V-Shaped Roller Member for Wrinkle-Free Pittsburgh Seam Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatuses are inefficient due to the need for precise orientation of duct sections, lack of adaptability for varying metal gauges and lengths, and the tendency to produce wrinkles or waves in the seam during closure.

Innovation Solution

A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus with an improved seam forming assembly and carriage system that allows duct sections to be positioned vertically regardless of orientation, featuring adjustable clamping and guide members to accommodate different lengths and gauges, and a dual or triple roller system to ensure proper closure without wrinkles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatuses are used, then seam closure can be achieved, but precise orientation of duct sections is required which reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseam closing efficiencyVSAvoidorientation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seam forming roller is made adjustable in position and angle, allowing dynamic adaptation to different seam orientations and locations on duct sections of various sizes and gauges, eliminating the need for precise manual orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed with adjustable components that enable it to handle multiple duct configurations, seam types, and metal gauges with a single device, making it universally applicable and eliminating orientation constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed configuration closing apparatuses are used, then device complexity is low, but adaptability for varying metal gauges and lengths is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying gauges and lengthsVSAvoidadjustable mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus incorporates adjustable roller positions and angles that can be modified to accommodate different duct lengths, widths, and metal gauges, providing adaptability through controlled complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adjustment of physical parameters such as roller position, angle, and pressure to match different duct specifications, enabling adaptability through parameter modification rather than structural redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional closing methods are used, then manual labor is reduced, but wrinkles or waves are produced in the seam during closure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseam closure qualityVSAvoidwrinkles and waves in seam

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seam forming roller applies localized pressure and forming action at specific points along the seam, ensuring proper metal flow and closure without creating wrinkles or waves across the entire seam surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus replaces manual hammering and bending operations with a controlled mechanical rolling system that gradually forms and closes the seam, eliminating the impact and irregular forces that cause wrinkles and waves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 apparatus enhances efficiency by eliminating the need for precise orientation, supports a range of metal gauges from light to heavy, and ensures seamless closure without waves or wrinkles, improving productivity and reducing manual labor and rejects.

Implementation Method 1

the V-shaped roller member (86) bends the overhanging edge portion (22) so as to close the Pittsburgh Seam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasticity: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11313578B2Roller member for use in an apparatus for closing Pittsburgh Seams associated with duct assemblies and other box-shaped members

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 VICON MACHINERY LLC

AI summary

A vertical Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh Seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper vertical position, and upper and lower clamping members positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh Seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes three roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other two roller members being substantially cylindrical in shape. The V-shaped roller member may also include one or more projecting members for forming dimples in the closing process to prevent shifting and/or slipping of the closed seam.