Material Testing Interface for In-Machine Parameter Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional material testing machines require users to manually calculate and input parameters like cross-sectional area for stress calculations, limiting the usability of these values for other calculations and necessitating the use of external calculators.

Innovation Solution

A material testing machine with a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to input numerical values directly through a touch interface, using parameter buttons and arithmetic operations to calculate material characteristic values automatically, eliminating the need for external calculators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually input parameters like cross-sectional area for stress calculations, then the stress calculation can be performed, but the usability of these values for other calculations is limited and external calculators are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of parameter input and calculationVSAvoidcomplexity of calculation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the parameter input interface with the calculation functionality by displaying parameter buttons directly on the graph display screen. Users can input parameters like cross-sectional area by simply touching the corresponding parameter buttons, and the system automatically performs calculations using stored formulas, eliminating the need for external calculators and simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system stores calculation formulas and parameter values in advance in memory. When a user touches a parameter button, the pre-stored formula is automatically retrieved and applied to the input value, performing the calculation without requiring users to manually enter formulas or switch to external calculation tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If parameters are automatically calculated and stored in control device, then real-time stress display is enabled, but users cannot easily use these values for other calculations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of parameter utilizationVSAvoidease of parameter input
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The parameter buttons on the display screen serve multiple functions: they allow users to input parameters for real-time graph display, retrieve stored parameter values, and use these values for additional calculations. This multi-functional design enables users to efficiently utilize calculated parameters for various purposes without requiring separate input processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate calculators are used for calculating material characteristic values, then calculation flexibility is maintained, but the testing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of calculationVSAvoidcomplexity of testing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the calculator functionality directly into the material testing machine's display system. The graph display screen incorporates parameter input buttons and calculation functions, allowing users to perform all necessary calculations within the testing machine interface itself, eliminating the need for separate external calculators and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3531106B1Material testing machine
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 SHIMADZU CORP
  • EP3531106B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3531106B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3531106B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A material testing machine is provided. A screen for numerical value input is provided with numerical value input keys 51 composed of a decimal point key, number keys of 0-9 and a symbol changing key for changing symbols of plus or minus of input numerical values, operation keys 52 assigned to four arithmetic operations, an equal key 53 for obtaining a calculation result, an input column 54 in which values input using numerical value input keys 51 and so on are displayed, a clear key 55 for deleting the numerical values or operations input previously and emptying the input column 54, a backspace key 56 for deleting the numerical values in the input column 54 character by character, and parameter buttons 57 assigned to parameters stored in a storage part.