Climate-Controlled Mechanical Tester With Optical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical material testing is time-consuming and expensive due to the need for repeated testing under various environmental conditions, such as high or low temperatures, and the challenges of automating optical measurement systems in extreme environments.
Innovation Solution
A system with climate-controlled enclosures and a mechanical tester that uses an optical measurement system with a camera to capture image data of the test specimen, coupled with a shock isolation system to automate the testing process and maintain image quality across different environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If repeated manual testing is performed to determine average material properties, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical measurement systems to capture multiple images of the test specimen during loading, creating a digital record (copy) of deformation. This allows repeated measurement of the same specimen without physical re-testing, enabling determination of average material properties through image analysis rather than repeated physical tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an optical measurement system that uses cameras and image processing. This substitution eliminates the need for manual preparation and positioning of specimens, significantly reducing the time required per test while maintaining measurement precision through automated image analysis.
2Measurement precision
If testing in controlled environmental conditions is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the optical measurement system outside the climate-controlled enclosure before testing begins. This preliminary positioning allows the enclosure to be sealed and temperature-controlled without delay, as the camera is already in place to capture images through the view port once the environment is stabilized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a view port as an intermediary that allows optical measurement through the climate-controlled enclosure wall. This enables the camera to capture specimen deformation without physically entering the controlled environment, eliminating the need to open the enclosure for measurement purposes and thus preventing temperature fluctuations and stabilization time losses.
3Ease of operation
If optical measurement system is positioned inside climate controlled enclosure, then ease of operation is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing system into two separate zones: the climate-controlled enclosure containing the mechanical tester and test specimen, and the external environment containing the optical measurement system. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal environment - the specimen experiences controlled climate conditions while the camera operates in stable ambient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The view port serves as an intermediary element that transmits optical information from the specimen inside the enclosure to the camera outside. This mediator enables the optical measurement system to access the test specimen without direct physical contact or exposure to extreme environmental conditions, maintaining both ease of operation and camera protection.
4Ease of operation
If camera is rigidly mounted to test system, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a shock isolation system between the camera mount and the test system that is activated before shock events occur. This cushioning mechanism absorbs and dissipates shock energy from specimen failure, protecting the camera from damage while maintaining stable positioning during normal operation.
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 approach significantly reduces testing time and capital expenditure by allowing multiple specimens to be tested without adjusting environmental conditions and protects the camera from shock and environmental damage, enabling efficient mechanical property testing across a wide range of conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to capture image data representing the test specimen. The image data includes multiple images that enable measurement of distortion of the test specimen responsive to the load
Implementation Method 2
The optical measurement system also includes a shock isolation system configured to couple the arm to a portion of a test system that includes the mechanical tester. The shock isolation system is configured to automatically disengage responsive to a shock due to a failure of the test specimen
Implementation Method 3
directing a dry gas across the camera and at least a portion of a view port between the camera and the test specimen
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing mechanical properties of a test specimen includes a first climate controlled enclosure and a mechanical tester configured to apply a load to a test specimen within the first climate controlled enclosure. The system also includes a second climate controlled enclosure proximate to a view port of the first climate controlled enclosure. The second climate controlled enclosure is configured to enclose a camera, and the camera is configured to capture image data representing the test specimen. The image data includes multiple images that enable measurement of distortion of the test specimen responsive to the load.