Mechanical Duct Joining Without Glue Drying Delays

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing process for heating, conditioning, and ventilation ducts is hindered by long and unpredictable drying times of glue, high costs due to expensive adhesives, and complex, potentially hazardous operations, which increase production time and costs while posing environmental risks.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device and process that uses hooking points on a plate-like element to mechanically join duct segments without glue, allowing for faster and more predictable assembly, reduced material costs, and simplified operations, utilizing a plate-like element with hooking points and weakening strips to form ducts from insulating material sandwiched between metallic sheets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glue is used to join duct segments, then a steady and safe union is obtained, but the drying time becomes long and unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunion stabilityVSAvoiddrying time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical joining system (glue) with a mechanical joining system (hooking device). The hooking device comprises a plate-like element with hooking points that mechanically engage with the duct segments, eliminating the need for glue drying time while providing reliable mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If expensive special glues are used to obtain steady union, then reliable connection is achieved, but manufacturing costs greatly increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive special glues with a cheaper hooking device made of standard materials. The hooking device provides reliable connection without requiring costly adhesives, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If glue application and assembling operations are performed, then duct segments are joined, but operational complexity and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly operationVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the hazardous glue application step from the assembly process and replaces it with a simple mechanical hooking operation. The hooking device is pre-assembled and simply needs to be engaged with the duct segments, eliminating complex glue application procedures and associated safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Strength

If glue containing inflammable or toxic components is used, then adequate adhesion is achieved, but environmental and safety hazards are created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidenvironmental hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical adhesion system (glue with inflammable or toxic components) with a mechanical fastening system (hooking device). The mechanical engagement provides adequate connection strength without introducing environmental or safety hazards associated with hazardous chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7712787B2Connecting device and process for the manufacture of ducts for heating, conditioning, and ventilation

Publication Date: 2010.05.11 KINGSPAN HLDG (IRL) LTD

AI summary

It is disclosed a connecting device for the manufacture of ducts for heating, conditioning, ventilation comprising a plate-like element (2) which is provided, on a face (2a) thereof at opposite positions, with at least two hooking points (3) adapted to penetrate contiguous portions to be joined of a duct (4) segment or of two consecutive duct segments. Also provided is a connecting process comprising a step of applying at least one connecting device (19 on either side of a junction line (4a) defined by two opposite longitudinal bands of a panel (5) adapted to form a duct (4) segment.