Specimen Testing System with Hydraulic Load Applicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional specimen testing systems face challenges in applying precise and adjustable loads, especially for rapid load adjustments, and require a multitude of weights for accurate testing, which is cumbersome for storage and use.

Innovation Solution

A specimen testing system with adjustable load applicators and specimen rotation capabilities, utilizing a frame with specimen holders and a load applicator that applies force perpendicular to the specimen's longitudinal axis, allowing for precise load adjustments and measurement of deflection, with optional rotation to induce rotational bending fatigue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional weights are used to apply load to the specimen, then the load can be applied, but precise and rapid load adjustment becomes difficult and requires a wide variety of weights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload adjustment precisionVSAvoidnumber of weights required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical weight-based loading system with a hydraulic loading system. The hydraulic applicator uses fluid pressure to apply and adjust loads on the specimen, eliminating the need for multiple physical weights. This substitution enables continuous, precise, and rapid load adjustment through hydraulic control mechanisms while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic loading system allows for dynamic change of load parameters through fluid pressure control. By adjusting hydraulic pressure, the system can rapidly and precisely vary the applied load without physically changing components, enabling continuous load adjustment from zero to maximum capacity with fine resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple weights are stored for accurate testing, then load precision can be maintained, but user convenience and storage requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic loading system replaces the manual handling and storage of multiple weight components with a centralized hydraulic power system. The load is controlled through hydraulic pressure regulation, eliminating the need for users to physically handle, select, and store multiple weight sets, thereby significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining load accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If rapid load adjustment is necessary, then testing efficiency improves, but the ability to maintain precise load control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidload control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system enables rapid load adjustment through fluid dynamics, where load changes occur instantly in response to pressure control valve adjustments. This mechanical substitution provides both speed and precision because hydraulic pressure can be modulated electronically or manually with high response time and fine control resolution, simultaneously improving productivity and maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic loading system is designed with dynamic control capabilities, allowing the load to be adjusted continuously and rapidly during testing. The system can transition from static load application to dynamic load variation, enabling rapid loading rates while maintaining precise control through feedback mechanisms and adjustable flow control valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 testing by allowing users to apply desired loads and rotate specimens, improving the accuracy of strength and fatigue testing without the need for multiple weights, enhancing user convenience and testing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

apply a load to the specimen in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the specimen's longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBending: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

rotate the specimen about its longitudinal axis... until the specimen experiences a desired load or fails (i.e., the specimen experiences fatigue that exceeds its maximum rotational bending fatigue)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational bending fatigue: Fatigue

Data Source

PatentUS10317324B1Specimen testing systems and methods

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

AI summary

A specimen testing system has holders that hold a specimen for testing. The holders brace the specimen so that a load may be applied. A load applicator applies a load to the specimen at a location that is between the holders bracing the specimen. A user may adjust the load applicator until it applies the desired load to the specimen. If desired, a user may apply rotation to a specimen while it is experiencing a load by using a specimen rotation system. The user may continue to adjust the load applied to the specimen or continue to rotate the specimen during loading until the specimen fails.