O-ring Test Assembly with Dual Rotating Discs for Crack Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing O-ring inspection methods are inadequate for reliably testing O-rings with significantly different diameters and structural features, as they often fail to detect cracks in static conditions and are limited to specific diameter ranges.
Innovation Solution
A test assembly featuring two coplanar discs that rotate independently on a support plane, allowing for synchronized rotations in discordant and concordant senses to deform and lock O-rings, enabling comprehensive imaging of O-rings from both sides and accommodating various diameters through adjustable disc positioning and image acquisition from multiple deformed configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rolls are inserted into the O-ring hole to deform the O-ring radially, then cracks concealed in static conditions can be detected, but the inspection method can only be applied to O-rings with diameters greater than a given value
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting rolls into the O-ring hole from the inside, the patent applies deformation force from the outside using pressing elements that press against the outer circumference of the O-ring. This inverted approach eliminates the diameter limitation while maintaining the ability to detect concealed cracks through radial deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the deformation mechanism from internal radial insertion to external pressing, and further introduces tangential pressing capability. This parameter change in the deformation approach allows adaptation to O-rings of various diameters while maintaining effective crack detection through multiple deformation modes.
2Reliability
If multiple deformation methods are used to detect concealed cracks, then inspection reliability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radial pressing and tangential pressing functions into a single integrated pressing element system. The pressing elements can selectively apply forces in different directions, merging multiple deformation capabilities into one unified device structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high inspection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing elements are designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both radial pressing and tangential pressing operations. This universal design allows a single apparatus to handle various inspection requirements without needing separate specialized devices for each deformation type, reducing device complexity.
3Reliability
If O-rings are deformed radially by rolls inserted in the hole, then dynamic inspection is achieved, but small cracks on the circumferential surface cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different deformation modes (radial and tangential pressing) to different regions or aspects of the O-ring inspection process. By selectively applying tangential pressing, the device can specifically target and enhance the detection of small circumferential cracks while maintaining the ability to detect concealed cracks through radial deformation, thereby improving measurement precision for small defects.
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
This solution allows for continuous, reliable inspection of O-rings with different dimensional features, detecting cracks of various sizes and types, and is cost-effective, enabling precise evaluation of O-ring integrity regardless of diameter.
Implementation Method 1
The discs are actuated in reciprocally independent manner and are configured to rotate on the support plane about respective axes
Implementation Method 2
the discs define a test region in which the O-ring is locked and deformed between the discs themselves
Implementation Method 3
image acquisition means of said O-ring arranged at least on one side of the resting surface to acquire images of said O-ring
Implementation Method 4
images of the O-ring in the various deformed conditions are acquired by means of an appropriately positioned camera and the presence of possible cracks is evaluated later
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a test assembly (1) for inspecting an O-ring (100). Such an assembly comprises a support plane (30) on which said O-ring rests and two discs (10,11), which are coplanar on said support plane (30) and arranged in adjacent position. Such discs rotate on said support plane (30) independently about respective axes (50, 51). The test assembly further comprises image acquisition means (40', 40") of said O-ring arranged at least on one side of said support plane (30) to acquire images of said O-ring. The two discs are configured to rotate in synchronized manner in discordant sense according to at least one first deformed configuration. The image acquisition means (40',40") are configured instead to acquire at least one first image of said O-ring in said first deformed configuration.