WO2018200023A1

WO2018200023A1 - Curved insulation panels

Info

Publication number: WO2018200023A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/052686
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Hoffman
Original assignee: Hydra Heating Industries LLC
Current assignee: Hydra Heating Industries LLC
Priority date: 2017-04-28
Filing date: 2017-09-21
Publication date: 2018-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 2019-10-28

Abstract

Various insulation panels and systems are disclosed herein. In one example, a surface of an insulation panel is curved to match a curved structure. A plurality of magnets attached to the insulation panel are flush with the surface of the insulation panel within a plurality of holes. A cap plate is attached to a respective magnet between the respective magnet and the insulation panel. The cap plate affects a magnetic field of the respective magnet to aid magnetic connection of the respective magnet to the curved structure. A paper sheet covers the surface of the insulation panel and the plurality of magnets.

Description

CURVED INSULATION PANELS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/491 ,471 , entitled "Quonset Hut (and other ribbed or studded buildings) Magnetic Insulation," filed on April 28, 2017, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Insulation may be used for many different purposes. Where high or low environmental temperatures may occur, insulation may protect objects from condensation, freezing, melting, expansion, contraction, and other effects. Energy may be saved by using insulation to maintain temperature, insulation can also serve to control noise, protect from physical damage, and other purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. It is noted that the elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily the same, elements throughout the several views.

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an exploded view of an insulation panel according to an embodiment.

[0005] FIG. 2A illustrates example magnetic field lines of a magnet in various arrangements with and without a cap plate according to an embodiment.

[0006] FIG. 2B illustrates example views of cap plates for magnets according to various embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an insulation panel according to an embodiment.

[0008] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate example views of insulation panels according to various embodiments. [0009] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate examples of insulation panels installed on structures according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate example views of insulation panels according to various embodiments.

SUiVIIVlARY

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods of using insulation panels for insulating structures including curved structures, ribbed structures, corrugated structures, and other structures.

[0012] In some embodiments, an insulation system for insulating a curved structure can include an insulation panel having a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of edges. The first surface can be curved with a radius of curvature that matches the curved structure, in some cases, the second surface can also be curved with the same radius of curvature, or another radius of curvature. The insulation panel can be one of a plurality of insulation panels that have at least one surface that is curved with the radius of curvature, for example, so the insulation panels can be used to cover a curved structure including large structures like a Quonset hut, a tubular tank, or a pipeline, and smaller structures like a pipe, or others. The structure can have a single curve or multiple curves with different radii of curvature. A plurality of magnets can be attached to the insulation panel. The insulation can be any type insulation, including board-type insulation (e.g., poiyisocyanurate), and more flexible insulation types (e.g., elastomerics) with sufficient strength to allow magnets to be placed in the insulation to have sufficient pulling force. Small circles or other shapes can be drilled or routed out of insulation, or the board can be molded to include such holes or recesses. Magnets can be glued into the depressions, and facing materials such as paper, foil, plastic laminates, and others can be glued or otherwise installed on each side of the insulation. Facing can be selected for finish, fire retardation, vapor lock, non-vapor lock, air or vapor permeability, and other reasons.

[0013] The magnets can be arranged flush with a first surface of the insulation panel within a corresponding plurality of holes in the first surface of the insulation panel. A cap plate can be attached to a respective magnet of the plurality of magnets between the respective magnet and the insulation panel. The cap plate can affect magnetic fields of the respective magnet to aid magnetic connection of the respective magnet to the curved structure. In some cases, the cap plate has an extended edge that surrounds an edge of the respective magnet.

[0014] A paper sheet can cover the first surface of the insulation panel and the plurality of magnets, and in some cases, another paper sheet can cover the second surface of the insulation panel, in other cases, a foil sheet can cover the paper sheet. In other cases, the paper sheet can include a foil facing.

[0015] In some cases, a first subset of the plurality of magnets is aligned in a first row of magnets and a second subset of the plurality of magnets is aligned in a second row of magnets that is parallel to the first row of magnets, in some of these cases, the first subset of the plurality of magnets is staggered from the second subset of the plurality of magnets to evenly distribute magnetic holding of the insulation panel to the curved structure, in other cases, the rows are not staggered.

[0016] In some cases, at least one of the plurality of edges of the insulation panel include a first part of a shiplap design and an edge of another one of the plurality of insulation panels includes a second part of the shiplap design. The first part of the shiplap design and the second part of the shiplap design can also be magnetically connected using at least one magnet.

[0017] The plurality of insulation panels can be magnetically connected to the curved structure and in some cases, can be covered with a layer of polyurea, for example, to more permanently affix the insulation panels to the structure, or to help wind resistance when the insulation panels are on an exterior of a structure.

