Automated Test Bench Support for Universal Device Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated test benches require significant operator intervention and time to fix devices of different models, leading to human errors and inefficiencies in installation and positioning.

Innovation Solution

A test bench support system with a movable support part along the Y axis, elastic members, and clamping jaws allows for secure fixing of devices in two perpendicular directions, accommodating various formats without part changes or specific tools, and includes features like anti-vibration soles and sensors for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operator intervention is used to fix devices of different models, then devices can be securely fixed, but installation time increases and human errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixingVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support device enables automatic self-positioning of the device through the interaction between the movable support piece, elastic element, and stop. The device automatically finds its correct position and is secured without operator intervention, eliminating both time loss and potential human errors while maintaining secure fixing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support piece is pre-configured with elastic elements and stops positioned in advance. When a device is placed on the support, the pre-positioned components automatically engage to secure the device, eliminating the need for operators to perform fixing actions during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If operator intervention is used to position devices, then precise positioning can be achieved, but installation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically positions itself through the mechanical interaction between the movable support piece, elastic element, and stop. The support piece moves along the Y axis until the device contacts the stop, ensuring precise positioning without operator intervention, thereby maintaining both precision and high installation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The stop is pre-positioned at the exact location where the device should be secured. The elastic element is pre-configured to provide the necessary force to move the support piece to the correct position, ensuring precise positioning is achieved automatically and efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fastening systems are used for different device models, then various formats can be accommodated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice format compatibilityVSAvoidfastening system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device uses a universal mechanism consisting of a movable support piece, elastic element, and stop that can accommodate various device formats. The clamp with jaws that move towards each other along the X axis provides a universal clamping action that adapts to different device widths without requiring multiple specialized fastening systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support piece is designed to be movable along the Y axis, allowing it to dynamically adapt to devices of different heights and formats. The elastic element provides dynamic adjustment capability, automatically adjusting the support position to match the device being tested, thereby accommodating various formats with a single simple system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If frequent part changes are made to accommodate different devices, then various formats can be supported, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformat accommodationVSAvoidpart replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is designed as a universal system that can accommodate various device formats without requiring part changes. The movable support piece and adjustable clamp mechanism work together to adapt to different device sizes and formats, eliminating the need for frequent part replacements and significantly reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic movable support piece allows the system to adapt to different device formats through movement rather than part replacement. The elastic element enables automatic adjustment to accommodate various device dimensions, maintaining versatility while eliminating time-consuming part changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables reliable, repeatable, and rapid installation of devices of different sizes and formats, reducing human errors and ensuring precise positioning to the nearest millimeter, while minimizing vibration transmission and facilitating easy maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element (107) exerting a force on the support piece (105) in the direction of the stop (110) to hold the device/equipment (120) between the support piece (105) and the stop (110)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a clamp (100) comprising two jaws (101) movable towards each other to clamp the device/equipment (120), along an X axis perpendicular to the Y axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical clamping force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

an anti-vibration pad arranged in contact with the test bench and configured to limit the transmission of vibrations between the test bench and the device/equipment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4390360A1Automated test bench with device/equipment support
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 PONANT TECH
  • EP4390360A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4390360A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4390360A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention essentially consists of proposing a test bench support that allows a device/equipment to be held in two directions perpendicular to each other, and this for a wide variety of device/equipment formats.