Membrane Pressure Test Rig for Combined Steady and Alternating Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing testing devices struggle to apply both high magnitude steady and high frequency alternating forces simultaneously on mechanical components, with hydraulic actuation systems being inadequate for alternating forces and piezo-electric actuation systems limited by small displacements and large force application.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a pressure vessel with a first and second chamber separated by an actuating membrane, coupled with an electromagnetic actuator, applies both steady and alternating forces on a test piece through a test wall, enabling simultaneous application of hydraulic and time-varying forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a hydraulic actuation system is used to apply high magnitude steady force, then the steady force application is improved, but the ability to apply high frequency alternating force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the force application function into two separate actuation systems: a hydraulic actuation system for applying steady force and an electromagnetic actuation system for applying alternating force. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize its performance for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different actuation systems (hydraulic and electromagnetic) into a single integrated testing system that can simultaneously apply both steady and alternating forces. The force from both systems is superimposed on the test specimen through a combined actuation mechanism.
2Speed
If a piezo-electric actuation system is used to apply high frequency alternating force, then the alternating force application is improved, but the steady force application capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functions of steady force application and alternating force application into distinct actuation subsystems, allowing the piezo-electric system to focus on high-frequency alternating force while the hydraulic system handles steady force, eliminating the limitations of using piezo-electric alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a force superposition mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the piezo-electric actuator and the test specimen, combining the high-frequency alternating force from the piezo-electric system with the steady force from the hydraulic system to achieve both force types simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If a single actuation system is used to apply both steady and alternating forces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accurately replicate service representative conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different qualities of actuation to different force components: the hydraulic system provides high magnitude steady force characteristics, while the electromagnetic system provides high frequency alternating force characteristics. Each subsystem is optimized for its specific local function, ensuring accurate replication of service conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuation system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: applying steady force, applying alternating force, and replicating complex service representative loading conditions. This multi-functionality is achieved through the coordinated operation of the hydraulic and electromagnetic subsystems.
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
The system accurately determines the durability and mechanical integrity of mechanical components by replicating service representative conditions, allowing for precise testing and predicting service life by applying both steady and alternating forces, overcoming limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating membrane is configured to apply a second pressure on the second fluid within the second chamber in response to the application of the first pressure by the first fluid on the actuating membrane
Implementation Method 2
an actuator engaged with the actuating membrane and configured to apply a time-varying force on the actuating membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing at least one test piece. The system includes a pressure vessel including a first chamber receiving a first fluid at a first pressure. The pressure vessel further includes a second chamber receiving a second fluid. The pressure vessel further includes an actuating membrane fluidly separating the first chamber from the second chamber. The system further includes a test vessel including an internal chamber disposed in fluid communication with the second chamber. The test vessel further includes at least one test wall coupled to the at least one test piece. The system further includes an actuator engaged with the actuating membrane and configured to apply a time-varying force on the actuating membrane while the first pressure is being applied by the first fluid on the actuating membrane.