Flexible insulation device

Abstract

A flexible conduit insulated to prevent unwanted heat transfer. The conduit is insulated by a jacket-like component that creates a space between the conduit and the jacket, where the gap can be filled with air or some other insulating material. The jacket is sealed to the flexible conduit by sealing components that are configured to slide along end cap portions of the flexible conduit. Because the conduit is flexible, it can couple two other conduits that move relative to one another such that fluid can flow from one area to another via the flexible conduit.

Claims

1. An insulation device comprising: a thermal insulation jacket comprising a first terminal opening, a second terminal opening, and a lumen; a pliant segment coupled to at least partially enclose a cavity, at least a portion of the pliant segment positioned within the lumen and comprising first terminus, a second terminus, a first end cap affixed to the first terminus and extending from the first terminal opening, and a second end cap affixed to the second terminus and extending from the second terminal opening; a chamber disposed between the thermal insulation jacket and the pliant segment; a first seal interface comprising a first seal interposed between the thermal insulation jacket and a first seal contact region of the first terminus, wherein the first seal is impressed into contact with the first seal contact region with sufficient force to permit relative movement between the thermal insulation jacket and the pliant segment while maintaining contact as the pliant segment bends by up to 30; and second seal interface comprising a second seal interposed between the thermal insulation jacket and a second seal contact with the second seal contact region with sufficient force to permit relative movement between the thermal insulation jacket and the pliant segment while maintaining contact as the pliant segment bends by up to 30.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first seal is a continuous band extending along an entirety of the chamber.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first end cap comprises a distal flange, a medial flange, and a seal interface.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first seal moves along the first seal contact region as the pliant segment bends.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the thermal insulation jacket comprises at least one of a polymer fiber, a glass fiber, and a ceramic fiber.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a hose clamp landing at a first end of the device.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a retention clip at a first end of the device.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the chamber has an opening at each end of the device.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising an insulation medium disposed in the chamber.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the seal comprises a material selected from the list consisting of rubber, synthetic rubber, a polymer, asbestos, and silicone.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the pliant segment further comprises a material selected from the list consisting of rubber, synthetic rubber, a polymer, asbestos, and silicone.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the pliant segment comprises composite laminates.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the cavity is enclosed by the pliant segment.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the cavity is open at each end.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the cavity is configured to conduct a fluid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the device when fully assembled.

(2) FIG. 2A shows the flexible segment in an unflexed configuration.

(3) FIG. 2B shows the flexible segment in a flexed configuration.

(4) FIG. 3A shows the device with the thermal insulation jacket partially cutaway.

(5) FIG. 3B is an engineering drawing of the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

(6) FIG. 3C shows an embodiment of FIG. 3A in a flexed configuration with the thermal insulation jacket partially cutaway.

(7) FIG. 3D is an engineering drawing of the embodiment of FIG. 3A in a flexed configuration.

(8) FIG. 4 shows a zoomed in end cap portion of a preferred embodiment of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) An external view of an embodiment of the inventive concept can be seen in FIG. 1. A thermal insulation jacket 104 surrounds a pliant segment (for example, a flexible pipe or line) that terminates in a pair of end caps 102 and 106, which partially protrude from the thermal insulation jacket 104. The thermal insulation jacket 104 can be reinforced with one or more straps 108, which can serve to hold together separate components of a thermal insulation jacket 104. For example, a thermal insulation jacket 104 can be provided as two half sections, which can be conveniently fitted around a previously installed flexible pipe or line, and assembled into a thermal insulation jacket 104 using a pair of straps 108 to mate their complementary surfaces. A typical pliant segment of the inventive concept is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, which show a pliant segment in a straight configuration 204a and in a flexed configuration 204b, respectively. It should be noted that when the pliant segment 204b is flexed the two end caps 202b and 206b are no longer collinear and their surfaces are no longer parallel to one another.

