Dual power supply for hydraulic actuator systems

Abstract

To provide a power and signal distribution hub, and a method for distributing a signal and power.SOLUTION: A power and signal distribution hub is provided, which supplies power and an operation signal to a plurality of channels of a test system for operating one or more hydraulic actuators which apply a load to a test object. The power and signal distribution hub includes a first power supply and a second power supply which are connected so as to undergo load sharing of a power to the test system and are configured so as to distribute power to the plurality of channels of the test system. A monitoring circuit for each power supply is configured so as to monitor operation of each power supply and supply a signal showing that the operation of the power supply is outside a normal operation parameter of the power supply.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 581,476, filed on September 8, 2023, entitled "DUAL ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLIES FOR A HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR SYSTEM", the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0002] The following discussion is provided only for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0003] In a test system, the test object for testing is very expensive. To prevent damage to the test object, it is necessary to quickly and effectively reduce the loading on the test object under certain conditions. If the power operation of the test system is outside the normal operation parameters, it may generate an unloading that usually does not occur, which may damage the test object.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary and abstract in this specification are provided to introduce selected concepts in a simplified form that will be further described below in the detailed description. This summary and abstract are not intended to identify important or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages described in the background art.

[0005] In one embodiment, a power and signal distribution hub is provided for supplying power and operating signals to multiple channels of a test system for operating one or more hydraulic actuators that apply a load to a test specimen. The power and signal distribution hub comprises a first power supply and a second power supply connected to share the power load of the test system and configured to distribute power to the multiple channels of the test system. A monitoring circuit for each power supply is configured to monitor the operation of its respective power supply and, upon detection, to supply a signal indicating that the operation of the power supply is outside the normal operating parameters of the power supply.

[0006] The embodiment may include one or more of the following features: Each monitoring circuit may comprise a plurality of relays coupled to its power supply. The shared power load can be taken over by the first power supply in the event of a failure of the second power supply. Both the first and second power supplies can be used to supply power for the inrush current when the test system is started up, and under normal operation, a single power supply from the first or second power supply can power the test system. Each of the power supplies can be electrically coupled to a solenoid for each channel, a valve for each channel, and control logic for each channel. The power and signal distribution hub may be configured to supply a signal to an external controller indicating a failure of the first power supply and to receive command signals from the external controller to perform controlled load removal of the load in the test object in the test system from each actuator using the second power supply. The power and signal distribution hub may be configured to receive feedback signals regarding the status of the controlled load removal of the load in the test object and to supply the controlled load removal status signal to the external controller. The power and signal distribution hub may be configured to receive an interlock load removal signal from the external controller if the controlled load removal fails, and to supply interlock load removal power to each valve, each solenoid, and each control logic for each associated actuator of the test system for interlock load removal of the load at the test object from each actuator.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method for distributing signals and power to channels of a test system for operating one or more hydraulic actuators that apply a load to a test specimen includes supplying power to the channels of the test system using a pair of power supplies connected to load-share the power supplied to the test system. The power supplies are monitored for proper operation. A signal is supplied indicating that the operation of one of the pair of power supplies is out of proper operation when detected.

[0008] Embodiments of the method may include one or more of the following features: Monitoring is performed by a monitoring circuit for each of the pair of power supplies, each monitoring circuit is configured to monitor the operation of its respective power supply, and each monitoring circuit may have a plurality of relays coupled to its power supply. The method may include one of the pair of power supplies in operation taking over the shared load if the other of the pair of power supplies fails. Supplying power may further include supplying power to solenoids for each channel, valves for each channel, and control logic for each channel. Supplying the signal indicating a failure of the other power supply of the pair of power supplies may include supplying the signal indicating a failure of the other power supply of the pair of power supplies to an external controller. The method may include receiving an instruction signal from the external controller to initiate controlled load removal of the load in the test object in the test system. The method may include supplying a controlled load removal status signal to the external controller. This method may include receiving an interlock load removal signal from the external controller when the controlled load removal fails, and supplying interlock load removal power to the valves for the actuators of the test system for interlock load removal of the load at the test object from each actuator.

