Reusable Fixture for Corrugated Web Joint Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test fixtures for evaluating attachment joints to corrugated metal floor beams are not reusable, requiring new fixtures for each test due to permanent attachment methods, which increases test cycle time, labor, and material usage, and do not allow for the application of moments during load testing.

Innovation Solution

A reusable test fixture that grips the ends of a corrugated web with contoured faces and fasteners to apply shear loads and moments, simulating internal loads of a full-length beam, allowing quick attachment and disattachment for multiple tests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If test fixtures are permanently attached to the beam through welding, then the joint performance can be tested, but the fixtures cannot be reused and test cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint performance testingVSAvoidtest cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The test fixture is divided into separate components: a reusable fixture body and removable attachment hardware. The fixture body remains permanent while the attachment hardware can be detached and reused for subsequent tests, resolving the contradiction between reliable joint testing and test cycle efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment hardware is designed to be temporarily attached during testing and then recovered for reuse. This allows the fixture to maintain reliable joint performance testing while enabling recovery and reuse of components, reducing test cycle time and material consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom fixtures are fabricated for each test, then specific test requirements are met, but labor and material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest requirement specificityVSAvoidlabor and material costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The test fixture is designed with universal attachment hardware that can be configured for different test requirements. The reusable fixture body combined with adaptable attachment components allows a single fixture to meet multiple test specifications, eliminating the need to fabricate custom fixtures for each test and reducing labor and material costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If welded plates are used to connect the corrugated web to the load test machine, then the connection is strong, but the plates cannot be easily removed for reuse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidplate removal and reuse

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment hardware transitions from a static permanent weld to a dynamic removable connection. The attachment can be securely fastened during testing to maintain connection strength, then easily removed and repositioned for subsequent tests, resolving the contradiction between strong connection and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8286499B2Method and apparatus for testing attachment joints

Publication Date: 2012.10.16 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Apparatus tests the performance of joints between an attachment and a beam having a pair of caps connected by a corrugated web. The apparatus includes first and second grips contoured to the shape of a portion of the corrugated web for gripping the web. A force applicator coupled with the attachment and the grips applies force to the beam through the joint.