Wedge Bracket for Fabric Grip Self-Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing materials testing devices with opposing jaw faces struggle to securely grip certain materials, leading to specimen slippage and failed tests, and often require multiple grip sets for different materials, with alignment issues that cannot be easily corrected without modifying the grips.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a bracket and wedge assembly that increases the surface area of the material against the jaw faces, allowing self-centering and enabling secure holding of the specimen, and allowing for an 'S' wrap configuration, which is achieved through a sliding wedge mechanism within a stainless steel bracket, accommodating various materials and testing protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard opposing jaw faces are used, then the grip design is simple, but the ability to securely hold fabric specimens is insufficient leading to slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The grip system is divided into separate functional components: the base grip body and the wedge assembly. The wedge can be independently installed, adjusted, and removed from the bracket, allowing the grip to handle both simple and fabric specimens with different configurations without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge introduces a new dimensional element by increasing the surface area contact between the grip and fabric specimen. By adding this third dimension of contact surface, the grip securely holds materials that would otherwise slip on standard two-dimensional jaw faces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate grip sets are used for different materials, then each material can be tested optimally, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge assembly is designed as a universal component that can be attached to standard opposing jaw grips to enable fabric and soft material testing. This single wedge design works across different grip bodies and specimen types, eliminating the need for entirely separate grip sets for different materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge is mounted on a bracket that allows it to slide and self-center during operation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the wedge to adapt to different specimen sizes and shapes while maintaining optimal contact, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment is based on mounting and assembly quality, then the grip structure remains simple, but misalignment cannot be corrected without permanent modification
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is pre-designed with self-centering capability through its sliding mechanism on the bracket. This preliminary design feature automatically compensates for mounting variations and assembly tolerances, eliminating the need for post-assembly alignment corrections or permanent modifications to the grip structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge assembly performs self-alignment through its sliding mechanism, automatically centering itself on the bracket during operation. This self-service alignment feature eliminates dependence on precise manual assembly and allows for easy removal and reinstallation without requiring alignment tools or permanent modifications.
4Reliability
If the wedge surface area is increased, then the grip ability improves, but the wedge dimensions and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge concentrates its gripping function at the critical contact interface with the fabric specimen, providing maximum surface area where needed for secure holding. The bracket and mounting structures use minimal material, optimizing the distribution of material properties to achieve high gripping ability without excessive overall volume.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device to be used with materials testing of fabrics, wherein the materials testing apparatus includes grips with opposing jaw faces. A wedge is provided which is mounted on a bracket which is attached to the grip. The wedge is used to increase surface area of the material against the jaw faces of the grips, which increases the ability of the grips to hold onto the sample/specimen/material during test. The wedge can slide in the bracket or the wedge mount can slide in the bracket to allow it to self-center itself in the grip body.