[0009] This summary is not intended to describe any or all embodiments of the power and signal distribution hubs disclosed herein. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description progresses. The following drawings and description illustrate illustrative embodiments in more detail. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a power and signal distribution hub system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the operating environment in which the embodiments of this disclosure can be used.

[0012] [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reliable power source including redundant multiple power supplies suitable for mitigating a single power supply failure that, otherwise, could put a control system for a test system into a poor condition that could potentially damage the test specimen.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a power and signal distribution hub 150. The power and signal distribution hub 150 is configured to supply power and operating signals to multiple channels of the test system 100 (Figure 2) to operate one or more, typically multiple, hydraulic actuators to apply a load to the test object. In one embodiment, the power and signal distribution hub 150 comprises a first power supply 152 and a second power supply 154. Power supplies 152 and 154 are connected to load-share power to the test system 100. The first power supply 152 and the second power supply 154 are configured to distribute power to multiple channels of the test system 100. In one embodiment, the power and signal distribution hub 150 supplies power to eight channels of the test system, but this should not be considered an limitation.

[0015] In one embodiment, one of the two power supplies is sufficient to provide all the power needed to operate the test system 100.

[0016] Each power supply 152 and power supply 154 has a monitoring circuit 156 configured to monitor the operation of its respective power supply. Each monitoring circuit 156 supplies a signal 158 indicating that the operation of its power supply is outside of its normal operating parameters. In one embodiment, the signal 158 indicates a failure of its respective power supply. In one embodiment, each monitoring circuit 156 includes a plurality of relays 160 coupled to its power supply. In one embodiment, the relays 160 are solid-state switching devices. Furthermore, a visual indicator showing the status of the power supply may be provided.

[0017] In one operating state under the normal operation of the test system 100, the total power load used by the test system 100 to control one or more actuators is shared between power supplies 152 and 154, and the output terminals of power supplies 152 and 154 are connected in parallel. When the monitoring circuit 156 detects that the operation of one of the pair of power supplies is outside its normal operating parameters, the entire load or total load is taken over by the power supply that is not outside its normal operating parameters. For example, in the event of a failure of the second power supply 154 or any other operating state that forms a predetermined operating state, the load shared by the first power supply 152 is taken over, and vice versa. The normal operating parameters of the power supplies can be set or supplied in any number of ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the detection by the monitoring circuit 156 is the detection of a complete failure of the power supply. This is a configuration that is likely to be used in a power and signal distribution hub for operation in a test system. However, in another embodiment, the monitoring circuit 156 is capable of detecting parameters (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) outside of its normal operating state that would enable it to initiate the taking over of the total power load of the other power supply.

[0018] In one embodiment, power supplies 152 and 154 are electrically coupled to multiple channels of the test system 100. In one embodiment, the number of channels is eight, but it should be understood that more or fewer channels may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In one embodiment, solenoids for each channel, valves for each channel, and control logic for each channel are powered by a power and signal distribution hub 150 which is powered by power supplies 152 and 154. In one embodiment, a single power supply from power supplies 152 and 154 is sufficient to power all channels coupled to the power and signal distribution hub 150, as well as all solenoids, valves, and control logic for each channel.

[0019] The power and signal distribution hub 150 supplies a signal 158 to the external controller 130 via the communication link 161 indicating operation outside the normal operating parameters of the first power supply 152 or the second power supply 154, and, in the event of a failure of either power supply 152 or power supply 154, respectively, a command signal to perform controlled load removal of the load on the test object in the test system 100 from each actuator of the test system 100, similarly via the communication link 161. 1 It is configured to receive signals from an external controller 130 via [a specific method]. The controlled load removal operation state is when the controller 130 is able to supply a command signal to each valve of each associated actuator to reduce the load provided by the actuator.

