Kinematic Cylinder Holder for Test Machine Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional residual seal force testing devices require separate fixtures for different vial or container sizes, leading to inventory management challenges and time-consuming reconfigurations.
Innovation Solution
A single cylinder holder device that secures and aligns vials or cylindrical containers of varying diameters using a kinematic linkage and actuator system, allowing for easy operation and alignment without substantial reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate fixtures are used for different vial sizes, then each vial size can be properly aligned and tested, but inventory management becomes challenging and reconfiguration is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder holder is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple vial sizes through a single fixture. The holder includes a positioning surface with a centering feature and blocking members that can be adjusted to secure vials of different diameters, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated fixtures for different vial sizes while maintaining proper alignment and testing capability.
2Measurement precision
If separate fixtures are used for different vial sizes, then each vial size can be properly aligned and tested, but reconfiguration becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder holder incorporates adjustable blocking members that can be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different vial sizes. The blocking members are designed to be easily adjusted along the positioning surface, allowing quick reconfiguration between different test conditions without requiring complete fixture changes or complex adjustment procedures, thus reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining alignment precision.
3Reliability
If multiple fixtures are maintained for different vial sizes, then testing accuracy is maintained, but inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder holder serves as a universal fixture that can accurately test vials of multiple sizes using a single device. The design includes adjustable blocking members and a centering feature that ensure proper alignment and reliable testing across different vial diameters, thereby reducing the quantity of fixtures needed in inventory while maintaining testing accuracy and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed example cylinder holder for a test machine include: a first block and a second block; a kinematic linkage configured to control positions of the first block and the second block to be equidistant from a centering point on a positioning surface; and an actuator configured to manipulate the kinematic linkage to urge the first block and the second block toward or away from the centering point.