[0018] In further embodiments, an insulation panel can have a surface that is curved with a radius of curvature that matches a curved structure. A plurality of magnets can be attached to the insulation panel. The plurality of magnets can be arranged flush with the surface of the insulation panel within a plurality of holes in the surface of the insulation panel. A cap plate can be attached to a respective magnet of the plurality of magnets between the respective magnet and the insulation panel within a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes. The cap plate can affect a magnetic field of the respective magnet to aid magnetic connection of the respective magnet to the curved structure. In some examples, the cap plate is steel. In some examples, the cap plate can have a relative permeability of 40 or greater. A paper sheet can cover the surface of the insulation panel and the plurality of magnets. In some cases, a foil sheet covers the paper sheet. In other cases, the paper sheet includes a foil facing.

[0019] A first subset of the plurality of magnets can be aligned in a first row of magnets, and a second subset of the plurality of magnets can be aligned in a second row of magnets that is parallel to the first row of magnets. A distance between the first row of magnets and the second row of magnets can be determined based on the structure to which the system is to be applied. For example, the distance between the first row and the second row can be based on a distance between arched support beams of a Quonset hut, (e.g., approximately 4 feet, 8 feet, 10 feet, or others), ridges of corrugated metal, etc, such that the magnets will make contact with the structure or object.

[0020] In some cases, a first edge of the insulation panel can form a first part of a shipiap design, and a second edge of the insulation panel can form a second part of the shipiap design, in some cases, the shipiap design can be magnetically connectable, and the first part of the shipiap design and/or the second part of the shipiap design can include at least one magnet, which can attach to another magnet or an unmagnetized ferromagnetic material in the other part,

[0021] In other cases, a first edge of the insulation panel can form a first part of a tongue-and-groove design, and a second edge of the insulation panel can form a second part of the tongue-and-groove design, in some situations, the tongue of the tongue-and-groove design can further include a bulinose shape. In some cases, the shipiap design can be magnetically connectable, and the first part of the tongue-and-groove design and/or the second part of the tongue-and- groove design can include at least one magnet, which can attach to another magnet or an unmagnetized ferromagnetic material in the other part, insulation panels that match a surface of a curved structure, including the holes and edges, can be formed by molding, routing, shaving, drilling, and/or machining insulation.

[0022] In further examples, an insulation system can include an insulation panel having a corrugated surface with a plurality of ridges and a plurality of grooves. Each of the plurality of ridges of the corrugated surface can be aligned with a curve having a radius of curvature. The insulation panel can be one of a plurality of insulation panels that can attach to the curved structure. A plurality of magnets can be attached to the insulation panel. The plurality of magnets can be arranged flush with the corrugated surface within a plurality of holes. The holes can be in at least one of: the plurality of ridges, the plurality of grooves, or both.

[0023] A cap plate can be attached to a respective magnet of the plurality of magnets between the respective magnet and the insulation panel within a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes, wherein the cap plate affects magnetic fields of the respective magnet to aid magnetic connection of the respective magnet to a structure. A paper layer can cover the corrugated surface and the plurality of magnets. In some cases, a first edge of the insulation panel includes a first part of a shiplap design, and a second edge of the insulation panel includes a second part of the shiplap design. The first part of the shiplap design can also include at least one magnet, in the various embodiments, one or both parts of the shiplap design can include a magnet or magnets to hold the two parts together magnetically. Where only one part has magnets, the other part can have a ferromagnetic material that is unmagnetized.

[0024] In further examples, an insulation system can include a curved insulation panel of a plurality of curved insulation panels that match a curved structure. A surface of the insulation panel can be curved to match the curved structure. A first edge of the insulation panel forms a first part of a shiplap design. A second edge of the insulation panel forms a second part of the shiplap design. The second curved edge can be opposite from the first edge. A third edge of the insulation panel can form a first part of a builnose tongue-and-groove design. A fourth edge of the insulation panel forms a second part of the builnose tongue-and-groove design. The fourth edge can be opposite from the third edge. A paper sheet can cover the surface of the insulation panel.

[0025] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description, it is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

[0028] In addition, all optional and preferred features and modifications of the described embodiments are usable in all aspects of the disclosure taught herein. Furthermore, the individual features of the dependent claims, as well as all optional and preferred features and modifications of the described embodiments are eombinab!e and interchangeable with one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Curved and straight insulation are disclosed herein. The insulation panels can interlock, and can be magnetic, interlocking panels can help installation to a structure. Magnetic insulation is practical because it saves labor time during installation and is simple to remove and replace, it is useful in any application that has a magnetically attractive substrate and temperatures within the tolerances of the insulation and magnetic material. While magnets can be used, insulation panels can also be glued, taped, screwed, bolted, nailed, or otherwise affixed to a structure, and structural coatings like poiyurea can also be applied to the assembled panels to affix the insulation to a structure, or to further protect insulation panels that are also affixed to a structure in another manner.

[0028] Fiat insulation panels and curved insulation panels can be achieved. Rigid or flexible insulation can be utilized. Rigid insulation materials can include polyisocyanurate, polystyrene, and others. Flexible insulation materials can include elastomerics, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyoiefin, poiyurea, and others. Po!ymide, phenolic foams, elastomeric foams, cellular glass, silica aerogel, mineral fiber, high temperature fiber, periife, microporous, granular, calcium silicate, textile glass, melamine, poiyurea, fiberglass, PVC jacket, PVDC film, and other insulation materials can also be used.

