Segmented Insulative Device for Pipe Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable insulation devices for pipe components are often specific to one type of component, making them unsuitable for others, leading to increased costs for users who need to purchase multiple shapes and sizes for various components in industrial, institutional, and commercial settings, and are difficult for unskilled personnel to reattach.
Innovation Solution
A segmented insulative device and kit that includes a sheet of segmented insulation, reusable hook-and-loop fastening tape, and a cutting mechanism, allowing on-site customization and easy installation on various pipe components like flanges, valves, and steam traps, using a stapler to secure the tape and minimize separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If removable insulation devices are designed for specific pipe components, then they provide good insulation performance, but they increase costs and reduce versatility as users need to purchase multiple shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation device is designed with a universal configuration that can accommodate multiple types of pipe components including valves, flanges, and steam traps. The device includes a body portion with a central section and two lateral sections that can be adjusted to fit different component geometries, eliminating the need for users to purchase multiple specialized insulation devices for different component types.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation device is divided into a central section and two lateral sections that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to various component shapes and sizes while maintaining effective insulation coverage, resolving the contradiction between specialized design and universal applicability.
2Strength
If wire lacing is used to secure insulation blankets, then they can be securely fastened, but they become difficult for unskilled personnel to reattach after removal
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the complex wire lacing system with a simplified elastic band fastening mechanism. The elastic band can be easily stretched and secured by unskilled personnel, yet provides sufficient holding force to securely fasten the insulation device to pipe components. This substitution dramatically improves ease of reattachment while maintaining fastening security.
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 versatile, cost-effective, and reusable insulation system that can be easily customized and installed on-site, reducing the need for multiple pre-made devices and simplifying maintenance access while maintaining thermal insulation effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
reusable hook-and-loop fastening tape
Implementation Method 2
insulative padding and related insulation kit for reducing thermal transfer from pipe couplings, valves, and other exposed conduit areas
Data Source
AI summary
A segmented insulative device and related kit for insulating components of a thermal distribution system. The kit includes a sheet of segmented insulation formed by a composite layer of segmented, flexible, pre-sewn insulation that is easily cut to size in the field using scissors, utility knives or other simple, hand-held cutting devices. The kit also includes two-sided hook-and-loop straps as fasteners, also easily cut to length, using hand-held devices. The segmented insulation and the hook-and-loop straps are attached to one another in the field using a stapler or other hand-held attachment device. This provides an installation kit that an installer can use to provide a versatile insulation in the form of the assembled segmented insulative device. The segmented insulative device lends itself to quick customization on-site rather than requiring costly off-site manufacture or pre-assembly and subsequent quick installation on the pipe component requiring thermal installation.