Dual-Head Duct Seaming With Automatic Angle Plate Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machinery requires separate machines for automatically inserting angle plates into ducts and closing seams, which is inefficient, costly, and occupies excessive space, as it necessitates manual insertion of angle plates into irregularly shaped fittings and lacks the capability to handle both tasks simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A dual-head apparatus that automatically inserts angle plates into ducts and closes the seam, featuring adjustable heads, clamping members, a feed mechanism, press members, and a crimper, allowing for simultaneous operation and accommodating different duct sizes and orientations, thereby streamlining the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate machines are used for angle plate insertion and seam closure, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall production space requirement increases and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidproduction space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the angle plate insertion mechanism and seam closing mechanism into a single integrated machine. The insertion head positions and inserts angle plates into duct fittings, while the seam closing head subsequently seals the duct seams, both operations performed by one apparatus rather than requiring separate standalone machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single machine performs multiple functions: it automatically inserts angle plates into irregularly shaped duct fittings and subsequently closes duct seams. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate specialized machines while maintaining operational effectiveness for both tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate machines are used for angle plate insertion and seam closure, then each machine can operate independently, but labor costs increase and production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational independenceVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs angle plate insertion and seam closing in continuous sequence without requiring the workpiece to be removed or repositioned to a different machine. The insertion head completes its operation, then the seam closing head immediately follows, maintaining continuous productive action on the same duct section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

By integrating both functions in one machine, the system eliminates the need for manual intervention between operations and removes the time required to transfer duct sections between separate machines, thereby increasing overall production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual insertion of angle plates is used for irregular fittings, then flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity increases and operational consistency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling flexibilityVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion head is equipped with automated positioning and insertion mechanisms that independently handle angle plates and place them into irregularly shaped duct fittings without requiring manual manipulation. The system self-adjusts to accommodate various fitting geometries while maintaining consistent, repeatable operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus replaces manual mechanical insertion operations with an automated mechanical system featuring programmable positioning, robotic or automated feed mechanisms, and controlled insertion forces, thereby eliminating manual labor while maintaining adaptability to different fitting types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If a single integrated machine is used for both angle plate insertion and seam closure, then space and time efficiency improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidmachine complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated machine is divided into distinct functional modules: an insertion head for angle plate placement, a seam closing head for sealing operations, and independent support systems for each function. This modular segmentation allows complex functions to be managed as separate, manageable units within the unified apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus utilizes vertical stacking or spatial arrangement of the insertion head and seam closing head, positioning them at different heights or locations along the duct path. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple functions to coexist in a compact configuration, managing complexity through spatial organization rather than horizontal expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9157653B2Apparatus and method for inserting angle plates and closing duct seams

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 HVAC INVENTORS SYSTTION

AI summary

An apparatus and method are described for automatically inserting angle plates into duct work and for seaming the duct work.