Angle Plate Insertion Apparatus for Irregular 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, while also being cumbersome for loading angle plates due to the placement of the supply hopper.
Innovation Solution
A new apparatus with a clamp system to 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 machine to handle irregular shapes and large quantities of angle plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the supply hopper is positioned above the work area for easy loading, then loading efficiency is improved, but it blocks the path for irregularly shaped duct fittings and prevents automatic insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The supply hopper is relocated from a vertical position above the work area to a horizontal position to the side. This dimensional change allows duct fittings of irregular shapes to be fed into the machine from the front without obstruction, while the hopper remains accessible for loading angle plates from the side.
2Ease of operation
If the machine structure is simplified for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but it cannot accommodate irregularly shaped fittings with Pittsburgh locks
Solution Approach 1:
The feed member is designed with adjustable and movable components that can adapt to different fitting geometries. The clamp members can dynamically adjust their positioning to secure irregularly shaped fittings with Pittsburgh locks, while the automated press and feed mechanisms maintain consistent operation across various fitting types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual insertion is used for irregular fittings, then adaptability is improved, but productivity decreases and potential damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine performs self-adjustment and self-positioning through its automated feed and clamp mechanisms. The feed member automatically positions angle plates, and the clamp members self-adjust to secure irregular fittings, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high productivity and preventing damage through controlled automated operations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the clamp members are positioned to secure the fitting, then stability is improved, but they may interfere with the feed path for angle plates
Solution Approach 1:
The feed mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: the feed member that delivers angle plates, the clamp members that secure fittings, and the press member that inserts angle plates. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently without interference, with the feed member approaching from a path that clears the clamp members' positioning area.
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.