[0020] In one embodiment, the power and signal distribution hub 150 is further configured to receive multiple feedback signals 162 (one of which is shown in Figure 2) on multiple channels of the test system 100. The feedback signals 162 may be from, for example, but not limited to, load cells, displacement sensors, hydraulic sensors, other contact sensors, etc. Of particular importance are feedback signals indicating the load on the test object, such as load cells that directly measure the load applied by an actuator, or hydraulic signals indicating the load applied by an actuator. Such feedback signals 162 indicate, in particular, the controlled load removal state of the load on the test object.

[0021] In one embodiment, the power and signal distribution hub 150 is further configured to supply controlled unloading status signals 164 to an external controller 130 via channel communication lines 166 and 168, or in one embodiment, via one channel communication line for four channels. If controlled unloading fails, one or more status signals 164 trigger the system controller 130 to issue an interlock unloading signal on communication link 161, which then results in an interlock command signal being supplied to each valve of each actuator. Upon receiving the interlock command signal, each valve controls the associated actuator to reduce the differential load applied to the test specimen by the actuator. Unlike the controlled unloading operation, where the controller 130 continues to supply command signals to each valve to reduce the differential load applied by each actuator, when an interlock command signal is issued, each valve of each actuator operates the actuator to reduce the differential load without further command signals from the controller 130. In this situation, interlock load removal power is supplied by the operating power supply to each valve, each solenoid, and each control logic for each associated valve of each actuator of the test system 100, via channels connected to the power and signal distribution hub 150. The operation of the controller 130, and in particular the operation of each valve for the actuator, is described in concurrently pending provisional patent application no. 63 / 581465, filed on 8 September 2023, entitled “CONTROLLED LOAD ABORT IN AN ACTUATOR SYSTEM,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0022] In one embodiment, both the first and second power supplies are used to supply power for the inrush current during startup of the test system 100. During startup, the startup current or inrush current may exceed the power available from a single power supply 152 or power supply 154. In one embodiment, during normal operation after the initial inrush current has been used, a single power supply, which is either the first power supply 152 or the second power supply 154, can supply all power to all channels of the test system during normal operation, during controlled load removal, or during interlocked load removal. Since a failure in either power supply 152 or power supply 154 during startup is detected by its monitoring circuit 156, a startup failure will not adversely affect the test specimen.

[0023] In one embodiment, two or more power sources 152 and 154 are coupled to a main power source such as commercial power, line power, or mains electric. However, in one embodiment, one or more of the power sources 152 and 154 may be a battery or other power source (battery, gas engine, etc.), depending on the test system operating with a power and signal distribution hub.

[0024] Furthermore, where two power sources are mentioned and described, it should be understood that this means two or more. That is, three or more power sources can be used in the same manner without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In one embodiment, each power and signal distribution hub has enough power to supply startup power and normal operating power for eight channels, if there are two or more. It should be understood that each power and signal distribution hub comprises an output card or module, each card or module has multiple channels, e.g., eight channels, and a power and signal distribution hub can have one or more output cards or modules. Power and signal distribution hubs can be further connected to each other, for example in a daisy-chain configuration, to operate a test system that requires additional channels (exceeding the capacity of a single power and signal distribution hub). For example, in one embodiment, additional power and signal distribution hubs can be chained up to 250 channels or more. In such a chain, one or more power and signal distribution hubs can be powered by a pair of first and second power sources, but in another embodiment, each power and signal distribution hub 150 may have its own pair of first and second power sources 152 and 154. In either situation, the system controller 130 receives signals from each present power source and operates to control each power and signal distribution hub 150. In such a configuration, if a power failure is detected in any of the chained power and signal distribution hubs, this triggers the system controller 130 to perform controlled load removal (or interlocked load removal if controlled load removal is not possible) of the load on the test specimen using the available power from the still-operating power and signal distribution hub, and also to perform controlled load removal of the load associated with the power and signal distribution hub, which may typically be powered by two power sources. Since the test specimen can be very valuable, it is important that it is not damaged. Therefore, it is important that the actuators that apply a load to the test specimen can be commanded to be unloaded or at least reduced in load.This is achieved by using embodiments of the present disclosure because, in the case of a failure of one power supply, a second power supply is provided that is capable of sufficiently powering the power and signal distribution hub(s) 150 to manipulate the values of each actuator and achieve the desired load removal from the test article.

