Materials Test Platform for Multi-Standard Controller Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing materials testing systems face challenges in efficiently configuring and controlling complex testing devices due to the variety of industry standards, requiring frequent re-development of control logic, hardware changes, and customization, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A Materials Test Platform (MTP) that provides an interface for configuring, administering, and analyzing materials testing across various machines and controllers, allowing for the generation and deployment of configuration data without direct communication, supporting multiple types of machines and controllers, and enabling user interface for customization and mismatch correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If new control logic is developed for each new materials test, then the testing can conform to specific industry standards, but the development time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with a universal architecture that can perform multiple materials testing functions through configurable parameters and software modules rather than dedicated hardware for each test type. The system can be reconfigured to accommodate different industry standards (ASTM, ISO, etc.) without requiring new control logic development, allowing the same controller to handle tens of thousands of different testing standards through software configuration alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses configurable parameters that can be adjusted to match different testing standards and requirements. By changing software parameters, test configurations, and measurement settings rather than rewriting control logic, the system adapts to new standards quickly. This includes configurable thresholds, calculation methods, data collection intervals, and reporting formats that can be modified through software without hardware changes.
2Measurement precision
If controller hardware is changed to improve accuracy and speed, then measurement precision improves, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces hardware-based precision control with software-based processing. Instead of using specialized high-precision controller hardware for each test type, the patent uses general-purpose computing resources with sophisticated algorithms and data processing software to achieve the required measurement precision and speed. This substitution of mechanical/electrical precision hardware with software intelligence reduces hardware complexity while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom configurations are added for robust testing performance, then the testing capability is enhanced, but the cost and difficulty of customization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where testing parameters, sensor configurations, actuator settings, and data processing algorithms can be changed in real-time or between tests without physical modifications. This dynamic software-based configuration allows the system to adapt to different testing requirements, add monitoring cameras, change measurement units, and adjust user permissions through software updates rather than costly hardware customization or re-manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for configuring a materials test system to perform materials tests on sample material(s). Such a materials test system may include a test controller and materials test device(s), which are connected to the test controller. In an embodiment, the materials test system receives input selecting a test controller type for the test controller of the materials test system and input for configuring a materials test device. Without the materials test system being connected with the test controller and the materials test device, generating configuration data based on the inputs. The generated configuration data may be loaded into the test controller, thereby configuring the materials test system.