Multi-Axis Fatigue Testing Device Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-axis fatigue testing devices for medical implant devices, such as stents, lack the ability to independently control deformation axes like bend angle and axial strain, limiting their ability to simulate complex in-use conditions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A multi-axis fatigue testing device with a multiple input, multiple output mechanical linkage driven by actuators, controlled in real-time synchronization to produce user-defined non-sinusoidal cycle profiles for multiple deformation axes, including bend angle, axial strain, torsion, and hoop strain, allowing for simultaneous and coordinated deformation simulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a prior art multi-axis fatigue device is used, then basic fatigue testing can be performed, but the device cannot independently control deformation axes like bend angle and axial strain

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to independently control deformation axesVSAvoidMechanical linkage and actuator synchronization system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the control of each deformation axis (bend angle, axial strain, torsion, hoop strain) into independent actuator systems, allowing each axis to be controlled separately while maintaining overall coordination through the controller. This enables independent control of multiple deformation axes simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical linkage system is designed to provide multiple functions: it can apply different types of deformations (bending, axial strain, torsion, hoop strain) to the stent sample, and can simulate various in-use conditions through programmable cycle profiles, making the device universally applicable for comprehensive fatigue testing.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If actuators are controlled in real-time synchronization, then user-defined non-sinusoidal cycle profiles can be produced, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDeformation profile accuracyVSAvoidReal-time controller synchronization system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller operates each actuator in real-time with synchronization, monitoring and adjusting actuator positions and movements to maintain precise coordination. This feedback-based control ensures that the mechanical linkage produces accurate user-defined non-sinusoidal cycle profiles for multiple deformation axes simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static or simple cyclic control to dynamic real-time synchronization, where the controller continuously adjusts actuator operations based on the desired cycle profile requirements, enabling precise reproduction of complex in-use deformation patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple deformation axes are simulated simultaneously, then in-use condition simulation accuracy improves, but the testing device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTesting accuracy for implant durabilityVSAvoidMultiple actuators and mechanical linkage system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges multiple actuator systems and deformation mechanisms into a coordinated unified system, where all actuators work together through the mechanical linkage to apply combined deformations (bend angle, axial strain, torsion, hoop strain) to the stent, accurately simulating complex in-use conditions that occur during actual implant operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2162722B1System and method for multi-axes simulation
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 TA INSTRUMENTS WATERS LLC
  • EP2162722B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2162722B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2162722B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multi-axis fatigue testing device includes a multiple input, multiple output mechanical linkage driven by a plurality of actuators and a controller operating each of the plurality of actuators in real time and in synchronization to produce user-defined multiple fatigue cycle profiles.