[0029] Magnets can include neodymium, ferrite, ceramic, AINCo, SmCo,

NdFeB, and other magnetic materials, which can be magnetized, in some embodiments, magnetic material can be mixed with or incorporate insulation materials. For example, a magnet can be made of 80% magnetic material (e.g., neodymium, or others) and 20% insulation material (e.g., poiyurea, or others), or other ratios. A magnet that includes magnetic material and insulation material can make a physically resilient or tough magnet that can bond well with materials similar or compatible to the insulation material. In further embodiments, the magnetic material can include other insulation materials, other magnetic materials or magnetic ores, and different proportions of materials.

[0030] Turning now to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an insulation panel 103, which can be part of an insulation system. The insulation panel 103 can include insulation 106, magnets 109, magnetic-side facing materials 1 11 , and finish-side facing materials 112. Note that for clarity, magnets 109 in the lower row are not shown in this figure.

[0031] The insulation panel 103 can, for example, be polyisocyanurate, polystyrene, or another rigid or semi-rigid insulation material. The insulation panel 103 can include a number of magnet holes 1 13. The holes can be wide enough for the magnets 109 to fit within the holes 113 and deep enough so that the magnets 09 are flush or substantially flush with the surface of the insulation panel 103. It should be understood that the magnets 109 can be considered flush or substantially flush with the surface of the insulation panel 103, although the surface of the insulation panel 103 can be a curved surface to match a curved structure to which the insulation panel 103 is to be attached, while the magnets 109 can be fiat.

[0032] The magnets 109 can include neodymium magnets, ferrite magnets, and other magnets as discussed above. A neodymium magnet can be a magnet that includes neodymium, such as neodymium alloys. Ferrite magnets can include Manganese-zinc ferrites, Nickel-Zinc ferrites, and other ferrites. in some cases, cap plates 121 can be used in conjunction with the magnets 09. A cap plate 121 can affect the magnetic fields of a magnets 109, and can aid magnetic holding of the magnets 109 to a structure or object by focusing or grouping the magnetic field lines of the magnet near to a connection point between the magnet 109 and an object to which it is held, as will be discussed further with respect to FIG. 2. This can decrease the range of magnetic pulling force, but can increase holding force when the magnet is in contact with the object, or very dose to the object. Where a cap plate 121 is used, the holes 113 can be deep enough so that the magnet is flush with the surface of the insulation panel, in addition, the holes can be drilled, routed, or otherwise made so that the edge of the hole is perpendicular to the surface of the insulation panel.

[0033] Magnetic-side facing materials 11 1 can include a paper layer or paper sheet 115. The magnetic-side facing materials 11 1 can also include a foil layer or foil sheet 18. in some cases, one or both of the paper sheet 115 or the foil sheet 1 8 can be absent. Because magnetic pulling range can be relatively short, especially where a cap plate 121 is used, the magnetic-side facing materials 1 11 can be chosen to be sufficiently thin to allow the magnets 109 to hold to an object or structure. Accordingly, the magnetic-side facing materials can be 50-1000 microns in total thickness.

[0034] The paper sheet 115 can be kraft paper or other paper products, and can include polyethylene coatings. The paper sheet 115 can be glued to the insulation 106 or otherwise affixed. Where glue is used, glue can be temperature rated to match the temperature rating of the insulation 106, such that the temperature rating is at least as high as the temperature rating of the insulation 106. in turn, the foil sheet 1 18 can be glued to the paper sheet 115. The foil sheet 118 can be aluminum foil, tin foil, copper foil, other metal foils, and other foils that include polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biaxiaily-oriented PET (BoPET), metallized BoPET, and others, in other cases, the paper sheet 115 can include a foil facing, such as an aluminum foil facing, tin foil facing, copper foil facing, or another foil facing. A paper sheet 1 15 that has a foil facing can also include PE and other materials. The magnetic-side facing materials 11 1 can also provide support and prevent pull-out of the magnets 109 from the insulation 106. in addition, a textured coating of rubber, or another material can be applied to prevent the insulation panel 103 from sliding on the structure to which it is attached.

[0035] Finish-side facing materials 1 12 can include a paper layer or paper sheet, and can also include a foil layer or foil sheet, or a paper sheet with foil facing. Finish-side facing materials 112 can be thicker than the magnetic-side facing materials 1 11 , since there is no need for magnetic hold on the finish side. Plastic laminates, other plastics, rubber, wood, metals, paint, and other materials can be used as finish-side facing materials 112. [0036] The materials of the insulation panel 103 such as the insulation 108, the magnetic-side facing materials 1 11 , and the finish-side facing materials 1 2 can be chosen in order to provide a permeable or impermeable insulation regarding water vapor penetration or air penetration. Foil facing (e.g., paper and foil, or paper that includes foil facing) can be used for one or both of the magnetic-side facing material and the finish-side facing material to provide an impermeable insulation panel 103, while paper (e.g., paper without foil facing) can be used to provide a permeable insulation panel 103.

