Pipe Support Spacer Assembly for Insulation Compression Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional U-shaped pipe supports crush and degrade thermal insulation due to sharp edges and narrow contact surfaces, leading to reduced insulation effectiveness and difficulties in insulation installation and replacement.
Innovation Solution
An insulation compression reduction assembly with an offset space between the pipe and support, utilizing a base pressure skate element, pipe holder structure, and spacing element to minimize compression and facilitate insulation installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional U-shaped pipe supporting members are used to support insulated pipes, then the pipe support structure is simple and effective, but the insulation layer is crushed and degraded at the support points
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer element is introduced as an intermediary component between the pipe support member and the insulation layer. This spacer has a U-shaped cross-section that fits over the pipe support and provides a broader, more distributed contact surface, preventing the insulation from being crushed while maintaining the simplicity of the overall support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support contact surface is extended from a narrow linear contact (the original U-shaped metal strip) to a two-dimensional distributed contact area provided by the spacer element. This dimensional change allows the support force to be distributed over a larger area, reducing pressure on the insulation layer.
2Stress or pressure
If U-shaped supporting members with narrow contact surface are used, then the support structure is simple, but the contact pressure on insulation is concentrated causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element acts as a mediator that distributes the concentrated contact pressure from the pipe support member across a broader area of the insulation layer. The spacer's U-shaped cross-section is designed to provide this pressure distribution while adding minimal complexity to the support structure.
3Reliability
If traditional pipe supports with sharp edges are used, then the support structure is simple and effective, but friction and vibration cause insulation rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element serves as a protective intermediary between the sharp edges of the pipe support member and the insulation envelope. This intermediary reduces friction and vibration effects on the insulation, preventing rupture and making installation easier while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer element provides beforehand cushioning by being installed prior to the insulation layer, creating a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the sharp support edges and the insulation envelope, thereby preventing future damage from friction and vibration.
4Productivity
If U-shaped supporting members are used directly on pipes, then the support structure is simple, but subsequent insulation installation is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element is installed on the pipe support member before the insulation layer is applied. This preliminary action creates a smooth, continuous surface that allows the insulation to slide easily during installation, eliminating the need to cut or maneuver around sharp support edges and significantly improving installation efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An insulation compression reduction assembly for reducing compression of an insulating material surrounding a horizontally extending pipe in combination with a pipe support supporting said pipe. The compression reduction assembly includes a base pressure skate element sized and shaped to fit within the pipe support, a pipe holder structure sized and shaped to rest against an outer surface of the horizontal extending pipe, and a spacing element connecting the base pressure skate element and the pipe holder structure and forming an offset spacing therebetween for reducing compression of the insulating material. An insulation compression reduction kit of disassembled components of the above assembly that can be used to form the above compression reduction assembly is also provided according to the present invention.