Automated Carriage for Specimen Positioning in Load Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for the External Load Crushing Test, such as the Three-Edge Bearing Test Method, require manual and time-consuming positioning of specimens on support frames and bearings, making the process arduous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a carriage with rollers and moveable supports that aligns and lowers a specimen onto bearings, allowing for automated positioning and centering, followed by engagement with an external force applicator for testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning is used to place the specimen on bearings, then the specimen can be positioned, but the process becomes arduous and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage with rollers automatically positions and centers the specimen on the bearings without manual intervention. The system uses its own mechanical components (rollers, moveable supports) to perform the positioning function that previously required manual manual cajoling, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual process while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning process with an automated carriage system that uses rollers and moveable supports to mechanically position the specimen. This substitution eliminates the need for manual manual handling and positioning, significantly reducing the time and effort required while maintaining precise positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the carriage is supported above the path for movement, then the carriage can move freely, but the carriage cannot engage with the lower load beam for stationary positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage system dynamically transitions between two states: a mobile state where the carriage is supported above the path by rollers, allowing free movement along the defined path; and a stationary state where the carriage engages with the lower load beam, providing stable positioning for testing. This dynamic adaptability allows the same carriage to perform both movement and stationary functions as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage support system is segmented into two functional components: rollers that enable movement when the carriage is above the path, and engagement features that provide stationary positioning when the carriage is at the lower position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
3Manufacturing precision
If the specimen is manually centered on bearings, then positioning can be achieved, but the process is complex and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The centering function is performed automatically by the carriage system through its moveable supports and rollers, which self-adjust to center the specimen on the bearings. The system uses its own mechanical components to achieve the centering function without requiring complex external centering mechanisms or manual adjustment procedures, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable supports change their positional parameters (inward and outward movement) to automatically adjust the specimen's position on the bearings. This parameter adjustment mechanism simplifies the centering process by using straightforward linear movements of supports rather than complex rotational or positional adjustments, achieving precise centering with minimal complexity.
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 efficient and precise specimen positioning, reducing manual effort and time, ensuring equal load dispersion and accurate alignment for reliable test results.
Implementation Method 1
The carriage is provided with at least two rollers on opposite lateral sides of the carriage for selectively supporting the carriage for movement along the path
Implementation Method 2
centering rollers rotationally support the specimen so that the specimen is moveable to a center position with its center of gravity between the pair of parallel bearings
Implementation Method 3
A first and a second moveable support adapted for synchronized longitudinal inward and outward movement with respect to the center of the carriage lowers the specimen on to the bearings
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for positioning a specimen to be tested relative to an external force applicator. The external force applicator is adapted for engaging the specimen for test purposes. A defined path extends between a first position away from the external load applicator and a second position underneath the external load applicator. A carriage positioned on the defined path moves relative to the external force applicator between the first position which is a loading position away from the external force applicator and the second position which is an engagement position. When the specimen is in the second engagement position, the external force applicator can engage the specimen to conduct the test.