[0037] The magnets 109 can be arranged on the insulation in a number of ways. The magnets 109 can be arranged on the insulation 106 in order to evenly distribute magnetic holding of the insulation panel 103 to the structure. In some cases, the insulation panel 103 is to be held to a structure with a corrugated surface. For example, a culvert, a Quonset hut, or a transportation or intermodai container can include corrugated surfaces, or regularly spaced support beams, which can be arched. Accordingly, parallel rows can be set apart by a distance "d," which can be chosen to match the spacing of support beams, or spacing between ridges or between grooves of a corrugated surface of a structure, or the like. In addition, the parallel rows of magnets can be offset or staggered, such that the magnets of one row do not line up with magnets of another row (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the parallel rows).

[0038] In some cases, the distance "a" between magnets 109 in a row can be equal to the distance "b" between magnets 109 in another row. While any offset can be used, in some cases, the distance "a" can be the same as the distance "b," and the offset can be half of the distance between each magnet in a row. In other situations, the distance "a" can be different from the distance "b."

[0039] In order to evenly distribute the magnetic holding of the insulation panel 103, in further cases, the distance "c" can be the same as the distance "a" and the distance "b." In other words, a first magnet 09 in a first row can be equidistant to (1) two other magnets 109 in the first row, as well as (2) two magnets 109 in a second row. in this example, the distances "a," "b," and "c" can each be equal to a, b, c = ^ ^' -. Accordingly, the distances "a," "b," and "c" can be calculated based on the distance "d." It should be noted that in the various embodiments, the magnets 109 can be arranged in any manner, and the arrangements discussed are example arrangements.

[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates magnetic field lines of the magnet 203 in various arrangements with and without a cap plate 221. In the top image, the magnet 203 is in free space, and the magnetic field lines 212 can be evenly distributed. In the bottom left image, the magnet 203 is attached to the ferrous object or structure 215. The magnetic field lines 218 of the magnet 203 in this arrangement are more concentrated at the connection point to the structure 2 5. In the bottom right image, a cap plate 221 is used along with the magnet 203. As can be seen, when the cap plate 221 is used, the magnetic field lines 224 are even more concentrated and focused at the connection point to the structure 215, which aids the connection with the structure 215 as compared to the magnet 203 alone. This can increase the holding force when the structure 215 is in dose contact with the magnet 203, but can also decrease the total range of magnetic holding force.

[0041] FIG. 2B illustrates a number of cap plates including a cap plate 231 , a cap plate 234, and a cap plate 237. The cap plate 231 can be a fiat cap plate and can have a similar or same peripheral shape and size as the magnet; for example, the magnet and the cap plate 231 can each have a disc shape, a square shape, or another shape. The cap plate 234 can include an extended edge 240 that surrounds the edge of the magnet. In this case, the cap plate 234 can have a similar or same peripheral shape but, since the extended edge 240 surrounds the magnet, the size can be larger than the magnet. The cap plate 237 can include a hole 243. Accordingly, the cap plate 237 can be a washer or another plate with a hole. In some cases, a cap plate can be made of steel. Other materials can also be used, in some cases, a cap plate can have a relative permeability of 40 or greater, in other cases, a cap plate can have a relative permeability of 100 or greater. A cap plate can be made of material that is magnetizable, but is not magnetized.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a curved insulation panel 303. The curved insulation panel 303 has a first surface 306 and a second surface 309. Either surface can be a magnetic side of the curved insulation panel 303. Accordingly, a convex surface 306 or a concave surface 309 can be a magnetic surface of the insulation panel 303. The surface 308 can be curved with a radius of curvature r1. The surface 309 can be curved with a radius of curvature r2. In some cases, the radius of cun/ature r1 and the radius of curvature r2 can be a same radius of curvature. For example, where each of the radii of curvature r1 and r2 are much greater (e.g., 10 times greater or more) than a thickness "t" of the insulation panel, it can be easier for production purposes to make the radius r1 and r2 the same and to ensure that the fit to a target surface of a curved structure will not be compromised. In other cases, each radius of curvature r1 and r2 can be different. For example, the radius of curvature r1 can be equal to the radius of curvature r2 plus the thickness "f of the insulation panel 303.

[0043] Where the convex surface 306 is to be attached to a curved structure, the radius of curvature r1 can be designed to match the curved structure. For example, the convex surface 306 can be designed to magnetically attach to a concave inside surface of a Quonset hut In some cases, the concave inside surface of the Quonset hut can be smooth, and the radius of curvature r1 can be designed to match the radius of curvature of the smooth inside surface. In other cases, the concave inside surface of the Quonset hut can be corrugated. Accordingly, the radius of curvature r1 can be designed to attach to the ridges of the corrugated surface and can be the same as the radius of curvature made by the ridges of the corrugated inside surface of the Quonset hut.

