Dynamic Test Fixture for Trench Drain Grates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing equipment for trench drain grates only applies loads perpendicular to the surface, failing to simulate the dynamic loads encountered during actual use, such as tire impacts, which include horizontal components.
Innovation Solution
A test fixture apparatus with sloped support plates and load plates that apply loads at angles other than 90 degrees to simulate the horizontal components of dynamic loads, allowing for the application of forces in directions other than perpendicular to the surface, thereby supporting structures at equal and opposite angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static upper platen and vertically moveable lower platen are used to apply load, then the testing machine can apply perpendicular load to the grate, but it cannot simulate the horizontal component of dynamic loads encountered during actual use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a movable lower platen that can be positioned at different angles relative to the upper platen, transforming the static testing apparatus into a dynamic one capable of simulating various load conditions. The lower platen is supported by adjustable legs that allow it to be tilted to match the angle of the grate installation, enabling application of loads at angles other than perpendicular to simulate actual dynamic loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds angular positioning capability to the testing machine by allowing the lower platen to be tilted at different angles. This introduces a new degree of freedom (angular dimension) to the otherwise vertically constrained loading system, enabling simulation of oblique loads that occur during actual grate usage such as tire impacts.
2Ease of operation
If the lower platen is raised until the component contacts the top platen, then the compression test can be performed, but only a perpendicular load can be applied to the component
Solution Approach 1:
The lower platen is made adjustable in angle rather than fixed in a vertical position. This allows the testing apparatus to dynamically adapt to different grate angles while maintaining ease of setup through simple mechanical adjustment of the platen angle to match the installation angle of the grate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the angular parameter of the lower platen to match the installation angle of the grate. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system can simulate different loading conditions without changing the fundamental compression testing mechanism, thus maintaining operational simplicity while improving realism.
3Productivity
If current testing equipment is used, then the testing process is simple, but the test results do not accurately reflect actual performance under dynamic loading conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable lower platen allows the testing machine to quickly adapt to different grate angles by simple mechanical repositioning, maintaining high testing efficiency. The dynamic adjustment capability enables accurate simulation of various loading conditions without requiring complex reconfiguration or multiple testing setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes a single testing machine capable of performing multiple testing configurations by adjusting the lower platen angle. This multi-functional capability allows the same apparatus to test grates at different installation angles and simulate various dynamic loading conditions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized testing devices while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A text fixture apparatus for testing structures with a compression testing machine. The test fixture apparatus includes a support plate assembly and a load plate assembly. The support plate assembly includes two parallel support plates and has sloped surfaces to support a first and second structures and angles of equal magnitude and opposite slope. The load plate assembly is configured to oppose the support plate assembly, includes at least one load plate, and allows the load plate assembly to apply a load to the structures in response force on the support plate assembly, load plate assembly, or a combination thereof in a direction other than perpendicular to the sloped surfaces. A vertical force applied by the assemblies results in substantially equal and opposite horizontal components of force on the first structure and the second structure. Methods of testing and of making the apparatus are provided.