Angle Plate Insertion for Irregular Transverse Duct Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for inserting angle plates into duct flanges, such as CORNERMATIC® and CORNER CADET®, struggle with irregularly shaped duct fittings and deformed flanges, requiring manual insertion and causing inefficiency and potential damage, and the packaging of angle plates is cumbersome, leading to time-consuming loading processes.
Innovation Solution
A new apparatus with clamp members that straighten and clamp duct flanges, a supply hopper located out of the way, and improved packaging for angle plates that allows for efficient automatic insertion, including a self-contained sleeve or strap-held packages, enabling the automatic insertion of angle plates into duct flanges, especially for irregularly shaped fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing machines (CORNERMATIC® and CORNER CADET®) are used for automatic angle plate insertion, then productivity is improved, but they cannot accommodate irregularly shaped duct fittings with Pittsburgh locks
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member is designed with movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different duct fitting geometries. The clamp member includes a clamp arm that can be positioned and adjusted to accommodate various flange configurations, including irregular shapes with Pittsburgh locks, while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with universal features that enable it to handle multiple types of duct fittings. The clamp member and feed member combination can accommodate both regular and irregular duct fittings, making the machine versatile for different applications while maintaining automated angle plate insertion capability.
2Extent of automation
If existing machines are used for regular ducts, then automatic insertion works well, but they cause damage to deformed flanges and require manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member performs preliminary straightening action on deformed flanges before the angle plate insertion process. By pre-positioning and straightening the flange, the system eliminates the need for manual intervention and prevents damage that would occur with forced insertion into misaligned flanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp member provides protective cushioning by gently gripping and straightening deformed flanges before the main insertion force is applied. This preliminary protective action prevents damage to the flange while preparing it for successful automated angle plate insertion.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional angle plate packaging is used, then storage is simple, but loading into machines is time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Angle plates are nested within a packaging structure that includes a base and vertical walls, with the ability to nest multiple packages within each other. This nested design maintains simple storage while enabling efficient automated loading, as the nested structure allows for systematic feeding into the machine hopper.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging is pre-configured with features that facilitate automated loading, such as predetermined stacking arrangements and access points. This preliminary preparation of the packaging structure eliminates time-consuming manual loading operations while maintaining simple storage characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are described for inserting angle plates in transverse duct flanges. The apparatus is especially useful in inserting angle plates into transverse duct flanges of duct fittings. Packages for holding angle plates are also described.