Automated Unconfined Yield Strength Tester for Bulk Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for measuring unconfined yield strength of bulk granular materials are either overly complex, require significant manual intervention, or are expensive to automate, limiting their efficiency and scalability in testing multiple samples under various conditions.
Innovation Solution
A simple, cost-effective apparatus featuring a sample cup with a bottom hole and a base that allows for mechanical compression and automated sample removal and breaking, using a stepper motor-driven system to apply and measure pressure, enabling easy preparation and testing of multiple samples under different environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual mold removal and sample handling is used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but operation complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a motorized lifting mechanism that automatically raises the mold after compression, allowing the sample to be released without manual intervention. The mold elevation mechanism self-activates to separate the mold from the sample, eliminating the need for operators to manually remove molds while maintaining measurement accuracy through controlled, disturbance-free sample release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated motorized lifting system. The motorized mechanism substitutes for human hands in performing the mold removal operation, converting a manual mechanical process into an automated one that reduces operational complexity while preserving measurement integrity.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated shear testers and flow-no flow testers are used, then measurement capability is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the testing apparatus into simple, modular components: a basic compression mold, a motorized lifting mechanism, and a separate breaking apparatus. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently with simple design, avoiding the need for complex integrated systems while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability through sequential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex shear testers that measure strength during deformation, this system inverts the approach by first compressing the sample to a desired density and then measuring the force required to break the already-compressed sample. This inversion simplifies the apparatus by eliminating the need for complex shear testing mechanisms while still providing accurate unconfined yield strength measurements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple samples are tested under different conditions, then data comprehensiveness improves, but time consumption and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized lifting mechanism serves multiple functions: it raises the mold after compression, releases the sample, and can be integrated with environmental chambers to test samples under various conditions. This multi-functionality allows the same apparatus to handle diverse testing requirements without requiring separate specialized equipment for each condition, thereby improving productivity while maintaining versatility.
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, automated measurement of unconfined yield strength with reduced manual intervention and lower costs, allowing for precise determination of strength changes over time and under varied conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the force transducer measures the force required to break the compressed bulk granular material sample
Implementation Method 2
pressure is applied mechanically or with weights over a predetermined time period
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for measuring the unconfined yield strength and time unconfined yield strength of bulk granular materials and powders. A sample of bulk material is consolidated under controlled pressure in a sample cup with a hole or holes in the bottom. A moveable base smaller than the internal cup dimensions covers the hole(s) to prevent material from escaping the cup and to provide a base for removing the consolidated sample from the cup. After a predetermined time, the consolidated sample is removed from the cup by lifting the base relative to the cup walls through the hole(s) in the bottom of the cup. Once removed from the cup, the strength of the consolidated sample is measured by applying pressure to the top of the sample until the sample breaks. For time tests, the sample is consolidate with weights over predetermined time periods.