Reinforced Pipe Insulation Structure for Load-Bearing Thermal Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for insulating pipes and tank bases are inefficient, leading to thermal leakage and structural issues due to the need for thick insulation and compromised load-bearing characteristics, especially at pipe supports, and result in wasteful material usage.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced insulation material with layered sheets having voids in a mating pattern, filled with synthetic material to connect and stiffen the sheets, forming cylindrical or three-dimensional voids that enhance compressive strength while maintaining thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thick insulation is used to maintain thermal performance, then thermal leakage is reduced, but the overall height and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple insulation sheets with different properties. The layered structure includes reflective barriers, insulating cores, and protective outer layers, creating a composite insulation system that achieves superior thermal performance with reduced thickness compared to single-material insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the insulation properties at different locations and layers. The multi-layer construction uses different materials and thicknesses optimized for specific functions (reflection, insulation, protection), allowing the overall system to achieve high thermal performance with compact dimensions.
2Strength
If wrapped insulation is used at pipe supports, then load bearing characteristics are maintained, but material usage increases and thermal leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the insulation into discrete sheets with specific structural features. Each sheet contains embedded reinforcement elements and voids that, when assembled, create a segmented yet integrated insulation system. This allows the insulation to maintain load-bearing capacity at pipe supports while using less material overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by integrating reinforcement elements within the insulation sheets themselves. The combination of insulating material, reflective barriers, and structural reinforcements creates a composite structure that simultaneously provides thermal insulation and mechanical strength, eliminating the need for excessive material at support points.
3Strength
If reinforced insulation structure is implemented, then compressive strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the insulation sheets with embedded reinforcement structures and void patterns during manufacturing. The sheets arrive ready-assembled with internal support elements positioned to provide compressive strength, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly or additional structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating reinforcement elements at specific locations within the insulation sheets where compressive loads are expected. The voids and structural features are strategically positioned to provide strength where needed while maintaining simplicity in other areas, optimizing the strength-to-complexity ratio.
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 a flexible yet strong insulation that reduces material usage, minimizes thermal leakage, and effectively withstands compressive forces, allowing for a lower profile design that saves materials and maintains thermal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a synthetic material inserted into the voids of each sheet to connect the sheets to each other
Implementation Method 2
one or more sheets of insulation material having a plurality of voids in each sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling a reinforced non-compressible pipe support by inserting a plurality of generally cylindrical holes in a first sheet of insulation in a pre-determined pattern, inserting a similar group of holes in at least a second sheet of insulation so that the holes of both sheets line up when the first sheet is placed against a pre-determined cylindrical or flat form and the second sheet is placed on top of the first sheet thereby forming contiguous voids where mating holes are positioned adjacent each other, applying a pressurized flowable material to fill each void along its longitudinal axis, and curing the material until it forms a hardened material thereby forming the plurality of sheets into a non-compressible arcuate body having an inner radius of curvature that fits against a pipe or into a rectilinear block. Multiples sheets may be adhered and thermoplastic or resin used to fuse them together.