[0025] Figure 2 shows in more detail a representative operating environment for an embodiment of the power and signal distribution hub 150. Figure 2 shows a system 100 for monitoring and removing a load in a test article and includes the power and signal distribution hub 150. The system 100, in one embodiment, comprises a hydraulic assembly 110 and a system controller 130. The hydraulic assembly 110, in one embodiment, comprises a control valve 112 configured to control the load in a hydraulic actuator 120 coupled to the test article. The hydraulic assembly 110 further comprises a pair of pressure transducers 114 configured to detect and transmit the pressure in each associated hydraulic actuator 120. For each associated hydraulic actuator 120, a isolation valve 116 is provided that selectively isolates the control valve 112 from the hydraulic power source 140. In such a case, the control valve 112 can locally reduce the load of the actuator 120 in the test article according to instructions executed by a local processor within the control valve, without further instructions from the system controller 130, in the operating state of interlock load removal.

[0026] In one embodiment, the system controller 130 is configured to determine a load differential in at least one of the calculated load in the control valve 112 for the hydraulic actuator 120 of the test system 100 and the calculated load in the load cell 122 coupled to the hydraulic actuator. In a first method of removing the load on the test object by each actuator connected to the test object, the system controller 130 is further configured to initiate controlled load removal of the load on the test object via the system controller 130 when the determined load differential reaches a first level. This controlled load removal is performed during the flow mode of the system, i.e., when the hydraulic source 140 is coupled to the system 100 and the valve operation of each control valve 112 is controlled by the system controller 130. This first level can be referred to as the stop level. If the controlled load removal at the stop level does not function, the controller 130 is further configured to perform interlock load removal of the load on the test object via commands transmitted to each control valve 112 of each actuator 120 required to remove the load on the test object when the determined differential load reaches a second level higher than the first level. At this point, load removal by valve control, i.e., interlock load removal, is used to remove the load on the test object.

[0027] In one embodiment, the control valve 112 further includes a local valve controller 113 that receives pressure from the pressure transducer 114 and valve firmware 115 that is operable by the local controller 113 and is configured to reduce the differential load on the piston of the hydraulic actuator 120. The removal of the load of the actuator by the execution of the firmware 115 by the local valve controller 113, which controls the operation of the associated actuator 120, is performed in one embodiment without further input from the system controller 130.

[0028] In one embodiment, the system controller 130 is an external controller that runs software to operate the test system 100 based on test procedures in a system computer 131 that provides a user interface to the user for configuring, operating, and monitoring the test of the test object.

[0029] In the test system 100, multiple control valves 112 can be connected to multiple hydraulic actuators 120 that apply load to various locations or parts of the test specimen. For example, a series of eight hydraulic actuators 120 can be controlled by eight hydraulic assemblies. The load cell 122 of each hydraulic actuator 120 is configured to supply a load signal 163 to the system controller 130. The pressure sensor 114 and control valves 112 are also configured to supply a feedback signal 162 to the system controller 130. Typically, one isolation valve 116 is provided for each control valve 112. The system controller 130 controls the operation of each isolation valve 116 and control valve 112 in "flow mode" when the test specimen is being tested according to a desired test procedure, i.e., during normal operation.

[0030] In one embodiment, the system 100 further includes a power and signal distribution hub 150 coupled between the system controller 130 and the hydraulic assembly 110.

