Test Specimen Calibration via Conformity and Plausibility Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional calibration methods are susceptible to errors, lack traceability, and are unreliable due to equipment limitations.

Innovation Solution

A method for calibrating a test object involves providing calibration masters with specified measurands and calibration values, using test instruments to generate measured values, and performing conformity and plausibility checks to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional calibration methods are used, then the calibration process is simple, but the measurement reliability and traceability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration reliabilityVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system is segmented into multiple independent components: calibration masters, calibration procedures, test instruments, and evaluation modules. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently configured, managed, and verified, thereby improving reliability without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Calibration masters are prepared in advance with predefined calibration values, procedures, and specifications. This preliminary configuration ensures that when calibration is performed, all necessary parameters and criteria are already established, improving reliability while reducing the complexity of the actual calibration execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If conventional calibration methods are used, then the equipment requirements are minimal, but the measurement precision and accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration precisionVSAvoidcalibration equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces calibration masters as intermediary reference standards that mediate between the test instrument and the final measurement. These masters contain predefined calibration values and procedures, enabling precise measurements without requiring complex direct calibration equipment. The calibration master acts as a bridge that simplifies the overall system while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional calibration methods are used, then the calibration process is quick, but the traceability and documentation are unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetraceabilityVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor and record calibration parameters, measured values, and evaluation results. This automated documentation ensures complete traceability without requiring manual recording, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing time loss. The system automatically generates calibration certificates and maintains audit trails.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If conventional calibration methods are used, then the operational simplicity is maintained, but the conformity assessment is error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconformity assessment reliabilityVSAvoidcalibration operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system performs self-verification through automated evaluation of measured values against predefined specifications and conformity criteria. The system automatically determines whether calibration targets are met, reducing human error in conformity assessment while maintaining ease of operation. The automated evaluation and plausibility checks ensure reliability without requiring complex manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3657136B1Method for calibration of a test specimen
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 ESZ AG CALIBRATION & METROLOGY
  • EP3657136B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3657136B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3657136B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Calibration procedure and computer program product and system, comprising a test instrument and a calibration system for calibrating a test item.