[0044] Where the concave surface 309 is to be attached to a curved structure, the radius of curvature r2 can be designed to match the curved structure. For example, the concave surface 309 can be designed to magnetically attach to a convex outside surface of a Quonset hut, round tank, or tube. Where the convex outside surface of the Quonset is smooth, the radius of curvature r2 can be designed to match the radius of curvature of the smooth outside surface, in other cases, the convex outside surface of the Quonset hut can be corrugated. Accordingly, the radius of curvature r2 can be designed to attach to the ridges of the corrugated surface, and can be the same as the radius of curvature made by the ridges of the corrugated outside surface of the Quonset hut. While both surfaces of the insulation panel 303 are shown as a curved surface with a radius of curvature, it is possible that one of the surfaces, particularly the facing side, which may not be magnetically attached to the structure, can instead be flat, or any other shape.

[0045] The insulation panel 303 can also include an edge 312 that includes a convex bullnose design, which can be a tongue part of a tongue-and-groove design. Another edge 315 of the insulation panel can be a corresponding groove part of the tongue-and-groove design that accepts the tongue part of the tongue- and-groove design. Other tongue-and-groove designs can also be used. The bullnose tongue-and-groove design shown can help allow for some variance in positioning, in case the radius of curvature r1 or r2 does not exactly match that of the structure to which the insulation pane! 103 is to be attached, as compared to more angular designs that can be more limiting for positioning. As can be understood, a curved insulation panel 303 can have two curved edges and two straight edges 312 and 315. While any of the edges, curved or straight, can include a bullnose tongue-and-groove design, the straight edges 312 and 315 can benefit from the freedom of positioning that the bullnose can provide. The tongue-and-groove design shown includes straight edges above and below the bullnose in the design, in other situations, the entire edge 312 can be a convex bullnose shape, and the entire edge 315 can be a concave shape to accept the edge 312 in another bullnose tongue-and-groove design.

[0046] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an insulation panel 403. The insulation panel 403 has magnets 406 on its convex surface. This arrangement can be used to attach the insulation panel 403 to a concave inner surface of a curved structure. As can be seen, the magnets 406 can be arranged in parallel rows. Also, the insulation panel 403 has a bullnose tongue-and-groove design on two of its edges, as also described in FIG. 3 above. In FIG. 4A, an edge 409 includes a part of a shiplap design is shown. Also, the edge 409 includes a number of magnets 412 in the shiplap design, perpendicular to the upper surface of the insulation panel 403. While not shown, the edge 409 can also include a number of magnets in the shiplap design that are parallel or substantially parallel to the upper surface of the insulation panel 403.

[0047] In FIG. 4B, another edge 415, which is opposite the edge 409, includes another part of the shiplap design. The one part fits over the other part of the shiplap design. The insulation panel 403 includes both shiplap and tongue-and-groove designs for interconnection. As shown, the insulation panel 403 can have a one part of the shiplap design on one edge 409, and an opposite edge 415 can have the complementary part of the shiplap design. Likewise the insulation panel 403 can have a one part of the tongue-and-groove design on one edge, and an opposite edge can have the complementary part of the tongue-and-groove design. In other situations, the same part of the shiplap (and/or tongue-and-groove) design can be on two opposite edges of an insulation panel, in these situations, another panel can have the complementary part of the design. Also, the edge 415 includes a number of magnets 418 in the shiplap design perpendicular to the upper surface of the insulation pane! 403. The edge 415 can also include a number of magnets 421 in the shiplap design that are parallel or substantially parallel to the upper surface of the insulation panel 403. While the edges 409 and 415 are described as having magnets, one of the sides can instead have unmagnetized magnetic material to mate with the magnets of the complementary part of the design. The magnets are shown as a plurality of discrete circular or disc magnets (or unmagnetized magnetic materia!), but can in some cases be instead a bar or strip magnet, or a bar or strip of unmagnetized magnetic material.

[0048] FIG. 4C illustrates an insulation system 450 including an insulation panel 453, an insulation panel 458, and an insulation panel 459. The insulation panel system 450 has magnets 406 on the concave surface of each of the insulation panels 453, 458, and 459. This arrangement can be used to attach the insulation panels 453, 458, and 459 to a convex surface of a curved structure. As can be seen, the magnets of the insulation panel 453 are arranged in parallel rows, and the rows are staggered. This can more evenly distribute the holding force of the panel 453. By contrast, the magnets of the insulation panel 458 are arranged in parallel rows, but they are not staggered. This arrangement can be used to place the magnets on ridges of a corrugated surface, especially where the magnets are not as strong, or distance between ridges of a corrugated surface is relatively far, and so more magnets need to be used.

[0049] The insulation pane! 459 is shown below the other panels 453 and 456, so the edges can be illustrated. The insulation panel 459 is shown with no magnets. Instead, it can be held in place on a structure by placing it between the panels 453 and 456, or another set of panels that have magnets. This illustrates that in some cases, not ail panels of the insulation panel system need to include magnets.

