Gravity-Loaded Test Rig for Constant Load Displacement Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional testing machines struggle to apply a constant load to test articles while accurately measuring displacement, often requiring complex and expensive feedback loops that do not represent true constant loading conditions.

Innovation Solution

A steady load testing apparatus that applies a prescribed load to a test article using physical weights on a controlled axis, allowing for accurate measurement of displacement as the article reacts to the load, without damaging it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional testing machines use feedback loops to approximate constant loading, then loading control is achieved, but device complexity increases and measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstant loading accuracyVSAvoidfeedback loop complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the feedback control system from the testing machine and replaces it with a pure mechanical constant load application system. Physical weights are directly applied to the test article through a guide mechanism, eliminating the need for sensors, controllers, and feedback loops while achieving true constant loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electronic feedback control system with a mechanical system consisting of physical weights and a guide mechanism. The mechanical guide ensures the weights apply force vertically along the axis of the test article, providing simple and effective constant loading without complex electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If conventional testing machines use displacement control with feedback, then loading is maintained, but measurement precision of displacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload applicationVSAvoiddisplacement measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the active feedback control system that interferes with displacement measurement. By using passive physical weights and a simple guide mechanism, the system allows displacement to occur naturally without the interference of forceful feedback control, enabling more accurate displacement measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If conventional testing machines apply constant load through feedback loops, then loading control improves, but testing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstant load maintenanceVSAvoidtesting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-service mechanical system where physical weights automatically maintain constant load on the test article through gravity. The guide mechanism ensures the weights naturally follow the vertical axis of the test article during displacement, eliminating the need for continuous active control and reducing testing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If conventional testing machines use complex feedback equipment, then loading control is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstant loadingVSAvoidequipment simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, complex feedback control equipment with simple, inexpensive physical weights and a basic guide mechanism. This substitution dramatically reduces equipment cost while maintaining or improving the reliability of constant loading through purely mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 verification of the quality and performance of test articles by applying a constant load and measuring displacement, ensuring accurate tracking of motion over time without complex equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a mass operatively coupled to a support, the mass to move in a direction coincident with a gravitational force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a position measurement device coupled to the support, the position measurement device to measure a distance between the mass and the position measurement device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20260022999A1Steady load testing apparatus and methods

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Steady load testing apparatus and methods are disclosed. An example test machine comprises a support extending vertically from a base, a weight assembly including a rod extending along a vertical axis, the rod to couple to a test article, a block coupled to the support, the block to guide the rod such that the rod moves along the vertical axis, an actuator operatively coupled to the block, the actuator to selectively fix and release the rod, a mounting bracket operatively coupled to the support, the mounting bracket to couple to the test article such that the test article aligns with the vertical axis, and a sensor to measure movement of the weight assembly along the vertical axis.