Roller member for use in an apparatus for closing pittsburgh Seams associated with duct assemblies and other box-shaped members
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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 adjustability 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 a 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 includes roller members to ensure proper closure and wrinkle removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional Pittsburgh Seam closing apparatuses are used, then seam closure is achieved, but precise orientation of duct sections is required and wrinkles or waves are produced in the seam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the seam forming roller carriage move vertically upward through the duct section rather than having the duct section fed horizontally through the apparatus. This allows the duct to be positioned vertically regardless of orientation and eliminates the need for precise orientation adjustments while maintaining seam closure quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable clamping members that can be positioned at different locations along the duct section and adjusted to accommodate different metal gauges. The guide members and clamping mechanism are designed to adapt to varying duct lengths and orientations, providing dynamic adjustability that eliminates wrinkles while easing operation
2Reliability
If fixed seam forming apparatuses are used, then seam closure is achieved, but adjustability for varying metal gauges and lengths is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus features adjustable clamping members that can be positioned at different locations along the duct section and adjusted to accommodate different metal gauges. The guide members are also adjustable to accommodate varying duct lengths, providing the versatility needed while maintaining reliable seam closure through the roller members
Solution Approach 2:
The seam forming assembly with multiple roller members is designed to handle various duct configurations, metal gauges, and lengths through its adjustable components. This universal design allows a single apparatus to reliably close seams across different duct types without requiring multiple specialized devices
3Manufacturing precision
If manual peening is used for seam closure, then seam closure is achieved, but productivity is reduced and seam quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual peening with a mechanical seam forming system consisting of roller members mounted on a movable carriage. The rollers apply controlled pressure to form and close the seam mechanically, eliminating the need for manual hammering while improving both productivity and seam quality through consistent, repeatable force application
Solution Approach 2:
The seam forming rollers are designed to automatically form and close the Pittsburgh seam as the carriage moves through the duct section, with the rollers self-adjusting to the duct geometry. This automated process eliminates manual intervention while maintaining high-quality seam closure and significantly increases productivity
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 enables efficient closure of Pittsburgh Seams across a range of metal gauges and lengths without requiring orientation adjustments, reducing manual peening and eliminating wrinkles, thereby improving productivity and seam quality.
Implementation Method 1
A seam forming assembly includes a plurality of roller members mounted in vertical arrangement relative to each other... the V-shaped roller member enables the Pittsburgh Seam to be positioned within the upper and lower guide members in any of the two possible orientations
Data Source
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.