportation, positioning, and repositioning of the jacketing without compromising the seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive strip is applied to bond flap to jacket outer surface, then sealing function is achieved, but adhesive breakdown occurs over time leading to flap detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing durabilityVSAvoidadhesive service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for initial bonding, a protective layer to prevent contamination and moisture ingress, and a release layer for application. This segmentation protects the bonding interface from environmental degradation while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tape assembly uses composite material construction with multiple layers including adhesive layers, protective layers, and release layers. Each layer performs a specific function, collectively providing durable bonding protection against moisture and contamination that causes adhesive breakdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If adhesive surfaces are kept free from dirt and moisture for tight seal, then bonding strength is improved, but transportation and positioning become difficult without contaminating adhesive face

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond strengthVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective layer is applied in advance to the adhesive surface before the bonding operation. This preliminary protection allows the tape to be transported and positioned without contaminating the adhesive face, ensuring bond strength is maintained when the tape is applied to the jacket.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective layer acts as an intermediary between the adhesive surface and the external environment during handling and transportation. It prevents dirt and moisture from contacting the adhesive, while allowing the tape to be easily manipulated and positioned before application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If single adhesive layer is used to bond flap, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing reliability deteriorates in damp environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive structure complexityVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for initial bonding, a protective layer to prevent contamination and moisture ingress, and a release layer for application. This segmentation protects the bonding interface from environmental degradation while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tape assembly uses composite material construction with multiple layers including adhesive layers, protective layers, and release layers. Each layer performs a specific function, collectively providing durable bonding protection against moisture and contamination that causes adhesive breakdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 tape assembly provides a secure, weather-tight seal that maintains insulation integrity by preventing flap detachment and adhesive breakdown, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring consistent protection across varying environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape assembly is applied to the insulation jacket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a double release coated carrier and liner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRelease coating effect:

Data Source

PatentUS11885456B2Tape for insulation jacket and method of insulating an object

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 AVERY DENNISON CORP

AI summary

A multilayer tape assembly is described which can be used with insulation jacketing and particularly for self-sealing lap (SSL) applications. The tape assembly includes two adhesive layers with associated carrier and release layers in conjunction with a differential release system. Various methods of use are also described, including a method of insulating an object.