[0050] FIG. 5A shows an insulation system 503 attached to a Quonset hut

508. The insulation system 503 is attached to an inside of the Quonset hut 506, and includes a number of insulation panels. The insulation panels of the insulation system 503 can be like the insulation panel 404 of FIGS. 4A and 4B in that the magnets are on a convex surface of each insulation panel of the insulation system 503, in order to attach it to the concave inner surface of the Quonset hut 506, which can be smooth or corrugated as described, in addition, the system, once installed, can be more permanently installed by a coating of Poiyurea over the insulation panels of the insulation system 503. This coating can help for wind resistance, and prevent dislodging of the system. While not shown in this figure, in some situations the insulation panels of FIG. 4C can be attached to a convex outer surface of the Quonset hut 506, which can be smooth or corrugated as described above.

[0051] FIG. 5B shows an insulation system 509 attached to a tank 512. The insulation system 509 is attached to an inside of the tank 512, and includes a number of insulation panels. The insulation panels of the insulation system 509 can be like the insulation system 450 of FIG. 4C in that the magnets are on a concave surface of each insulation panel of the insulation system 509, in order to attach it to the convex outer surface of the tank 512, which can be smooth or corrugated as described, in some cases, the insulation panels of the insulation system 509 can include no magnets on its surface, and can instead use magnets on one or more of its edges, such as a magnetic shipiap design or a magnetic tongue-and-groove design, in the case of a tank, a pipeline, a pipe, and the like, since the insulation system 509 can surround the structure, it is not necessary for the curved surface to include magnets. In addition, the insulation system

509, once installed, can be more permanently installed by a coating of Poiyurea over the insulation panels of the insulation system 509. This coating can help for wind resistance and prevent dislodging of the system, especially where the system is outside or exposed to the elements, and can also hold the insulation system 509 in place where no magnets are used on the curved surface of each panel that matches the structure. While not shown in this figure, in some situations the insulation panels of FIGS. 4A and 4B can be attached to a concave inner surface of the tank 512, which can be smooth or corrugated as described above.

[0052] The illustration on the right shows an example cutaway view of the insulation system 509, and a domed top 518 of the tank 512. The domed top 518 has a complex curve, and as shown, is curved with the left and right (x-y) dimension of the illustration, as well as in depth, in other words, a curved surface can be described as a two-dimensional curve (2D) if a curve of its cross- section is the same anywhere it is cut, for example, in various locations along its depth (z) dimension. However, the curved surface of shapes like the domed top 518 of the tank 512 can be considered three-dimensional (3D), since its cross- section is different in various locations along its depth (z) dimension. Accordingly, the insulation panels of the insulation system 509 can have a curve that matches a 2D or a 3D curve. Moreover, a 2D curve does not necessarily have a single radius of curvature, but can include any curve. Accordingly, a 2D curved surface of an insulation panel of the insulation system 509 can match a 2D curve of a structure using a radius of curvature, a parabolic curve, a parametric curve, or any curve, and can be matched using multiple such shapes or segments of curves to match a curve of a structure. Further, a 3D curved surface of an insulation panel of the insulation system 509 can match a 3D curve of a structure using a 3D radius of curvature, a 3D parabolic curve, a 3D parametric curve, or any curve, and can be matched using multiple such shapes or segments of curves to match a curve of a structure. A 3D curved surface of an insulation panel of the insulation system 509 can in some cases match a 2D curve in the xy plane and match another 2D curve in the xz plane, in some cases, this will cause each panel to be different from the other panels in the insulation system 509. In other cases, a single type of panel can be reproduced and multiple insulation panels of the same shape can fit together to cover the structure using the insulation system 509.

[0053] This illustration also shows that in some cases, an insulation panel of the insulation system 509 can have a curved surface that matches a curve of a curved structure, while also having a fiat surface on the other side (e.g., opposite the curves surface of the insulation pane. Here, the top surface of each insulation panel is flat, while the bottom is curved to match the curved structure (the tank 512). In addition, this shows that the structure, such as the thickness, curve, for each panel can be different, while the panel, and the insulation system 509 as a whole still matches the curved structure.

[0054] FIG. 6A shows an insulation panel 603 having a corrugated surface 606 that includes ridges and grooves. In this case, the ridges and grooves are aligned straight. This can allow attachment to a flat corrugated surface, such as a transportation or intermodai container. The magnets 609 are shown attached to the ridges of the corrugated surface 606 of the insulation panel 603. This can allow the magnets to attach in the grooves of a corrugated surface, or alternatively to the ridges, in some cases, the grooves of the corrugated surface 606 could also have magnets, which can attach to the ridges of a corrugated surface, such as a transportation or intermodai container. Where the insulation panel 603 is to be attached to a corrugated surface, the corresponding corrugated surface of the insulation panel 603 can decrease its profile and provide more insulation while maintaining a similar profile as a flat piece of insulation. A number of rows of magnets 609 are shown within holes in the ridges of the corrugated surface 606 of the insulation panel 603. Rows of magnets can additionally or alternatively be within holes in the ridges of the corrugated surface 606 of the insulation panel. A paper layer can cover the corrugated surface 606 and the plurality of magnets. FIG. 6B shows another view of the insulation panel 603. A number of rows of magnets 621 can also be on a fiat (or curved) surface opposite of the corrugated surface 606.