(10) In a prototype device of FIG. 1, the thermal insulation jacket 104 is a metal-asbestos-metal sandwich, essentially in the form of a barrel with an outer diameter of about 25 cm and a length of about 35 cm. The metal-asbestos-metal sandwich is about 5 mm thick, with both inner and outer metal dimpled stainless steel. The end caps 102 and 106 are made from the same metal-asbestos-metal sandwich material, and each has a length of about 3 cm to 10 cm. The seal is an asbestos rope about 0.5 to about 1.5 cm in diameter. As configured, the thermal insulation jacket 104 and end caps 102 and 106 permit a relative motion of about 2 cm of relative translation, and can effectively accommodate a pliant segment bend at of about 30.

(11) A thermal insulation jacket 104 of the inventive concept can include a skin having an insulating material sandwiched between outer and inner metal sheets. The metal sheets can be stainless steel or other suitable material, and are preferably dimpled. Dimpling is preferably present on the entire outer sheet. In embodiments where it is present on less than the entire sheet, it is preferably on at least a 1 cm.sup.2, at least a 3 cm.sup.2, at least a 10 cm.sup.2, or at least a 20 cm.sup.2 portion of the surface. The inner metal sheet can be smooth or dimpled. In embodiments where the inner metal sheet is dimpled, it is dimpled on at least a 1 cm.sup.2, at least a 3 cm.sup.2, at least a 10 cm.sup.2, or at least a 20 cm.sup.2 portion of the surface, especially in the region of the chamber. Any suitable insulating material can be sandwiched between the outer and inner metal sheets, including for example, at least one of a polymer fiber, a glass fiber, and a ceramic fiber. The same or different insulating material can additionally or alternatively be used within the chamber.

(12) The seal is preferably a continuous band extending along a circumference of an end cap 102 or 106. The seal can be made of any suitable material, for example rubber, synthetic rubber, a polymer, asbestos, and silicone, and is preferably a ring-shaped rope. It is also preferred that the seal be temperature resistant (i.e. remaining resilient in temperatures between 50 C. and 300 C.). In some embodiments the seal is user replaceable. The seal can permit movement along one or more axes of an end cap 102 or 106 while providing a barrier between the interior of the thermal insulation jacket 104 and the exterior environment. In some embodiments the insulating materials can contact the seal. Similarly, in some embodiment at least a portion of a seal can lie within a channel or equivalent structure of the thermal insulation jacket 104, which can serve to hold the seal in place relative to the thermal insulation jacket 104 and to compress the seal against an outer surface (such as the seal interface) of an end cap 102 or 106.

(13) The pliant or flexible segment can lie within a cavity or space defined by the thermal insulation jacket 104, and can be made of any suitably flexible and temperature resistant material. Examples of such materials include rubber, synthetic rubber, a polymer, asbestos, and silicone. A pliant segment can also include a metal or fabric mesh that can serve to provide mechanical reinforcement. Pliant segments of the inventive concept can be constructed from composite laminates, with different layers of laminates comprising different materials. Such a pliant or flexible segment can, for example, conduct hot fluids between two components that move relative to each other. At least one end of the pliant segment terminates in an end cap 102 or 106, which can include a seal interface region dimensioned to accommodate the movements of a seal relative to the end cap during use.

(14) The end cap can be made of any suitably temperature resistant material, for example brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and temperature resistant plastics. For example, a seal interface region can be a smooth, recessed band that surrounds a portion of the end cap. An end cap can include a distal flange, which forms part of a connection with one of a set of components joined by the pliant segment. Similarly, an end cap can include a medial flange, which forms at least part of a connection between the end cap and the pliant portion of the pliant segment. Either or both of the distal flange and medial flange can be sloped toward the midline of the end cap, and can be configured to press against the seal as the plaint segment flexes, thereby providing an impetus that urges the seal towards the midline of the end cap and/or against an inner wall of the thermal insulation jacket 104. This advantageously serves to reinforce the sealing force applied during flexion of the pliant segment.

