Accessory Plate Quick Coupling for Vibration Test Fixtures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration test fixtures require laborious and time-consuming assembly and disassembly processes due to the use of multiple fixing screws, which complicates the process and interferes with product access, especially in complex test campaigns.

Innovation Solution

An accessory plate with protruding screws and push elements, activated by a pneumatic-hydraulic system, allows for rapid assembly and fixation of the fixture to the vibration test machine without the need for fixing screws, maintaining compatibility with industry standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple fixing screws are used to assemble the fixture to the armature, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time and labor requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screw-fastening system with a magnetic coupling system. Permanent magnets embedded in the accessory plate create magnetic attraction forces that securely hold the fixture to the armature without requiring any fixing screws. This substitution maintains connection reliability while dramatically reducing assembly time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a pneumatic activation system with push elements that can be actuated to enhance the magnetic coupling or release the fixture. compressed air or hydraulic pressure is used to drive push elements that either strengthen the magnetic attachment or overcome the magnetic force for quick release, enabling rapid and reliable assembly/disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple fixing screws are used to secure the fixture, then the fixture stability is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixture stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical screw-fastening system with a simpler magnetic coupling system. Permanent magnets provide stable attraction forces that secure the fixture to the armature without requiring multiple screws, positioning, and tightening operations. This reduces device complexity while maintaining fixture stability through the magnetic field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling system is self-aligning and self-securing. When the accessory plate with permanent magnets is brought near the armature, the magnetic attraction automatically pulls the components into proper alignment and secures them together without requiring manual positioning or adjustment of multiple fixing screws, thereby simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If multiple fixing screws are used for triaxial testing, then the test reliability is improved, but the productivity and testing efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest reliabilityVSAvoidtesting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical screw-fastening system with a rapid magnetic coupling system. Permanent magnets provide immediate secure attachment when the accessory plate is positioned near the armature, eliminating the need for multiple screw tightening operations. This maintains test reliability through stable fixation while dramatically improving productivity by reducing setup time between test configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pneumatic activation system enables periodic actuation for quick release and reconfiguration. Compressed air can be applied at intervals to drive push elements that release the magnetic coupling, allowing rapid repositioning of the fixture for different test orientations (triaxial testing) without the time-consuming process of repeatedly loosening and removing multiple fixing screws.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Facilitates faster and reliable assembly of the fixture, reducing labor and time required for triaxial testing while ensuring consistent and repeatable test results.

Implementation Method 1

activated by a pneumatic-hydraulic system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic-hydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4080187B1Accessory plate, fixture and machine for vibration tests
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 CENTTECNICA SRL
  • EP4080187B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4080187B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4080187B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an accessory plate 38 for attaching a fixture 32 to a vibration test machine 20, having a machine-side 40 and a fixture-side 42 separated by a plate thickness. The accessory plate comprises: - a plurality of through holes 36 in accordance with a standard for attaching a fixture to the armature 28 of a vibration test machine; - a plurality of calibrated screws 44 protruding on the fixture side; - a push element 46 movably received in the plate thickness; and - activation means 48. The push element may translate in the direction of the calibrated screws due to the action of the activation means. The invention further relates to a vibration test fixture suitable for coupling to the accessory plate, and a vibration test machine comprising an accessory plate.