Strain Testing Rig With Chain Linkage For Independent Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laboratory-scale testing methods fail to reliably assess the suitability of materials for reeling operations due to their inability to simulate the localized distortions and strain rates experienced in field applications, leading to unexpected failures in high-strain reeling conditions.

Innovation Solution

A strain testing rig that stretches elongate specimens with a chain linkage mechanism, constraining strain to occur evenly within discrete longitudinal zones, mimicking the effect of a steel pipe on insulation material, and allowing independent strain zones to be stretched and bent, providing a more robust indication of material suitability for reeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If four-point bend testing rigs are used to test insulated pipes, then the testing device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of predicting reeling suitability deteriorates because they do not stretch the sample in tension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting device complexityVSAvoidprediction of reeling suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The testing rig divides the specimen into multiple independent strain zones between restraints, allowing each zone to experience controlled tension and bending separately, rather than uniform bending as in four-point bend tests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rig changes the strain parameters by simultaneously applying tension and bending to the specimen, matching the actual reeling conditions where pipes experience both axial tension and bending, unlike simple four-point bend tests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If full scale reel-test rigs are used to assess reeling suitability, then the reliability of prediction improves by simultaneously bending and stretching the insulated pipe, but the device complexity and testing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprediction of reeling suitabilityVSAvoidtesting device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rig extracts the essential reeling conditions (tension and bending) from full-scale reel testing and applies them to smaller laboratory specimens, eliminating the need for full-scale pipe production while maintaining predictive reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rig creates a scaled-down model that replicates the critical strain conditions of full-scale reeling tests, allowing laboratory specimens to mimic field behavior without requiring full-size pipes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If laboratory-scale testing methods are used, then the productivity of material development increases, but the reliability of assessing reeling suitability deteriorates due to inability to simulate localized distortions and strain rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial development efficiencyVSAvoidassessment of reeling suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rig creates localized strain zones between restraints where high strain rates and distorted strain patterns occur, matching the localized conditions in actual reeling applications, rather than uniform strain throughout the specimen

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 strain testing rig provides a reliable prediction of material suitability for reeling operations by simulating field conditions, reducing the risk of material failure and enabling efficient material development without the need for full-scale pipe production.

Implementation Method 1

A drive mechanism is configured to move the at least three restraints to stretch each independent strain zone such that the length of each independent strain zone along the axis increases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

at least three restraints arranged to be spaced apart along the axis of the elongate specimen. Each of the restraints is configured to engage the elongate specimen at a respective contact location such that the strain testing rig defines an independent strain zone between each pair of adjacent contact locations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11846613B2Strain testing rig and method of evaluating strain characteristics of specimen

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 ODYSEA LLC

AI summary

A strain testing rig for testing an elongate specimen has at least three restraints arranged to be spaced apart along the elongate specimen. Each restraint engages the elongate specimen at a respective contact location such that the strain testing rig defines an independent strain zone between each pair of adjacent contact locations. A drive mechanism moves the at least three restraints to stretch each independent strain zone such that the length of each independent strain zone increases independent of strain in the other zones. The restraints can be pivotably connected end-to-end as a chain linkage. The drive mechanism drives the chain linkage from a first position in which a forward facing side of the chain linkage which opposes the specimen is substantially straight to a second position in which the forward facing side of the chain linkage is convexly curved.