High-G Shock Testing Machine Braking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shock testing methods for aircraft, consumer electronics, and automobile components are inaccurate, unreliable, and expensive, failing to effectively simulate the complex shock loading conditions experienced by these products, particularly in high-G environments.
Innovation Solution
Development of low-cost, reusable shock testing machines capable of applying multi-axial high acceleration and deceleration pulses (>±10,000 g) over long durations, simulating extreme events like 'tail slap' through innovative braking mechanisms and flywheel-based systems, allowing for precise control of shock loading profiles and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized shock testing machines or computer simulation are used, then testing accuracy improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of ballistic testing conditions using a shock testing machine that replicates high-G shock loads through a moving platform and braking mechanism, providing an accurate but less expensive alternative to actual ballistic testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex ballistic testing machinery with a simpler shock testing system using a movable platform, braking elements, and control systems to generate equivalent shock loads without requiring actual projectile launch equipment
2Reliability
If ballistic or operational testing is used, then testing reliability improves, but cost and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a controlled simulation of operational testing conditions by generating high-G shock loads through a movable platform system, providing reliable test data without the safety risks and costs of actual operational or ballistic testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful and expensive ballistic testing process into a beneficial, controlled shock loading simulation that achieves the same testing objectives without the associated risks and costs
3Ease of manufacture
If simple drop testing or pneumatic shock machines are used, then cost decreases, but measurement precision and repeatability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control to the shock testing process through a movable platform that can be accelerated and decelerated at controlled rates, with braking elements that provide precise control over the shock pulse characteristics, achieving both accuracy and cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables precise control of shock loading parameters including peak acceleration, pulse duration, and waveform shape through adjustable braking forces and platform velocity control, allowing accurate simulation of various shock conditions
4Device complexity
If current shock testing machines are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying shock testing requirements worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal shock testing platform that can accommodate various test article sizes and weights, generate different shock pulse types (half-sine, square, triangular), and simulate multiple shock conditions through adjustable braking parameters and platform velocity control
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
The solution provides accurate, repeatable, and cost-effective simulation of shock loading conditions, enabling the testing of a wide range of products from small electronics to heavy ordnance, with improved precision and data collection capabilities, reducing the need for costly ballistic testing and enhancing product durability assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a braking station having one or more braking elements operatively engageable with one or more corresponding braking surfaces on the test platform
Implementation Method 2
simulating extreme events like 'tail slap' through innovative braking mechanisms and flywheel-based systems
Data Source
AI summary
A brake for use with a shock testing machine, the brake including: a brake material for generating a frictional force to stop a test platform when the brake material is urged against an opposed braking surface; links for rotatably connecting the brake material to the test platform; a biasing spring to bias the brake material towards the braking surface; a restraint mechanism for restraining the braking material, against a biasing force of the biasing spring, in a retracted position where the braking material is separated from the braking surface; and a release mechanism for releasing the restraint of the release mechanism to bias the brake material against the braking surface; wherein the links are configured such that relative movement between the brake material and braking surface while the brake material and braking surface are engaged causes a frictional force between the brake material and braking material to increase.