[0031] A method 300 for distributing signals and power to multiple channels of a test system to operate one or more hydraulic actuators to apply a load to a test specimen is shown in flowchart form in Figure 3. In one embodiment, method 300 includes supplying power to multiple channels of the test system using a pair of power supplies connected to load-share the power supplied to the test system in block 302. In block 304, power supplies 152 and 154 are monitored for proper operation, and in block 306, a signal is supplied indicating that the operation of one of the pair of power supplies is outside of its proper operation. Monitoring is performed in one embodiment by a monitoring circuit for each power supply of the multiple power supplies. Each monitoring circuit is configured to monitor the operation of its respective power supply. Each monitoring circuit has a plurality of relays configured to perform monitoring in one embodiment. In such an embodiment, the current flow from each power supply is monitored, and if the current flow is interrupted, the relay is deactivated and turned off. This indicates that the power supply operation is outside of normal operating parameters, which triggers signal 158. As explained elsewhere, appropriate operation includes behavior outside of the predetermined parameter set, and overall or partial power supply failure.

[0032] In block 308, one of the pair of power supplies that is in operation takes on the shared load if the other power supply in the pair fails or is operating outside of its normal operating parameters.

[0033] In one embodiment, the power supply shown in block 302 further includes supplying power to eight channels coupled to the power and signal distribution hub 150, and for each channel, supplying power to solenoids, valves, and control logic.

[0034] In one embodiment, supplying a signal indicating that the power supply is operating outside its normal operating parameters includes supplying a signal to an external controller 130. In one embodiment, method 300 further includes, in an optional block 310, receiving an instruction signal from the external controller 130 to initiate controlled load removal of the load on the test object in the test system 100. The method may further include, in an optional block 312, supplying a controlled load removal status signal to the external controller 130. The method may further include receiving an interlocked load removal signal from the external controller 130 and providing an interlock for load power to the valves for the actuators 120 of the test system 100 for interlocked load removal of the load on the test object from each actuator 120. Such an interlocked load removal signal is supplied in one embodiment in response to feedback indicating that controlled load removal on the load on the test object in the test system 100 has not been adequately relieved. In one embodiment, controlled load removal is commanded by the system controller 130 when the load difference reaches a first, stop level, and interlock load removal is commanded when a second, higher interlock load difference is reached.

[0035] Note that the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar elements in different drawings. Also, understand that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise indicated, ordinal numbers (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) are used to distinguish or identify different elements or steps within a group of elements or steps, and do not imply any limitation or numerical limitation that the elements or steps of the embodiment are consecutive. For example, the “1st,” “2nd,” and “3rd” elements or steps do not necessarily have to appear in that order, and the embodiment is not necessarily limited to three elements or steps. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, please understand that arbitrary notations such as "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "forward," "backward," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "up," "down," or other similar terms such as "upper side," "lower side," "rear," "forward," "vertical," "horizontal," "proximal," "distal," and "intermediate" are used for convenience only and are not intended to mean, for example, any specific fixed position, orientation, or direction. Instead, such notations are used to reflect, for example, relative position, orientation, or direction. Also, please understand that the singular forms "a, an" and "the" imply plural unless otherwise explicitly indicated in the context.

[0036] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and system for providing a shared load to dual power supplies that plays a role in mitigating single power supply failures and providing protection to the test object being tested in a test system.

