Flow Test Machine Pneumatic Actuator Cycle Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow test machines for thermoplastics face challenges in achieving reproducible and efficient testing across various standardization specifications, particularly with long cycle times and conflicting test conditions.
Innovation Solution
A flow test machine equipped with a test piston, test channel, and hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, allowing for the application of a weight force and an additional actuating force to accelerate the test piston, enabling faster movement and shorter cycle times, and incorporating a cleaning piston for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flow test machine uses only weight force for moving the test piston, then the test is simple to operate, but the cycle time is long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic actuator to generate an additional actuating force that accelerates the test piston during measurement preparation and cleaning steps. The actuator is connected to the test piston via a coupling mechanism, allowing rapid movement without changing the weight-based measurement principle, thereby reducing cycle time while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If the test piston moves slowly under weight force only, then the measurement is precise and reproducible, but the testing frequency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is divided into distinct phases: measurement preparation, actual measurement, and cleaning. The pneumatic actuator is used only during preparation and cleaning phases, while the measurement phase itself relies on controlled weight force application. This segmentation allows rapid cycling without compromising measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic acceleration using the pneumatic actuator during specific phases (preparation and cleaning) while maintaining steady, controlled movement during measurement. This periodic intervention increases overall testing frequency without affecting the reproducibility of actual measurements.
3Productivity
If the flow test machine is designed for fast cycling, then productivity improves, but the ability to meet diverse standardization requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism between the pneumatic actuator and test piston allows dynamic control of the drive system. The actuator can be engaged or disengaged based on the specific test requirements, enabling the machine to adapt between fast-cycling mode and standardized measurement mode, thus maintaining versatility while improving productivity.
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
The solution enables reproducible and efficient flow tests according to diverse standardization requirements, significantly reducing cycle times and improving the precision and frequency of material testing.
Implementation Method 1
a flow test machine (2), in particular for viscosity tests, for example of plastics, with a test piston (4), a test channel (38), at least one test weight (72), and a drive unit (92) with which a weight force of the test weight (72) can be applied to the test piston (4) and with which the test piston (4) can be moved through the test channel (38) with the aid of the weight force
Implementation Method 2
a weight force of the test weight (72) can be applied to the test piston (4) and with which the test piston (4) can be moved through the test channel (38) with the aid of the weight force
Data Source
AI summary
A flow test machine 2 which, for example, is able to be used for viscosity tests on plastics, comprises a test piston 4, a test channel 38, at least one test weight 72 and a drive unit 92. The test piston 4 is able to move through the test channel 38 by means of a weight force 79 of the test weight 72. The test weight 72 is able to be loaded by an actuating additional force 108, 108′ by means of the drive unit 92 between a starting position 151 and an end position. The actuating additional force 108 enables a movement of the test piston 4 in the direction of the weight force 79, said movement being accelerated in comparison with an effect of the weight force 79. In a melt viscosity test, after a heating step, a thermoplastic plastic is pressed through a test channel 38 by a test piston 4. In a measurement preparation step and/or a cleaning step, the test mass is lowered along a weight force direction 79 under the influence of an actuating additional force 108, 108′. In a method for cleaning, a cleaning step is undertaken by means of an actuating additional force 108, 108′ from the drive unit 92, said drive unit 92 serving to drive a test piston movement during a melt viscosity test.