Pin Actuator Force Application for Precision Device Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conformance and performance tests for devices lack precision in applying force and monitoring reactions, especially for fine-scale applications, and require systems to coordinate force application across multiple devices or parts of devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for applying a constant force to devices by setting target positions and forces, using a pin actuator assembly with a motion controller to adjust and maintain actual characteristics to meet target characteristics, allowing for precise force application and monitoring across multiple devices or parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional testing methods are used for applying force to devices, then the testing can cover a range of conditions (air, water, steam, vacuum, pressure, temperature), but the precision for fine-scale force applications and monitoring is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control through a motion controller that receives input from a force sensor and adjusts the actuator's position in real-time. The controller compares the measured force against a target force value and modifies the actuator position to maintain the desired force level, enabling precise force application and monitoring for fine-scale testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical testing systems with an integrated electromechanical system that uses an actuator coupled to a pin, controlled by a motion controller that processes sensor feedback. This substitution enables more precise control and measurement capabilities compared to traditional mechanical testing apparatus
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices or multiple parts of a device need to be tested simultaneously, then comprehensive testing coverage is achieved, but coordinating force application across multiple targets increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent modular units, each consisting of an actuator, pin, force sensor, and motion controller. This segmentation allows multiple identical units to be deployed simultaneously on different devices or different parts of the same device, with each unit operating independently but under coordinated control, thereby achieving multi-device testing capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If the pin moves to a target position to apply force, then position control is achieved, but maintaining constant force requires continuous position adjustment which complicates control
Solution Approach 1:
The motion controller continuously receives feedback from the force sensor about the actual force being applied and automatically adjusts the actuator position to maintain the target force level. This closed-loop feedback control simplifies operation by automatically handling the complex coordination between position and force, eliminating the need for manual intervention to maintain constant force
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for applying force to at least one device at least one force actuator including a processor accessing at least one description of the at least one device, the processor creating command information based at least on the at least one description, and a controller accessing the command information, the controller creating at least one motion command based on the command information, the controller issuing the at least one motion command, the motion command enabling the testing of the at least one device by controlling the at least one force actuator based on the at least one motion command.