Rheometer Docking Station for Automated Rubber Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rubber testing requires transporting samples from the production floor to a central laboratory for analysis, which is time-consuming and resource-intensive, and often necessitates human intervention for sample placement in rheometers.
Innovation Solution
A rheometer docking station system that allows for precise positioning and orientation of rheometers on the production floor, enabling automated sample placement and reducing the need for human operators, using a guide with a funnel-shaped configuration and locating components to facilitate alignment and docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If samples are transported from production floor to central laboratory for analysis, then material testing can be performed, but time is lost and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the rheometer from a centralized location (laboratory) to a distributed location (production floor), changing the spatial dimension of testing. This allows testing to occur at the source of material production, eliminating transport time and enabling real-time feedback on material properties during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station is pre-configured with locating components and alignment features that enable the rheometer to be quickly positioned and secured on the production floor. This preliminary setup allows the rheometer to be ready for immediate use without requiring time-consuming installation or calibration when first deployed.
2Extent of automation
If rheometers are positioned on production floor, then automated sample placement is enabled, but precise positioning and orientation must be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The rheometer incorporates locating components that automatically engage with corresponding features on the docking station. This self-aligning mechanism allows the rheometer to automatically position itself correctly on the production floor without requiring manual adjustment or complex external positioning systems, thereby enabling automated sample placement while maintaining precise orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indicators (such as aligned markings or illuminated guides) to show when the rheometer is properly positioned and oriented on the docking station. These visual cues provide immediate feedback to operators or automated systems, ensuring that the rheometer is correctly aligned before automated sample placement begins.
3Ease of operation
If rheometer is received by docking body, then docking is achieved, but alignment must be facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station includes a guide with a funnel-shaped configuration that gradually narrows toward the docking body. This curved, tapered geometry naturally guides the rheometer into proper alignment as it approaches the docking station, making the docking process easier while ensuring precise final positioning through the self-aligning geometry of the funnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide acts as an intermediary element between the approach path and the docking body. The funnel-shaped guide progressively constrains and aligns the rheometer, mediating the transition from a loose approach to precise docking alignment, thereby simplifying the overall docking operation while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A rheometer docking station and methods of use are provided. Certain of the systems and methods described herein are capable of docking a rheometer to a rheometer docking station. Certain of the systems and methods described herein are capable of locating a rheometer in one, two or three dimensions.