Material Testing System Parameter Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Material testing systems require operators to manually enter numerous parameters, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and users may not fully understand the impact of certain parameters.

Innovation Solution

The system uses a series of short, simple prompts to elicit user input, which is then used to determine appropriate parameters for configuring the test method, with analysis to optimize parameters for compliance with standards, time savings, and error reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operators manually enter numerous parameters through the material testing workflow, then complete test method configuration is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining test parameters based on specimen type and testing standard selections. The computing device autonomously configures the test method workflow without requiring manual entry of numerous parameters, thereby reducing both time consumption and potential for human error in parameter configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring test parameters based on the selected specimen type and testing standard. Before the actual test execution, the computing device automatically sets up the appropriate test method workflow, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure parameters during the testing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If operators manually configure numerous test parameters, then complete test method setup is achieved, but the complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest method coverageVSAvoiduser effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by implementing a standardized test method workflow that can accommodate multiple specimen types and testing standards through a single unified interface. The computing device automatically adapts the test configuration based on selections, providing versatile test method coverage while maintaining ease of operation through consistent interaction patterns

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

Solution Approach 2:

The computing device acts as an intermediary between the operator's simple selections (specimen type and testing standard) and the complex test parameter configuration. It mediates by automatically translating high-level user choices into detailed test method workflows, shielding operators from complexity while ensuring complete test method coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive test parameters are manually entered, then complete test configuration is achieved, but the potential for errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining and configuring test parameters with high precision based on specimen type and testing standard selections. The computing device autonomously ensures parameter accuracy without requiring operators to navigate complex configuration steps, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing device complexity from the user perspective

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250035523A1Test method creation and optimization in material testing systems
Publication Date: 2025.01.30 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US20250035523A1 patent drawing
  • US20250035523A1 patent drawing
  • US20250035523A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Described herein are examples of material testing systems having new and improved processes that allow users to quickly and easily set several parameters defining a test method in response to a single user input, rather than having to manually set each and every parameter through a workflow. The parameters may further be optimized to comply with certain standards, save time, and/or reduce the potential for error. As the inputs required from the user during the new and improved processes are far fewer (and/or simpler) than if the user were to manually set each parameter through a workflow, there is a substantial time saving, and a substantial simplification of the endeavor.