Creep Tester Self-Weight Actuator Constant Load Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional creep testers for concrete materials face challenges in maintaining a precise and continuous load application due to the need for periodic supplementation of hydraulic pressure, which is difficult to achieve with manual or electrical means, leading to inconsistencies in testing results.
Innovation Solution
A creep tester utilizing a self-weight actuator and cam mechanism, leveraging principles of leverage and cam operation to apply a constant load without hydraulic pressure supplementation, ensuring precise and continuous load control through a movable actuator and load cell system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a hydraulic pressure actuator is used to apply load, then the load application capability is improved, but the hydraulic pressure decreases with elapse of time requiring periodic supplementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydraulic pressure supplementation function from the system by removing the need for external hydraulic pressure actuators and manual/electrical supplementation devices. Instead, it uses a weight-based loading mechanism where weights are directly applied to the concrete specimen through a lever arm, eliminating hydraulic pressure fluctuations and the need for periodic supplementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by using gravity acting on weights to automatically maintain constant load application. The weights continuously exert force through the lever arm mechanism without requiring external intervention, hydraulic pressure maintenance, or periodic supplementation, achieving reliable constant loading throughout the creep test duration.
2Reliability
If manual operation or electrical device is used for hydraulic pressure supplementation, then the hydraulic pressure can be maintained, but precise load control cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hydraulic pressure system with a simpler mechanical weight-based system. Instead of using hydraulic actuators requiring manual or electrical supplementation, it employs direct gravitational force from weights transmitted through a lever arm, providing inherently precise and stable load control without the inaccuracies of sensor-based hydraulic pressure maintenance.
3Force
If hydraulic pressure actuator is used, then the loading capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to hydraulic pressure supplementation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex hydraulic pressure supplementation subsystem, including hydraulic actuators, pressure sensors, and manual/electrical supplementation mechanisms. It replaces this complexity with a simple weight-based loading system where masses are directly applied through a lever arm, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining loading capability.
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
Enables precise and accurate creep testing by maintaining a constant load on concrete specimens, overcoming the limitations of hydraulic pressure fluctuations and manual or electrical supplementation, thus providing reliable and consistent measurement of creep characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a self weight actuator to actuate the cam actuator. The creep tester is operated using a predetermined weight based on a principle of leverage
Implementation Method 2
a cam actuator operated in association with the movable actuator
Implementation Method 3
a movable actuator capable of loading corresponding to change in length of a concrete specimen prepared as construction material for testing
Data Source
AI summary
A creep tester for a precise and accurate creep test includes a movable actuator capable of loading corresponding to change in length of a specimen, a cam actuator operated in association with the movable actuator, and a self weight actuator. The movable actuator includes upper and lower spherical adjusting seats to hold upper and lower portions of the specimen, a spring disposed on the upper spherical adjusting seat to correspond to a minute deformation of the specimen, upper and lower movable tables respectively contacting the spring and the lower spherical adjusting seat, a load cell and a stationary table disposed on the upper movable table, and a movable loading table disposed below the lower movable table to apply a predetermined load to the specimen. The creep tester can perform a precise creep test by continuously applying a constant load without supplementation of hydraulic pressure.