Automated Transverse Tensile Testing of Building Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of transverse tensile testing for building materials, such as wood-based materials, is labor-intensive, prone to variability in adhesive application, and results in inconsistent test results due to factors like adhesive strength, material moisture, and undefined test geometry, leading to potential errors and increased reject rates.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and device for transverse tensile testing that uses a defined amount of adhesive, controlled contact pressure, and specific adhesive geometries to ensure reproducible adhesive strength, combined with image analysis for fracture surface evaluation, and advanced cleaning techniques to improve the reliability and reproducibility of test results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adhesive application is used, then the process is simple and flexible, but the adhesive amount, pattern, and timing vary leading to inconsistent adhesive strength and test results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adhesive application with an automated adhesive application device that uses a dispensing system to apply adhesive in a controlled manner. The device includes a dispensing nozzle that applies adhesive in a defined pattern (such as a line or dot pattern) at controlled intervals, ensuring consistent adhesive amount and distribution without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls adhesive application parameters including the amount of adhesive, application pattern, and timing between application and pressing. By defining these parameters (adhesive quantity, pattern geometry, time intervals), the system achieves reproducible adhesive strength while maintaining automated operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated adhesive application is implemented, then adhesive consistency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing system into separate functional modules: specimen preparation station, adhesive application device, pressing device, and testing device. Each module performs a specific function independently, which simplifies the overall system design and maintenance while achieving automated operation and consistent adhesive application.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated adhesive application device is integrated with the pressing device and specimen handling system, allowing a single automated system to perform multiple functions (adhesive application, positioning, and pressing) that would otherwise require separate manual operations, thereby managing complexity through functional integration.
3Productivity
If adhesive is applied manually, then the process is quick and simple, but the time between adhesive application and pressing varies affecting adhesive strength
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs adhesive application and pressing in continuous sequence without interruption. The adhesive application device applies adhesive and immediately positions the specimen and activates the pressing device, ensuring consistent time intervals between application and pressing while maintaining high throughput and productivity.
4Device complexity
If manual handling is used, then the equipment is simple, but test specimen may slip during gluing or pressing resulting in undefined test geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual specimen handling with an automated positioning and pressing device that uses controlled mechanical forces to secure the specimen between yokes. The device applies defined pressing forces to ensure proper contact and prevent slippage during adhesive curing, maintaining precise test geometry throughout the process.
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 automated system enhances the reproducibility and reliability of transverse tensile test results, reduces manual labor, and allows for consistent adhesive application, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the testing process.
Implementation Method 1
a) applying a defined amount of adhesive in a defined adhesive pattern to a first yoke (J1) and/or a first side of the test specimen (PK)
Implementation Method 2
b) placing the test specimen (PK) on the first yoke (J1) and aligning it with the receiving unit (302) and pressing it with a pressing device (303)
Implementation Method 3
image analysis for fracture surface evaluation
Implementation Method 4
advanced cleaning techniques to improve the reliability and reproducibility of test results
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the transverse tensile testing of building materials, comprising the following steps: - preparing a test specimen (PC) from the building material, wherein the test specimen (PC) has a predetermined geometry; - bonding the test specimen (PC) between a first yoke (J1) and a second yoke (J2) using an adhesive; - pressing down the respective bonding surfaces of the test specimen (PC), the first yoke (J1), and the second yoke (J2); - allowing the adhesive to cure; and - applying a transverse tensile force until the test specimen (PC) breaks. According to the invention, a defined quantity of adhesive is used in the bonding step, and the pressing is carried out with a defined contact force.The invention also provides an assembly unit (300) for manufacturing a test specimen unit (PKE) with a test specimen (PK) bonded between two yokes (J1, J2), wherein the assembly unit (300) is designed to hold the yokes (J1, J2) with the test specimen (PK) arranged between them in a defined relative position for bonding. The invention also provides a device for preferably automatic transverse tensile testing of building materials.