[0037] The subject matter disclosed above is to be considered illustrative and not limiting, and the attached claims are intended to extend to all such modifications, improvements, and other embodiments that fall within the true scope of this disclosure. Therefore, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the scope of this disclosure should be determined by the broadest and most acceptable interpretation of the attached claims and their equivalents, and should not be limited or restricted by the foregoing detailed description. [Configuration 1] A power and signal distribution hub for supplying power and operating signals to multiple channels of a test system for operating one or more hydraulic actuators to apply a load to a test specimen, A first power supply and a second power supply connected to share the power load of the test system, the first power supply and the second power supply configured to distribute power to the plurality of channels of the test system, A monitoring circuit for each power supply, configured to monitor the operation of each power supply and to supply a signal indicating that the operation of the power supply is outside the normal operating parameters of the power supply when detected, A power and signal distribution hub equipped with the following features. [Configuration 2] Each monitoring circuit comprises a power and signal distribution hub as described in Configuration 1, with multiple relays coupled to its power supply. [Configuration 3] The shared power load is a power and signal distribution hub according to configuration 1 or 2, which the first power supply takes over in the event of a failure of the second power supply. [Structure 4] A power and signal distribution hub according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein both the first power supply and the second power supply are used to supply power for the inrush current when the test system is started, and under normal operation, a single power supply from the first power supply and the second power supply can supply power to the test system. [Composition 5] A power and signal distribution hub according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein each of the aforementioned power supplies is electrically coupled to a solenoid for each channel, a valve for each channel, and control logic for each channel. [Composition 6] A power and signal distribution hub according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, configured to supply a signal indicating a failure of the first power supply to an external controller, and to receive command signals from the external controller to perform controlled load removal of the load on the test object in the test system from each actuator using the second power supply. [Composition 7] A power and signal distribution hub according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, configured to receive a feedback signal relating to the controlled load removal state of the load in the test specimen, and to supply the controlled load removal state signal to the external controller. [Structure 8] A power and signal distribution hub according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, configured to receive an interlock load removal signal from the external controller if the controlled load removal fails, and to supply interlock load removal power to each valve, each solenoid, and each control logic for each associated actuator of the test system for interlock load removal of the load in the test object from each actuator. [Composition 9] A method for distributing signals and power to channels of a test system for operating one or more hydraulic actuators to apply a load to a test object, Power is supplied to the channel of the test system by a pair of power supplies connected to share the load of power supplied to the test system, To monitor proper operation, A signal is supplied upon detection indicating that the operation of one of the pair of power supplies is not in proper working order. Methods that include... [Configuration 10] The method according to configuration 9, wherein the monitoring is performed by a monitoring circuit for each of the pair of power supplies, each monitoring circuit is configured to monitor the operation of its respective power supply, and each monitoring circuit has a plurality of relays coupled to its power supply. [Composition 11] The method according to configuration 9 or 10, further comprising, if the other of the pair of power supplies fails, the operating power supply of the pair of power supplies takes over the shared load. [Composition 12] The method according to any one of configurations 9 to 11, further comprising supplying power to a solenoid for each channel, a valve for each channel, and control logic for each channel. [Composition 13] The method according to any one of configurations 9 to 12, wherein supplying the signal indicating a failure of one of the pair of power supplies includes supplying the signal indicating a failure of one of the pair of power supplies to an external controller. [Composition 14] The method according to any one of configurations 9 to 13, further comprising receiving an instruction signal from the external controller to initiate controlled load removal of the load on the test object in the test system. [Composition 15] Furthermore, To supply the controlled load removal status signal to the external controller, and / or, When the controlled load removal fails, an interlock load removal signal is received from the external controller, and / or To supply interlock load removal power to the valves for the actuators of the test system for removing the interlock load of the load on the test object from each actuator, A method according to any one of configurations 9 to 14, including the method described therein.

Claims

1. A power and signal distribution hub for supplying power and operating signals to multiple channels of a test system for operating one or more hydraulic actuators to apply a load to a test specimen, A first power supply and a second power supply connected to share the power load of the test system, the first power supply and the second power supply configured to distribute power to the plurality of channels of the test system, A monitoring circuit for each power supply, configured to monitor the operation of each power supply and to supply a signal indicating that the operation of the power supply is outside the normal operating parameters of the power supply when detected, Equipped with, Both the first and second power supplies are used to supply power for the inrush current when the test system is started up, and under normal operation, one of the first and second power supplies can supply power to the test system. Power and signal distribution hub.

2. The power and signal distribution hub according to claim 1, wherein each monitoring circuit comprises a plurality of relays coupled to its power supply.

3. The power and signal distribution hub according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shared power load is taken over by the first power supply in the event of a failure of the second power supply.

