Testing Machine Liquid Collecting Device for Automated Moist Specimen Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing testing machines face challenges in maintaining automated operation over long periods without human intervention, particularly when testing moist or wet specimens, as liquid can escape and cause contamination or damage, especially in automated procedures.

Innovation Solution

A collecting device is integrated under the test specimen to collect any liquids that may drip during the testing process, which can be detachably connected to the lower clamping device and equipped with a drain line for continuous drainage, ensuring the testing machine operates safely and efficiently without operator intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated testing is performed over long periods without human supervision, then productivity increases, but liquid escaping from test specimens causes contamination and damage to the testing machine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated testing capabilityVSAvoidliquid contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A collecting device is introduced as an intermediary element between the test specimen and the testing machine environment. This device captures liquids escaping from the test specimen, preventing direct contact with and contamination of the testing machine components. The collecting device acts as a buffer zone that isolates the harmful liquid discharge from the sensitive testing environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful liquid escaping from the test specimen is redirected into a useful function by channeling it into the collecting device. Instead of allowing the liquid to damage the testing machine, the system captures and contains it, potentially for measurement, analysis, or controlled disposal. The harmful discharge is transformed into a contained flow that serves the testing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If operator inspection and intervention are required to prevent contamination, then machine safety is maintained, but productivity decreases due to frequent interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine safetyVSAvoidtesting throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system incorporates a self-service mechanism through the automatically operating collecting device that continuously prevents liquid contamination without requiring operator intervention. The device autonomously captures escaping liquids throughout the testing process, allowing the system to protect itself from damage while maintaining continuous operation and high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a collecting device is added to prevent liquid contamination, then machine protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine protectionVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collecting device is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently installed and removed from the testing machine. This segmentation allows the protection function to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire testing system. The modular nature enables easy integration while maintaining the simplicity of the core testing apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collecting device serves multiple functions: it collects escaping liquids, prevents contamination of the testing machine, and can potentially measure or analyze the liquid properties. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing several benefits from a single added component rather than requiring separate systems for each function.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4249890A1Testing machine with collecting device, collecting device and method of operating the testing machine
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP4249890A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4249890A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4249890A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a testing machine (1) for testing a test specimen (30), comprising a lower clamping device (10) and an upper clamping device (20) for receiving the test specimen (30), wherein at least one of the clamping devices (10, 20) is movable in a vertical direction (21). The invention is characterized in that a liquid collecting device (40) is provided, which is arranged under the test specimen (30) when it is in a clamped position, so that liquids from or out of the test specimen (30) can be collected by the collecting device (40). The invention also relates to the collecting device (40) as such and to a method of operating the testing machine (1)