[0055] In other examples, each of the ridges of the corrugated surface 606 can instead be formed so they are aligned with a curve having a particular radius of curvature, in order to attach to a curved structure with the radius of curvature, which the side view of a curved corrugated insulation panel 612 illustrates. While each of the ridges 613 is fiat, each of the ridges is designed to be aligned with a curve 614 having the radius of curvature "r." Magnets can attach in the grooves of a corrugated surface when the structure to which the curved corrugated surface of the insulation panel 612 is to be attached is also corrugated. [00S6] FIG. 8C shows an insulation panel 824 and an insulation panel 827 that includes a shiplap design 830. This figure also includes strip magnets 633. This illustrates that any of the insulation panels and systems discussed herein can use strip magnets and strips of unmagnefized magnetic materials, additionally or alternatively to discrete magnets such as disc magnets. Other shapes can also be used.

[0057] Although embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features and elements may be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures.

[0058] In addition to the forgoing, the various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the embodiments set forth in the following clauses.

[0059] Clause 1 : An insulation system for insulating a curved structure, comprising: an insulation panel comprising a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of edges, the first surface being curved with a radius of curvature that matches the curved structure, wherein the insulation panel is one of a plurality of insulation panels that are curved with the radius of curvature; a plurality of magnets attached to the insulation panel of the plurality of insulation panels, wherein the plurality of magnets are arranged flush with a first surface of the insulation panel within a corresponding plurality of holes in the first surface of the insulation panel; a cap plate attached to a respective magnet of the plurality of magnets between the respective magnet and the insulation panel, wherein the cap plate affects magnetic fields of the respective magnet to aid magnetic connection of the respective magnet to the curved structure; and a paper sheet that covers the first surface of the insulation panel and the plurality of magnets and another paper sheet that covers the second surface of the insulation panel.

[0060] Clause 2: The insulation system of clause 1 , wherein a first subset of the plurality of magnets is aligned in a first row of magnets and a second subset of the plurality of magnets is aligned in a second row of magnets that is parallel to the first row of magnets.

[0061] ClauseS: The insulation system of clause 2, wherein the first subset of the plurality of magnets is staggered from the second subset of the plurality of magnets to evenly distribute magnetic holding of the insulation panel to the curved structure,

[0082] Clause 4: The insulation system of clause 1 , wherein a foil sheet covers the paper sheet.

[0063] Clause 5: The insulation system of clause 1 , wherein the paper sheet includes a foil facing.

[0084] Clause 6: The insulation system of clause , wherein at least one of the plurality of edges comprises a first part of a shipiap design and an edge of another one of the plurality of insulation panels forms a second part of the shipiap design.

[0085] Clause 7: The insulation system of clause 6, wherein the first part of the shipiap design and the second part of the shipiap design are magnetically connected using at least one magnet

[0088] Clause 8: The insulation system of clause 1 , wherein the plurality of insulation panels are magnetically connected to the curved structure and covered with a layer of polyurea.

[0087] Clause 9: The insulation system of clause 1 , wherein the cap plate comprises an extended edge that surrounds the respective magnet.

[0068] Clause 10: An insulation panel, comprising: a surface that is curved to match a curved structure; a plurality of magnets attached to the insulation panel, wherein the plurality of magnets are arranged flush with the surface of the insulation panel within a plurality of holes in the surface of the insulation panel; a cap plate attached to a respective magnet of the plurality of magnets between the respective magnet and the insulation panel within a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes, wherein the cap plate affects a magnetic field of the respective magnet to aid magnetic connection of the respective magnet to the curved structure; and a paper sheet that covers the surface of the insulation panel and the plurality of magnets.

[0089] Clause 1 1 : The insulation panel of clause 0, wherein a first subset of the plurality of magnets is aligned in a first row of magnets and a second subset of the plurality of magnets is aligned in a second row of magnets that is parallel to the first row of magnets.

[0070] Clause 12: The insulation panel of clause 10, wherein a foil sheet covers the paper sheet.

[0071] Clause 13: The insulation panel of clause 10, wherein the paper sheet includes a foil facing.

[0072] Clause 14: The insulation panel of clause 10, wherein a first edge of the insulation panel comprises a first part of a shipiap design and a second edge of the insulation panel forms a second part of the shipiap design.

[0073] Clause 15: The insulation panel of clause 14, wherein the first part of the shipiap design comprises at least one magnet.

[0074] Clause 16: The insulation panel of clause 10, wherein a first edge of the insulation panel forms a first part of a tongue-and-groove design and a second edge of the insulation panel forms a second part of the tongue-and- groove design, wherein a tongue of the tongue-and-groove design comprises a builnose shape.

[0075] Clause 17: The insulation panel of clause 16, wherein the first part of the tongue-and-groove design comprises at least one magnet.

