Drop Test Configuration Using Energy Balance Curves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drop test methods require multiple iterations to achieve desired characteristics such as pulse duration and peak acceleration, leading to resource inefficiency and increased wear and tear on equipment.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize accelerometer data to determine a constant energy balance curve for complex stiffness or total weight of an article and drop carriage, allowing for targeted adjustments to achieve specific pulse durations in a reduced number of drop tests by adjusting complex stiffness or total weight based on the curve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple iterations of drop tests are conducted to achieve desired pulse duration and peak acceleration characteristics, then the accuracy and reliability of test results are improved, but the time consumption and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of drop test resultsVSAvoidtime for multiple test iterations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis by detecting accelerometer data from an initial drop test and using that data to determine a constant energy balance curve. This preliminary action enables the system to calculate target complex stiffness or total weight values before conducting subsequent drop tests, thereby reducing the number of iterations needed to achieve desired pulse duration and peak acceleration characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the initial drop test by detecting accelerometer data and incorporating it into the constant energy balance curve determination. This feedback mechanism allows the system to iteratively adjust and refine the target parameters for subsequent drop tests, improving accuracy while reducing the total number of tests required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple drop tests are performed to achieve target pulse duration, then the precision of test configuration is improved, but the wear and tear on equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of drop test configurationVSAvoidwear on drop tower equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations using accelerometer data and the constant energy balance curve to determine target complex stiffness or total weight values before conducting drop tests. This preliminary action enables precise configuration of subsequent tests, reducing the number of iterations and thereby minimizing wear on the drop tower equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If drop test parameters are adjusted through multiple iterations, then the accuracy of achieving target pulse duration is improved, but the complexity of test management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of pulse duration measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of test configuration management

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by using accelerometer data from initial tests to determine constant energy balance curves, which then guide the adjustment of drop test parameters. This feedback mechanism simplifies test management by providing a clear, data-driven pathway for achieving target pulse duration, reducing the complexity of managing multiple iterations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 the number of drop tests needed to achieve target pulse durations, minimizing resource consumption and wear on equipment while improving the accuracy and efficiency of drop test configurations.

Implementation Method 1

detecting accelerometer data with respect to the article for an initial impact of the initial drop test

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

dropping the article and a drop carriage of a drop tower from an initial height with respect to a base of the drop tower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

The resilient members can include coil springs and pads configured to absorb and/or dampen impact between the drop carriage and the drop tower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

The resilient members can include coil springs and pads configured to absorb and/or dampen impact between the drop carriage and the drop tower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11441983B2Systems and methods for optimizing drop test configurations

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 AURORA OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

In one aspect, a method for conducting a drop test of an article with one or more target parameters can include dropping the article and a drop carriage of a drop tower from an initial height with respect to a base of the drop tower for an initial drop test. The article can be coupled to the drop carriage. The method can include detecting accelerometer data with respect to the article for an initial impact between the drop carriage and the base of the drop tower; determining a constant energy balance curve; determining, based on the constant energy balance curve and a target pulse duration, a target complex stiffness and/or a target total weight; adjusting, based on the target complex stiffness or the target total weight, the complex stiffness and/or the total weight for a subsequent drop test; and conducting the subsequent drop test.