Rotary Connection System for Rapid Test Specimen Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connecting arrangements for test stands require significant time and effort to change shafts with different rigidities, making it inefficient to vary torsion connection properties for multiple test specimens.

Innovation Solution

A rotary connection system with adaptive shaft adapters and test piece adapters featuring positive locking elements, a bayonet-style axial connection device, and interchangeable shafts with varying stiffness, allowing for quick and uncomplicated conversion between test specimens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional shaft connection arrangements are used, then reliable rotational connection is achieved, but significant time and effort are required to change shafts with different rigidities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft change speedVSAvoidretooling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft connection system is divided into modular components: shaft adapters with standardized connection interfaces, test specimen adapters, and interchangeable shafts. This segmentation allows rapid assembly and disassembly by connecting only the relevant components without reconfiguring the entire connection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft adapters are designed with universal standardized connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple shaft types with different rigidities. The same adapter structure serves multiple functions by supporting various shaft configurations, eliminating the need for dedicated connection arrangements for each shaft type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple shafts with different stiffnesses are used to vary torsional connection properties, then adaptability to different test specimens is improved, but reconfiguration becomes extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorsional stiffness variationVSAvoidreconfiguration effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables parameter changes in torsional stiffness by selecting and connecting different shaft types through standardized interfaces. The physical parameter of shaft stiffness can be varied without changing the connection system architecture, allowing rapid adaptation to different test requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple shafts with different stiffness characteristics are prepared in advance and stored ready for connection. The standardized connection system allows these pre-prepared shafts to be quickly swapped without requiring on-site modification or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3325835B1Shaft connection device and arrangement for the rotational connection of a load machine of a test stand to a test subject

Publication Date: 2019.11.20 AVL LIST GMBH

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Figure 2b

AI summary

Arrangement for the rotational connection of the load machine attachment component (1) of a load machine (2) to the test subject attachment component (3) of a test subject (4), comprising a shaft connection device (21) for the positively locking rotational connection of a hub (22) to a shaft (6), wherein the shaft connection device (21) comprises an actuating device (25) for actuating the axial securing element (23), wherein the actuating device (25) can be locked in an open position, in which the axial securing element (23) can be or is placed into its retracted position, and wherein the actuating device (25) can be locked in a closed position, in which the axial securing element (23) can be or is placed into its deployed position.