Sensor Verification Force Generator for Material Testing Accuracy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional material testing systems lack effective methods to verify the functionality of sensors, leading to unreliable test results due to potential sensor malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a testing system sensor verification device that generates repeatable static and dynamic force responses, allowing for verification of material testing machine sensors by comparing measured forces to predetermined values, ensuring accurate test results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional material testing systems are used without sensor verification, then the system structure remains simple, but sensor malfunction leads to unreliable test results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest result reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The verification device is installed in advance within the testing system, containing pre-configured force generators (spring elements, hydraulic pistons, or electromagnetic coils) that are ready to apply known forces. This preliminary setup allows sensors to be verified before actual testing without adding complexity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated verification device acts as an intermediary component between the actuator and the specimen. This intermediary contains the force generator and verification mechanisms, allowing sensor calibration without directly complicating the main testing function. The verification device mediates between the simple actuator and the complex verification requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If sensor verification is performed frequently to ensure reliability, then test result accuracy improves, but testing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor measurement accuracyVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The verification device is designed to be self-contained with pre-calibrated force generators that automatically apply known forces when verification is needed. The system can perform self-verification without requiring external calibration equipment or complex procedures, reducing the time overhead of frequent verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous verification, the system performs verification at periodic intervals or when triggered by specific events (such as after actuator maintenance or at the start of testing). This periodic verification maintains measurement precision while minimizing time loss compared to continuous verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If verification devices with complex force generation mechanisms are used, then sensor verification capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor verification capabilityVSAvoidverification device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The verification device utilizes force generators that can be adjusted by changing simple parameters such as hydraulic pressure, electromagnetic current, or spring pre-load. These parameter changes allow the same basic device structure to verify sensors across different force ranges, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The verification device employs simple, readily available force generation mechanisms such as spring elements, hydraulic pistons, or electromagnetic coils that can be easily replaced or recalibrated. These components are designed to be straightforward and maintainable, avoiding the use of complex, expensive verification mechanisms while still providing adequate sensor verification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Ensures that material testing systems provide reliable and trustworthy results by periodically or event-triggered verification of sensor functionality, preventing malfunctioning sensors from affecting test outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

a first spring having a first predetermined spring constant, the first spring positioned between the actuator plate and a first location on the body such that actuation of the shaft in a first direction from a predetermined position compresses the first spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4660605A1Material testing systems with testing system sensor verification device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4660605A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4660605A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4660605A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed example testing system sensor verification devices: a shaft; a body; and a force generator having a first predetermined force response, the first force generator coupled to the shaft and the body such that actuation of the shaft in a first direction from a predetermined position causes the force generator to generate the first predetermined force response.