Automated Crosshead Clamping for Material Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material testing machines face challenges with manual clamping mechanisms that become unwieldy under high forces and require separate operations for setting the crosshead location, leading to inefficiencies and complexity in setup and operation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an automated clamping system that uses a crosshead moveable about a guide, with automated clamping means and a controller to apply a releasable clamping force, allowing for secure clamping without manual intervention and enabling single-operation setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If manual clamping is used with longer handles to withstand larger forces, then the clamping force capacity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as handles become unwieldly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical clamping system with an automated clamping system that uses a motorized actuator to apply clamping force. This substitution eliminates the need for long manual handles while maintaining the ability to withstand large forces, as the automated system can generate and maintain the required clamping force without requiring manual leverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated clamping system applies and maintains clamping force automatically without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system self-regulates the clamping force to withstand large loads while eliminating the operational burden of manual handle manipulation.
2Measurement precision
If separate operations are used for setting crosshead location and clamping, then the control precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the crosshead location setting and clamping operations into a single integrated automated process. The controller simultaneously controls both the positioning of the crosshead and the application of clamping force, eliminating the need for separate manual operations while maintaining precise location control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the crosshead to the desired location before applying clamping force, all through automated control. This preliminary action is executed automatically as part of the setup process, reducing manual intervention time while ensuring precise location setting before clamping.
3Device complexity
If manual setup operations are required for crosshead location and clamping, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to complex setup procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual setup operations with an automated control system that manages both crosshead positioning and clamping through electronic control. This substitution increases device complexity in terms of control systems but dramatically reduces setup time by eliminating manual coordination between multiple operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system performs multiple functions including crosshead positioning, clamping force application, and force control through a single integrated controller. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual operations into one automated system, reducing overall setup time despite increased control 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
This solution enhances the ability of material testing machines to handle high forces without the need for long handles, simplifies the setup process, and reduces the time and complexity required for user operation.
Implementation Method 1
the automated clamping means may comprise at least one clamping member arranged to contact the guide means, wherein the clamping force is a friction force between the at least one clamping member and the guide means
Implementation Method 2
the automated clamping means may comprise a linear actuator configured to apply a linear force generally perpendicular to an axis of the at least one clamping member for applying the clamping force
Implementation Method 3
The linear force from the linear actuator may be translated into a torque force about a pivot point of the lever, such that the friction force applied is in dependence on the linear force
Data Source
AI summary
An example material testing apparatus includes: guide means; sample holding means for holding a sample; force means for applying force to the sample; a crosshead arranged to support at least a portion of one or both of the sample holding means and the force means, wherein the crosshead is moveable about the guide means; automated clamping means configured to apply a releasable clamping force between the guide means and the crosshead to secure the crosshead at a location with respect to the guide means, and a controller configured to control the automated clamping means to apply the clamping force between the guide means and the crosshead.