(15) Various views of devices of the inventive concept are shown in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 3D. FIG. 3A depicts a cutaway view of such a device when the pliant segment 318a is essentially linear. As shown, the pliant segment 318a essentially lies within a chamber 312a delineated by the thermal insulation jacket 308a, end caps 302a and 316a, and seals 306a and 314a. This chamber 312a can include insulating materials, such as fiberglass, which can contact the seals 306a and 314a. These seals 306a and 314a, in combination with insulation provided by the thermal insulation jacket 308a (and in some embodiments insulating material within the chamber 312a), provides the desired thermal isolation of the pliant segment 318a. FIG. 3B depicts a cross section of the device shown in FIG. 3A, with the pliant segment 318b in a straight configuration. As shown, a device of the inventive concept can include a cavity 320b (shown as at least partially enclosed by the pliant segment 318b). This cavity 320b can be open at both ends, and can serve to provide fluid communication between moving components connected by a device of the inventive concept. FIG. 3C shows a cutaway view of the device in FIG. 3A with the pliant segment 318c flexed, representing a configuration of the device that occurs when components to which the device is joined move relative to one another. A cross section of a device of the inventive concept in this flexed or bent configuration is shown in FIG. 3D. FIG. 3D also includes an inset that illustrates the movement of the seal 314d along the end cap 316d as the device flexes. It should be appreciated that despite considerable distortion of the device the seal 314d continues to be compressed against and conform to end cap 316d of the pliant segment 318d or tube in order to form an effective seal. This insures that the pliant segment 318d remains thermally isolated.

(16) An expanded view of the interaction between the thermal insulation jacket 414, the seal 408, and the end cap 412 is provided in FIG. 4. The end cap 412 can include a seal interface 410 region, which lies between a distal flange 406 and a medial flange 402. As the pliant segment 414 flexes the seal 408 moves over the seal interface 410, maintaining thermal isolation. The medial flange 402 can be sloped, so that as the seal 408 approaches the medial flange 402 it is urged towards the central portion of the seal interface 410. The distal flange can be similarly sloped. This advantageously maintains sealing pressure as the pliant segment 414 flexes, particularly at extreme flexion.

(17) In some embodiments of the inventive concept the device can include one or more straps (e.g., straps 310a of FIG. 3A) that encircle and reinforce the thermal insulation jacket. Similarly, one or preferably both end caps of the device can include coupling components, such as a hose clamp, a hose clamp landing, and a retention clip.

(18) In situations where there is an especially large amount of movement, insulation devices could include a second thermal insulation jacket and a sealing cuff or similar component that can be used as a thermal insulation jacket articulation point, placed at a position between the two end caps. Such a sealing cuff can resemble two end caps joined at or near their medial flange, and can permit the utilization of multiple pliant segments and thermal insulation jackets. Such sealing cuffs can be straight or angled. In such an embodiment each of the thermal insulation jackets would interface with one end cap and with the sealing cuff, articulated in a similar manner to that discussed herein to the end cap and insulation jacket as described above. Additional sealing cuffs and thermal insulation jackets could be added to such an assembly (with one or more thermal insulation jacket interfacing only with sealing cuffs) in order to support even higher degrees of movement or flexion.

(19) Generally, the articulating insulation device is designed to be installed in a place where there is relative movement between two components that are joined by a line, pipe, or similar device that requires insulation. In some instances one component can be reasonably stationary relative to the immediate environment and to the second component. In other instances both components can be moving relative to their immediate surroundings and to each other. For example, one end cap of the insulation device installed on an EGR pipe be connected to the inlet manifold of an internal combustion engine, and the other end cap can be fastened to the exhaust system. As a vehicle carrying these components moves along the road both the engine and components of the exhaust system move in response to both the action of the moving part of the engine and to bumps, potholes, debris, and other imperfections in the road surface. In such an embodiment, due to the axially slidable nature of the end caps and the flexible nature of the pliant segment, the insulation device flexibly bends or slides according to the relative movements of the engine and the exhaust system.

(20) It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms comprises and comprising should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.