The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for testing the ability of a material to deflect and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for testing and assessing the ability of a component to deform.
In one aspect, the present invention resides in an apparatus for testing the ability of a material or component to deflect. Such an apparatus comprises a table on which a component or piece of material (hereinafter referred to as “workpiece”) is mounted. The workpiece is mounted using a suitable holding and supportive device. The supportive device includes a fulcrum on which the workpiece is partially supported. A loading device is used to apply a load to the workpiece. A computer or PLC in operable communication with the loading device is used to operate the apparatus and assess the ability of the material of the workpiece to deflect.
In another aspect, the present invention resides in a process used to assess the testing of a material. This process comprises the steps of deflecting a workpiece of the material and measuring at least one of a force used to deflect the workpiece and a distance the workpiece is deflected.
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The table 12 comprises a substantially planar surface 20 horizontally oriented to which devices holding and supporting the workpiece 16 can be secured. The planar surface 20 is mounted so as to be movable in perpendicular horizontal directions (i.e., the table 12 is a two-axis table). The present invention is not limited in this regard, as the table 12 may be movable in three directions (e.g., in perpendicular horizontal directions and further in a vertical direction). The planar surface 20 is movable in two or three directions using any suitable mechanism. The table 12 further comprises at least one workpiece holder 24 (the device for holding the workpiece 16) having at least one workpiece support 26 mounted on the planar surface 20. The table 12 and the load device 14 may be mounted on a table 28.
As is shown, the loading device 14 comprises a roller 30 for rollably engaging the workpiece 16. The roller 30 allows friction from the movement of the loading device 14 relative to the workpiece 16 to be minimized when carrying out a test procedure. The roller 30 is supported by any suitable structure extending from the loading device 14. The roller 30, the workpiece holder 24, and the workpiece support 26 are positionable relative to the table 12 to effect the desired orientation of the workpiece 16 for testing. The loading device 14 also includes an arm 70 to which a load cell 72 is attached. Movement of the loading device 14 is via the arm 70 and the load cell 72 and is effected by a motor 73 and a device 75 having a shaft 77 extendable therefrom.
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As shown, the first option describes a testing process in which the workpiece 16 is deflected using the apparatus 10 and the force used to make the deflection is measured. In the first option, the workpiece 16 is deflected to a calculated, pre-selected position in a deflection step 96. The pre-selected position is calculated based on the type of material being tested, the properties of the material, and the expected results. One parameter of the calculation is based on the distance between the workpiece support 26 and the roller 30. The force used to deflect the workpiece 16 is then measured in a force measuring step 98. The load cell 72 is used to measure the force. The load cell 72 used may be of the mechanical type (e.g., hydraulic or pneumatic) or it may be a strain gage load cell. After measuring the force, a determination is made regarding whether or not the workpiece 16 passes or fails in a determination step 100.
The second option (following the option step 94) describes a testing process in which the workpiece 16 is deflected using a pre-selected amount of force and the distance the workpiece is deflected is measured. The deflection of the workpiece 16 is effected in a calculated deflection step 102. The pre-selected amount of force used is based on the type of material being tested, the properties of the material, and the expected results. The distance between the workpiece support 26 and the roller 30 may be a factor in determining the amount of force. Once the deflection step 102 is carried out, the distance the workpiece 16 is deflected is measured in a distance measuring step 104. Any suitable method for measuring the distance the workpiece 16 is deflected can be used. After the distance measuring step 104, a determination is made regarding whether or not the workpiece 16 passes or fails in the determination step 100.
Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of this disclosure.
This patent application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of copending, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/358,612, filed Jun. 25, 2010, the disclosure of this U.S. patent application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61358612 | Jun 2010 | US |