Test Specimen Holder With Multiple Wedge Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test specimen holders face difficulties in gripping large planar test specimens, particularly along long lateral edges, which can lead to improper tension loads during material testing.
Innovation Solution
A test specimen holder design featuring multiple pairs of movable wedges and pistons connected to a single cylinder body, allowing for relative movement and uniform compression, with guide assemblies to prevent lateral sliding and ensure precise gripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single piston chamber with opposed jaws is used, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot provide uniform gripping force along long lateral edges of large planar test specimens
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple independent gripping assemblies, each with its own piston chamber and wedge mechanism. These assemblies are distributed along the length of the holder to grip different sections of the test specimen simultaneously, ensuring uniform gripping force across large planar specimens while maintaining individual simplicity of each assembly
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple gripping assemblies are used to improve gripping uniformity, then the gripping precision improves, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gripping assemblies are merged into a single integrated holder structure that shares common support elements and alignment features. The assemblies are arranged in a coordinated manner along the holder, allowing them to function independently while contributing to a unified gripping action on the test specimen
3Ease of operation
If conventional gripping methods are used, then the setup is straightforward, but tension loads are imparted to the specimen during placement
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with pre-configured gripping surfaces and alignment features that guide the test specimen into the correct position before gripping occurs. The multiple gripping assemblies are positioned to engage the specimen simultaneously, preventing any single-point loading that would create tension loads during placement
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 efficient and uniform gripping of large test specimens, allowing for precise control of tension loads and faster specimen loading/unloading, while maintaining stability and preventing undesirable movement.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid pressure (hydraulic or pneumatic) pressurizes the piston chamber to operate the jaws
Implementation Method 2
The holder includes at least one pair of wedges, a plurality of pistons and a tie bar connected to each of the pistons
Data Source
AI summary
A test specimen holder includes at least one pair of wedges, a plurality of pistons and a tie bar connected to each of the pistons. A single cylinder body is operable with each of the pistons and the wedges. The cylinder body is adapted to urge the wedges together with relative movement of the cylinder body with respect to the pistons.