Adaptable Clevis Kits for Force Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration of crane scales, dynamometers, and tension links in force calibration laboratories is hindered by the lack of standardization in dimensions and pin sizes, leading to high costs and inefficiencies due to the need for multiple clevis adapters and pin sets, which are costly and cumbersome to manage.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable clevis kit with multiple sets of pins of different diameters and a guiding table to match the manufacturer's specifications, along with self-aligning spherical contact mechanisms and quick-change threaded adapters, allows for the calibration of various instruments with reduced misalignment errors and lower costs by minimizing the need for multiple adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clevis adapters and pin sets are used to accommodate different instrument dimensions and pin sizes, then the calibration service can cover a wider variety of instruments, but the cost and complexity of maintaining the calibration laboratory increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal clevis adapter design that can accommodate multiple instrument types and pin sizes through standardized interfaces and adjustable components. This allows a single clevis adapter to serve multiple functions across different dynamometer models, eliminating the need for maintaining separate specialized adapters for each instrument type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where interchangeable pin sets are stored within or alongside the clevis adapter assembly. This nesting approach allows multiple pin sizes to be integrated into a single adapter unit, reducing the overall number of separate components that need to be managed in the calibration laboratory.
2Measurement precision
If multiple clevis adapters with different specifications are purchased to match various instrument pin sizes, then accurate calibration can be achieved for each instrument type, but the cost of purchasing and maintaining these adapters becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The universal clevis adapter maintains calibration accuracy across different instrument types by incorporating standardized measurement interfaces and precise adjustment mechanisms that work consistently regardless of the specific instrument being calibrated, eliminating the need for expensive instrument-specific adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter system allows for parameter changes in pin diameter and configuration through interchangeable components, enabling the same base adapter to be adjusted for different measurement requirements without requiring multiple fixed-specification adapters, thereby reducing overall cost.
3Measurement precision
If instrument-specific pin sizes are used during calibration, then the force readout accuracy is maintained, but the calibration process becomes time-consuming and logistically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary organization of interchangeable pin sets within easily accessible storage locations integrated with the clevis adapter. This preliminary arrangement allows technicians to quickly select and install the correct pin size without time-consuming searches or complex retrieval processes, maintaining both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter system incorporates dynamic, quickly-interchangeable pin components that can be rapidly swapped during calibration setup. This dynamic design allows the calibration technician to adapt the pin configuration to match the specific instrument being calibrated in minimal time, reducing setup time while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Adaptable clevis kits may be used when calibrating crane scales, dynamometers and tension links for force calibration laboratories. An adaptable clevis kit may include one set of devises (one pair) with multiple sets of pins with different diameters. With this kit, the same set of devises may be used for calibrating several models of instruments. For each instrument, the pin may be designed with the same diameter that the manufacturer originally made the equipment and reported on its specification sheets. With this method, the error due to difference in pin sizes is eliminated, and the laboratory may save the cost of purchasing dozens of different devises. The adaptable clevis kits may also be provided with a guiding table that help the user find the right size pin for the instrument being calibrated based on the manufacturer's original design.