Bending Deformation Measurement System Using Constant Force Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bending tests face challenges in accurately measuring deformation due to limited sensor space and sensor sensitivity to temperature, leading to unreliable and short-lived measurements, especially during high-temperature tests.

Innovation Solution

A measurement system with a four-point bending mounting and a deformation sensor setup, comprising lateral and central teeth with load supports, allows for accurate deformation measurement by maintaining a constant force and minimizing sensor degradation, enabling reliable measurements across varying deformation ratios and temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If LVDT sensors are used to measure curvature, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurvature measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement function from complex multi-sensor arrangements and concentrates it into a single integrated sensor device. The single sensor measures displacement between two points on the test piece, and curvature is calculated from this single measurement, eliminating the need for multiple sensors and complex positioning arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The single sensor device serves multiple functions: it measures displacement between two points, provides data for curvature calculation, and can be positioned adaptably on the test piece. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for specialized multi-sensor systems while achieving the same measurement objectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If deformation gauges are attached directly on the test piece, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to temperature sensitivity and short lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation measurement capabilityVSAvoidsensor lifetime and temperature resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach where a single sensor measures displacement between two points on the test piece rather than attaching gauges directly to the test piece surface. This intermediary measurement method protects the sensor from direct exposure to high temperatures and mechanical stresses while still capturing the necessary deformation data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical attachment of multiple deformation gauges on the test piece surface with a single sensor-based displacement measurement system. This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity and thermal exposure of the sensing system while maintaining measurement capability.

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

3Ease of operation

If strain gage with keys is used to measure curvature, then measurement accessibility is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to rotational movement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor accessibility to test pieceVSAvoidcurvature measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement function from the complex strain gage system with multiple keys and sensors, and implements it through a single sensor that measures displacement between two points. This extraction eliminates the rotational movement issues inherent in multi-key strain gage systems while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of measuring curvature directly through contact with multiple points using keys, the patent inverts the approach by measuring linear displacement between two points and calculating curvature from this inverted measurement method. This inversion eliminates the rotational error problem while maintaining measurement accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11231265B2System for measuring a bending deformation of a surface of a material
Publication Date: 2022.01.25 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS
  • US11231265B2 patent drawing
  • US11231265B2 patent drawing
  • US11231265B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for measuring a bending deformation of a surface of a material which cooperates with a bending test machine to deform a test piece. The system includes a first portion with lateral teeth which bear against an upper surface of the test piece. A first load support connected to the lateral teeth applies a constant force towards the test piece. A second portion with a central tooth bears against the upper surface. A second load support connected to the central tooth applies a constant force oriented towards the test piece. A measuring device includes a deformation sensor having a first arm connected to the first portion, and a second arm connected to the second portion. The first arm and the second arm are separated from each other by a variable distance (ΔB) measured by the measuring device.