Elbow Duct Lockseam Forming with Adjustable Support and Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for forming seams in elbow ducts face challenges in efficiently forming lockseams on connecting portions of unit members, particularly due to the complexity of bending and the difficulty in maintaining the shape of the connecting portion during the seam-forming process.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base, an elevating part, an angle adjustment part, a fixing chuck, a rotating part, and a forming part that molds a lockseam by bending the flange of adjacent unit members, allowing for easy adjustment and support to prevent deformation during the seam-forming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fold seam connecting part is formed to secure sealing force, then sealing force is improved, but the connecting part deteriorates when the duct structure is twisted or bent by external force
Solution Approach 1:
The lockseam structure is formed in advance during manufacturing, creating a pre-interlocked configuration between the first fold and second fold. This preliminary interlocking action ensures that when external forces are applied during operation, the connecting parts maintain their engagement without requiring additional real-time adjustment, thus preserving sealing force under twisting or bending conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting parts utilize curved surface geometry where the second fold surrounds the outer side of the first fold in a circumferential manner. This curved configuration allows the contact surfaces to maintain consistent engagement under various orientations and external forces, preventing deterioration of sealing force when the duct structure is twisted or bent.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual hammering is used to connect pipes, then connecting is achieved, but manufacturing time increases and cost overcharges occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional manual hammering mechanical system with a automated seam-forming machine system. The forming part with rollers and pressure application mechanisms automatically creates the lockseam connection between pipes, eliminating the need for manual hammering operations. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing time and labor costs while maintaining reliable connecting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameters from manual impact forces to controlled mechanical pressure and roller compression forces. By applying gradual, controlled pressure through the forming part during the seam-forming process, the connection is achieved more efficiently and consistently than through manual hammering, improving both productivity and connection quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If flange forming is repeated along the elbow duct shape, then connecting parts are formed, but the process becomes difficult to work with due to non-linear arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The forming part is designed with movable and adjustable components that can adapt to the elbow duct's curved geometry. The base and supporting structures can be repositioned or adjusted during the forming process, allowing the equipment to follow the non-linear path of the duct while maintaining proper forming operation. This dynamic adaptability makes the process as easy to operate as it is to manufacture.
4Device complexity
If the connecting portion is not supported during seam forming, then the process is simpler, but the shape of the connecting portion deforms
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with localized support features that provide targeted support to the connecting portion during seam forming. Rather than requiring complex overall support structures, specific areas of the base are configured to support critical regions of the connecting portion, preventing deformation at key locations while maintaining process simplicity. This localised quality approach ensures manufacturing precision without excessive device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables efficient formation of lockseams on elbow ducts, even on unit members with different angles, while maintaining the shape of the connecting portion, thus improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elevating part that moves the base up and down
Implementation Method 2
a forming part that bends the flange of the one pair of unit members in a state where the flange is in contact to each other, to form the seam
Implementation Method 3
a fixing chuck that supports an inner circumferential surface of a connecting portion of the one pair of unit members
Data Source
AI summary
A device for forming seam of elbow duct is provided, and the device for forming seam of elbow duct that molds a lockseam by bending a flange of one pair of adjacent unit members, of a plurality of unit members constituting the elbow duct, including a base that supports a lower portion of the one pair of unit members; an elevating part that moves the base up and down; an angle adjustment part that adjusts a supporting angle of the base; a fixing chuck that supports an inner circumferential surface of a connecting portion of the one pair of unit members; a rotating part that rotates the fixing chuck; and a forming part that bends the flange of the one pair of unit members in a state where the flange is in contact to each other, to form the seam.