4. The power and signal distribution hub according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the power supplies is electrically coupled to a solenoid for each channel, a valve for each channel, and control logic for each channel.

5. The power and signal distribution hub according to claim 1 or 2, configured to supply a signal indicating a failure of the first power supply to an external controller, and to receive command signals from the external controller to perform controlled load removal of the load on the test object in the test system from each actuator using the second power supply.

6. The power and signal distribution hub according to claim 5, configured to receive a feedback signal relating to the controlled load removal state of the load in the test specimen, and to supply the controlled load removal state signal to the external controller.

7. The power and signal distribution hub according to claim 5, configured to receive an interlock load removal signal from the external controller if the controlled load removal fails, and to supply interlock load removal power to each valve, each solenoid, and each control logic for each associated actuator of the test system for interlock load removal of the load in the test object from each actuator.

8. A power and signal distribution hub for supplying power and operating signals to a plurality of channels of a test system for operating one or more hydraulic actuators to apply a load to a test specimen, A first power supply and a second power supply connected to share the power load of the test system, the first power supply and the second power supply configured to distribute power to the plurality of channels of the test system, A monitoring circuit for each power supply, configured to monitor the operation of each power supply and to supply a signal indicating that the operation of the power supply is outside the normal operating parameters of the power supply when detected, Equipped with, The power and signal distribution hub is configured to supply a signal indicating a failure of the first power supply to an external controller, and to receive command signals from the external controller to perform controlled load removal of the load on the test object in the test system from each actuator using the second power supply. The power and signal distribution hub is configured to receive feedback signals regarding the controlled load removal status of the load in the test specimen and to supply the controlled load removal status signals to the external controller. Power and signal distribution hub.

9. A power and signal distribution hub for supplying power and operating signals to multiple channels of a test system for operating one or more hydraulic actuators to apply a load to a test specimen, A first power supply and a second power supply connected to share the power load of the test system, the first power supply and the second power supply configured to distribute power to the plurality of channels of the test system, A monitoring circuit for each power supply, configured to monitor the operation of each power supply and to supply a signal indicating that the operation of the power supply is outside the normal operating parameters of the power supply when detected, Equipped with, The power and signal distribution hub is configured to supply a signal indicating a failure of the first power supply to an external controller, and to receive command signals from the external controller to perform controlled load removal of the load on the test object in the test system from each actuator using the second power supply. The power and signal distribution hub is configured to receive an interlock load removal signal from the external controller if the controlled load removal fails, and to supply interlock load removal power to each valve, each solenoid, and each control logic for each associated actuator of the test system for interlock load removal of the load in the test object from each actuator. Power and signal distribution hub.

10. A method for distributing signals and power to channels of a test system for operating one or more hydraulic actuators to apply a load to a test object, Power is supplied to the channel of the test system by a pair of power supplies connected to share the load of power supplied to the test system, To monitor proper operation, A signal is supplied upon detection indicating that the operation of one of the pair of power supplies is not in proper working order. Includes, Supplying the signal indicating a failure of one of the pair of power supplies includes supplying the signal indicating a failure of one of the pair of power supplies to an external controller. The method further includes receiving an instruction signal from the external controller to initiate controlled load removal of the load on the test object in the test system, The aforementioned method further, To supply the controlled load removal status signal to the external controller, and / or, When the controlled load removal fails, an interlock load removal signal is received from the external controller, and / or To supply interlock load removal power to the valves for the actuators of the test system for removing the interlock load of the load on the test object from each actuator, including, method.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring is performed by a monitoring circuit for each of the pair of power supplies, each monitoring circuit is configured to monitor the operation of its respective power supply, and each monitoring circuit has a plurality of relays coupled to its power supply.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising the fact that if the other of the pair of power supplies fails, the operating power supply of the pair takes over the shared load.

13. The method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising supplying power to a solenoid for each channel, a valve for each channel, and control logic for each channel.

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