Helically Corrugated Vent Pipe with Rolled Hem Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corrugated metal vent pipes used in food handling and preservation are heavy, labor-intensive to set up and clean due to low gauge material, and have inadequate airflow and treatment agent distribution, with sharp edges that require grinding and burr removal.
Innovation Solution
A helically corrugated metal vent pipe with 16 gauge or higher material, specific corrugation configuration, and strategically placed vent openings, along with end cap structures to cover burrs and improve handling and airflow, is developed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If low gauge material is used for corrugated metal vent pipe, then the pipe can be formed with standard configurations, but the pipe becomes heavy and difficult to move, making setup and cleaning labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material gauge parameter from traditional low gauge (22-24) to higher gauge (16 or higher), and modifies the corrugation dimensions (depth between 0.70-0.75 inches, pitch between 1.50-4.00 inches) to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio. This parameter optimization allows the use of lighter material while maintaining structural integrity and ease of handling.
2Productivity
If traditional end cuts are used to produce pipe lengths, then the pipe can be manufactured efficiently, but sharp edges and burrs are created that require grinding operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary action by forming a rolled hem at the pipe ends during the manufacturing process, before the pipe is installed or used. This rolled hem pre-treats the pipe ends to eliminate sharp edges and burrs that would otherwise require subsequent grinding operations, thereby maintaining manufacturing efficiency while eliminating harmful factors.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard vent pipe configurations are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but airflow and treatment agent distribution to all areas of the potato mass is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning vent openings at specific locations along the pipe - particularly at the top, bottom, and sides of the pipe structure. This localized distribution of openings ensures that airflow and treatment agents are delivered to all areas of the potato mass, including previously underserved regions, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized opening patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A corrugated metal vent pipe includes a helically corrugated pipe structure formed by helical winding of a corrugated metal strip, wherein the helically corrugated pipe structure has a diameter of between 15 inches and 36 inches and a plurality of vent openings distributed thereon. A first pipe end treatment is located on a first end of the helically corrugated pipe structure, and a second pipe end treatment is located on a second end of the helically corrugated pipe structure.