Dual-Lever Calibration Device for Test Bench Force Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current calibration methods for test stands require frequent adjustments and complex operations to ensure precision and completeness, particularly in generating tensile and compressive forces, which can disrupt test operations and are prone to vibration-induced errors.

Innovation Solution

A calibration device with two mirror-symmetric lever devices, each with a weight receptacle and a connecting device, allows for simultaneous generation of tensile and compressive forces without complex conversions, using weights placed on opposite sides to transmit forces to the test stand, enhancing stability and reducing vibration sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single lever device is used for calibration, then the device structure is simple, but it requires complex conversion operations to generate both tensile and compressive forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration device structureVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration device is segmented into two separate lever devices (first lever device and second lever device) that can independently generate tensile and compressive forces. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex conversion operations, as each lever device is dedicated to a specific force type, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single lever device that must be converted between tensile and compressive modes, the invention inverts the approach by employing two lever devices simultaneously, each configured for its specific force type. This inversion eliminates the conversion step entirely, simplifying the operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

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

2Measurement precision

If calibration is performed with frequent adjustments to ensure precision, then measurement accuracy is improved, but test operation is interrupted for longer periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidtest operation interruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration device performs preliminary actions by simultaneously generating both tensile and compressive forces in a single calibration operation. This eliminates the need for repeated adjustments and conversions, allowing calibration to be completed in one go. The device prepares all necessary force conditions in advance, thereby improving measurement precision without causing prolonged interruptions to test operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The two lever devices operate continuously and simultaneously to generate both tensile and compressive forces during calibration. This continuous operation eliminates idle conversion time and ensures that the calibration process flows without interruption. The useful action of force generation is maintained continuously, improving both precision and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If conventional calibration methods are used, then standard procedures are followed, but vibration-induced errors occur during force generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration reliabilityVSAvoidvibration sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The two lever devices are arranged in a counterbalanced configuration where the first lever device generates tensile force and the second lever device generates compressive force. This counterweight arrangement creates opposing forces that cancel out vibrations and unstable movements, thereby eliminating vibration-induced errors while maintaining reliable calibration. The harmful vibration effect is counteracted by the opposing force generation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 efficient calibration of test stands without prolonged interruptions, ensuring repeat accuracy and minimizing hysteresis and remanence errors, while allowing operators to perform calibrations from a safe and accessible position.

Implementation Method 1

a lever element (6.1, 6.2) that can be pivoted about an axis of rotation (5.1, 5.2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

different weight loads (10.1, 10.2) can be attached to the weight receptacle (7.1, 7.2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2274587B1Calibration device and calibration method for a test bench
Publication Date: 2013.07.03 HORIBA EUROPE GMBH
  • EP2274587B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2274587B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2274587B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a calibration device for a test bench with two lever units (1, 2). Each lever unit (1, 2) has a lever element (6) that can be pivoted about a rotational axis (5), a weight-bearing element (7) which is provided on one end of the lever element (6) and to which different loads (10) can be applied and a connecting unit (8) on the opposite end of the lever element (6) in relation to the rotational axis (5), for connecting the lever element (6) to a load unit (20) of the test bench. The lever elements (6) are arranged in such a way that the weight-bearing element of the lever element (6. 1) is located on one side in relation to a central plane (11) of the calibration device and the weight-bearing element (7.2) of the other lever element (6.2) is located on the other side in relation to said central plane (11).