Hydrostatic Tester With Constant Force Spring Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrostatic pressure testing devices are limited in accommodating large bulky items and completed garments, often causing damage due to variable pressure and lack of adaptability to uneven surfaces, and are not portable or operator-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A hydrostatic tester with a raised pedestal and clamp system that uses a constant force spring for consistent pressure, a raised gasket to prevent metal-to-metal contact, and a portable frame design, allowing for testing in hard-to-reach areas and accommodating irregular surfaces, along with a blood pressure bulb for pressure control and improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If existing hydrostatic testing devices use small test areas, then they are suitable for laboratory use with small samples, but they cannot accommodate completed garments or large bulky test items
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device is divided into modular components including a separate reservoir, a movable clamp assembly, and a test area platform. This segmentation allows the test area to be configured for different item sizes and enables the clamp to be positioned anywhere along the test area, accommodating both small laboratory samples and large completed garments.
2Ease of operation
If screw systems are used for applied pressure, then they can be adjusted, but the applied pressure varies greatly causing damage to the test item
Solution Approach 1:
A cushioning element is incorporated into the clamp assembly to provide a compliant interface between the clamp and the test item. This cushioning element absorbs pressure variations and prevents direct transmission of excessive forces to the test item, thereby protecting it from damage while still allowing pressure adjustment.
3Reliability
If toggle clamps are used for applied pressure, then they provide pre-set pressure, but they do not compensate for test item gauge variances or uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed with movable components including a slide mechanism that allows the clamp to be positioned at different locations along the test area. The applied pressure system incorporates a spring mechanism that dynamically adjusts pressure to compensate for variations in test item gauge and surface unevenness, maintaining consistent sealing force across different test conditions.
4Extent of automation
If electrical pumps and pressure regulator devices are used, then they provide automated pressure control, but they require high maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control system uses a hand-operated bulb pump that generates hydrostatic pressure through manual operation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for electrical pumps and automated pressure regulators, significantly reducing maintenance requirements while still providing adequate pressure control for hydrostatic testing.
5Device complexity
If metal-to-metal contact is used when clamping fabric, then the structure is simple, but it causes damage to the test item
Solution Approach 1:
A fabric-friendly contact surface is incorporated between the metal clamp structure and the test item. This intermediary layer, which may be a soft coating or cushioning material, prevents direct metal-to-metal contact with the fabric, eliminating damage while maintaining the structural integrity and simplicity of the clamping mechanism.
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 efficient and damage-free testing of large or bulky items with consistent pressure, improved portability, and enhanced operator control, accommodating various fabric gauges and textures without adjustments, while reducing maintenance and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a constant force spring with a disbursement washer positioned between the straight line toggle clamp and upper half of the sandwich seal that maintains a consistent force on the sandwich seal when the clamp is lowered and engaged and compensates for thickness and texture of the test item
Implementation Method 2
The use of a blood pressure bulb for the hydrostatic pressure source puts the operator in complete control of the test
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrostatic tester is provided with an elevated test surface allowing tests to be made inside sleeves, pants legs or other hard to reach locations of completed garments. A constant force spring is engaged by way of a straight line clamp to apply pressure and maintain a consistent and constant force on a sandwich seal. A clamping mechanism can be moved to the left or right of test area to provide a clear unobstructed access to position test item. A raised gasket on the test surface prevents hard contact between test surface and seal ring avoiding damage to test items. A blood pressure bulb is used as a pressure source to force water from a reservoir to the test area. A low pressure gauge is positioned for easy viewing to monitor test pressure.