Elastomer Specimen Clamping Assembly for Repeatable DMA Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual process of dimensional verification and assembly of elastomer specimens for dynamic mechanical-thermal analysis is time-consuming, error-prone, and lacks repeatability due to human intervention, which can lead to accidental mistakes in alignment and clamping force application.

Innovation Solution

An automated assembling machine that measures the thickness of elastomer specimens and couples them to sample-holders using a rotary carousel system with sensors and pneumatic actuators, ensuring precise alignment and consistent clamping force, thereby reducing human error and increasing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual dimensional verification and assembly is performed by a laboratory operator, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidrepeatability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-measurement using optical sensors that automatically detect specimen dimensions, and self-alignment through fixed geometric relationships between the carriage, sample holders, and clamping mechanisms. The operator only needs to place the specimen on the carriage, after which the system autonomously completes measurement, alignment, and clamping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual measurement and alignment operations are replaced by an optical measurement system using sensors and fixed geometric relationships. The mechanical system automatically positions sample holders relative to the specimen based on predetermined distances, eliminating the need for manual measurement and alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment and clamping is performed, then operator judgment can be applied, but alignment precision and clamping force consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sample holders are pre-positioned at predetermined distances from the ends of the specimen before clamping occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures correct alignment is established before the clamping force is applied, guaranteeing precise alignment without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The carriage serves multiple functions: it supports the specimen during measurement, provides a reference for alignment, and facilitates the clamping operation. The fixed geometric relationships between the carriage, sample holders, and clamping mechanisms provide universal alignment across different specimens without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If multiple manual operations are performed sequentially, then process control is maintained, but total preparation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreparation timeVSAvoidoperator workload

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs measurement, alignment, and clamping operations in continuous sequence without interruption. The optical sensors immediately measure the specimen after placement, followed by automatic positioning of sample holders and application of clamping force, eliminating idle time between operations that would occur in manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple operations that would traditionally be performed separately and sequentially by the operator (measurement, alignment verification, specimen placement, clamping) are merged into a single integrated automated process. The system combines optical measurement, mechanical positioning, and clamping application in one continuous operation, dramatically reducing total preparation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3781925B1Assembling machine and assembly method for coupling to two sample-holders the ends of an elastomer specimen to be subjected to dynamic mechanical-thermal analysis

Publication Date: 2023.12.06 BRIDGESTONE EURO NV SA

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AI summary

Assembling machine (8) and assembly method for coupling the ends of an elastomer specimen (1) to be subjected to dynamic mechanical-thermal analysis to two-sample-holders (2); comprising: a central vice (30) which is made to engage a central portion of the specimen (1); two movable elements (34), which are arranged on opposite sides of the central vice (30) and each carry a supporting plate (36) which is made to accommodate a corresponding sample-holder (2); at least a first actuator (35) which is made to move closer/apart the two movable element (34) from/to the central vice (30); and a screwing device (40) which is arranged in the vicinity of the central vice (30) and is made for screwing/unscrewing a screw (6) of a vice (4) of each sample-holder (2) to close the vice (4) itself against an end of the specimen (1) carried by the central vice (30).