Single-Strap Angle Plate Package to Reduce Rotational Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for packaging angle plates into stacks for HVAC duct assembly are inefficient due to instability during transport and loading, as they fail to effectively resist rotational and lateral displacement, and often obstruct access to straps, making removal difficult.
Innovation Solution
A single tensioned strap is used to restrain angle plates within a defined strap zone near the apex, providing sufficient tension to prevent rotational and lateral movement, and is strategically located to facilitate easy removal and handling, reducing packaging waste and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple straps are used to bind angle plates, then stability during transport is improved, but device complexity and packaging material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple strap functions into a single integrated strap that wraps around all four legs of the angle plate stack. This single strap simultaneously prevents rotation, lateral displacement, and maintains stack integrity, eliminating the need for multiple separate straps and reducing packaging complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single strap is designed to perform multiple functions: it restrains rotational movement, prevents lateral displacement, and maintains the compactness of the stack during transport. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized straps.
2Stability of the object's composition
If straps are positioned to maximize restraint effectiveness, then stack stability is improved, but access to straps for removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the strap ends to extend beyond the stack perimeter, making them accessible for removal. The main body of the strap wraps tightly around the stack for maximum restraint, while the extracted ends are positioned to allow easy access without compromising stack stability during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap design creates an intermediary access point where the ends extend outward from the wrapped portion, allowing handlers to grasp and remove the strap without needing to access the tightly wrapped section that provides the restraint function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If angle plates are manually stacked, then flexibility in stacking is maintained, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The angle plates are pre-stacked in a controlled environment with proper alignment and orientation before being bound with the strap. This preliminary stacking action ensures consistent, efficient packages that can be quickly handled and installed, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap-bound stack is designed to be self-contained and self-supporting, requiring no additional manual handling or adjustment during installation. The stack maintains its integrity and alignment automatically, allowing workers to simply install the entire unit without time-consuming manual stacking operations.
4Loss of substance
If a single strap is used to bind angle plates, then packaging material usage is reduced, but resistance to rotational displacement may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The strap transitions from traditional linear wrapping to a three-dimensional configuration that wraps around all four legs of the angle plate stack in a continuous loop. This spatial optimization allows a single strap to engage all sides of the stack, providing rotational restraint equivalent to or exceeding multiple traditional straps while using less material.
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 solution allows for stable handling and efficient insertion of angle plates into assembly devices, reducing load and unpacking time, while minimizing waste and improving the handling of the stacked package as a unified whole.
Implementation Method 1
A single tensioned strap is placed extending around each of the angle plates in the stacked package and is located within the strap zone. The strap exerts a sufficient amount of tension to restrain each of the angle plates within the stacked package.
Data Source
AI summary
A stacked package of angle plates for use in association with a device for assembling individual ones of said angle plates into receptive flanges of HVAC duct sections is disclosed. A strap zone is defined as a portion of the stacked package located proximate to the apex of each of the angle plates, preferably from the apex to a point approximately 25% along the length of each of the legs. A single tensioned strap is placed extending around each of the angle plates in the stacked package and is located within the strap zone. The strap exerts a sufficient amount of tension to restrain each of the angle plates within the stacked package, and is preferably four foot-pounds.