[0076] Clause 18: An insulation system for insulating a curved structure, comprising: a curved insulation panel of a plurality of curved insulation panels that match the curved structure; a surface of the insulation panel that is curved to match the curved structure; a first edge of the insulation panel that forms a first part of a shipiap design; a second edge of the insulation panel that forms a second part of the shipiap design, wherein the second edge is opposite from the first edge; a third edge of the insulation panel that forms a first part of a buiinose tongue-and-groove design; a fourth edge of the insulation panel that forms a second part of the buiinose tongue-and-groove design, wherein the fourth edge is opposite from the third edge; and a paper sheet that covers the surface of the insulation panel.

[0077] Claus 19: The insulation system of clause 18, wherein the paper sheet includes a foil facing.

[0078] Clause 20: The insulation system of clause 18, wherein at least one of: the first edge or the third edge comprise at least one magnet to magneticaily connect to a complementary edge of another curved insulation panel of the plurality of curved insulation panels.

Claims

CLAIMS Therefore, the following is claimed:

1 . An insulation system for insulating a curved structure, comprising: an insulation panel comprising a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of edges, the first surface being curved with a radius of curvature that matches the curved structure, wherein the insulation panel is one of a plurality of insulation panels that are curved with the radius of curvature;

a plurality of magnets attached to the insulation panel of the plurality of insulation panels, wherein the plurality of magnets are arranged flush with a first surface of the insulation panel within a corresponding plurality of holes in the first surface of the insulation panel;

a cap plate attached to a respective magnet of the plurality of magnets between the respective magnet and the insulation panel, wherein the cap plate affects magnetic fields of the respective magnet to aid magnetic connection of the respective magnet to the curved structure; and

a paper sheet that covers the first surface of the insulation panel and the plurality of magnets and another paper sheet that covers the second surface of the insulation panel.

2. The insulation system of claim 1 , wherein a first subset of the plurality of magnets is aligned in a first row of magnets and a second subset of the plurality of magnets is aligned in a second row of magnets that is parallel to the first row of magnets.

3. The insulation system of claim 2, wherein the first subset of the plurality of magnets is staggered from the second subset of the plurality of magnets to evenly distribute magnetic holding of the insulation panel to the curved structure.

4. The insulation system of claim 1 , wherein a foil sheet covers the paper sheet.

5. The insulation system of claim 1 , wherein the paper sheet includes a foil facing.

6. The insulation system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of edges comprises a first part of a shiplap design and an edge of another one of the plurality of insulation panels forms a second part of the shiplap design.

7. The insulation system of claim 6, wherein the first part of the shiplap design and the second part of the shiplap design are magnetically connected using at least one magnet.

8. The insulation system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of insulation panels are magnetically connected to the curved structure and covered with a layer of polyurea.

9. The insulation system of claim 1 , wherein the cap plate comprises an extended edge that surrounds the respective magnet.

10. An insulation panel, comprising:

a surface that is curved to match a curved structure; a plurality of magnets attached to the insulation panel, wherein the plurality of magnets are arranged flush with the surface of the insulation panel within a plurality of holes in the surface of the insulation panel;

a cap plate attached to a respective magnet of the plurality of magnets between the respective magnet and the insulation panel within a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes, wherein the cap plate affects a magnetic field of the respective magnet to aid magnetic connection of the respective magnet to the curved structure; and

a paper sheet that covers the surface of the insulation panel and the plurality of magnets.

1 1 . The insulation panel of claim 10, wherein a first subset of the plurality of magnets is aligned in a first row of magnets and a second subset of the plurality of magnets is aligned in a second row of magnets that is parallel to the first row of magnets.

12. The insulation panel of claim 10, wherein a foil sheet covers the paper sheet.

13. The insulation panel of claim 10, wherein the paper sheet includes a foil facing.

14. The insulation panel of claim 10, wherein a first edge of the insulation panel comprises a first part of a shiplap design and a second edge of the insulation panel forms a second part of the shiplap design.

15. The insulation panel of claim 14, wherein the first part of the shiplap design comprises at least one magnet.

16. The insulation panel of claim 10, wherein a first edge of the insulation panel forms a first part of a tongue-and-groove design and a second edge of the insulation panel forms a second part of the tongue-and-groove design, wherein a tongue of the tongue-and-groove design comprises a bullnose shape.

17. The insulation panel of claim 16, wherein the first part of the tongue-and-groove design comprises at least one magnet.

18. An insulation system for insulating a curved structure, comprising: a curved insulation panel of a plurality of curved insulation panels that match the curved structure;

a surface of the insulation panel that is curved to match the curved structure; a first edge of the insulation panel that forms a first part of a shiplap design;

a second edge of the insulation panel that forms a second part of the shiplap design, wherein the second edge is opposite from the first edge;

a third edge of the insulation panel that forms a first part of a bullnose tongue-and-groove design;

a fourth edge of the insulation panel that forms a second part of the bullnose tongue-and-groove design, wherein the fourth edge is opposite from the third edge; and

a paper sheet that covers the surface of the insulation panel.

19. The insulation system of claim 18, wherein the paper sheet includes a foil facing.

20. The insulation system of claim 18, wherein at least one of: the first edge or the third edge comprise at least one magnet to magnetically connect to a complementary edge of another curved insulation panel of the plurality of curved insulation panels.