Testing machine with actuator and column brace
Inventors
Carroll, Paul • Pokhil, Dmitrii • Saari, Byron
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11852613-B2
Publication Date
2023-12-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
A testing machine includes a base, at least a pair of columns joined to the base and a crosshead joined to the columns at a location spaced apart from the base. At least a pair of specimen holders are provided. A first specimen holder is supported by the crosshead and faces the base, and a second specimen holder is supported by the base, the base being that portion joined to each of the columns closest to the crosshead. An actuator connected in series between one of the specimen holders and the corresponding base or crosshead. A brace connected to each of the columns and spanning between the columns, the brace being connected to each of the columns at a location along a length thereof between the base and the crosshead.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a testing machine frame including a base and at least a pair of columns joined to a column connector and extending through the base. A crosshead is joined to the columns at a location spaced apart from the base, and at least a pair of specimen holders are provided in which a first specimen holder is supported by the crosshead and faces the base while a second specimen holder is disposed between the first specimen holder and the base. An actuator is connected to one of the specimen holders.
A brace is connected to each of the columns and spans between and structurally joins the columns, with the brace being connected to each column at a location along a length of the column between the base and the crosshead. The brace spans between the columns in order to structurally couple the columns together and address resonant behavior identified as a “box mode” resonant frequency.
The invention further describes brace placement and brace geometry, including brace placement ranges about 25% to 75%, 40% to 60%, or about 50% between distances closest to each other of the specimen-holder ends. Brace geometry includes planar portions on bisecting planes, parallel to planes of column axes, and optional features including a brace aperture for the specimen axis with a removable aperture portion for specimen insertion. The disclosure also covers multi-column configurations and additional braces connected to adjacent columns about a perimeter encircling an axis extending between the specimen holders.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims. Across these independent claims, the inventive focus is the structural coupling of columns using a brace or brace assembly connected along the column span between the base and the crosshead, in combination with the specific arrangement of specimen holders and an actuator connected to one specimen holder.
Column-connected testing machine with base, crosshead, and specimen holder arrangement
A testing machine comprising a column connector, a base, at least a pair of columns joined to the column connector and extending through the base, a crosshead joined to the columns at a location spaced apart from the base, at least a pair of specimen holders, and an actuator connected to one of the specimen holders, with a first specimen holder supported by the crosshead and facing the base and a second specimen holder disposed between the first specimen holder and the base.
Brace spanning between columns with column-connected locations between base and crosshead
A brace connected to each of the columns and spanning between and structurally joining the columns, the brace being connected to each of the columns at a location along a length thereof between the base and the crosshead.
Brace assembly spanning between columns to structurally couple columns
A brace assembly connected to each of the columns at a location along a length of each column between the base and the crosshead, the brace assembly spanning between the columns so as to structurally couple the columns together.
Overall claim coverage centers on a testing machine frame with a base, a crosshead spaced from the base, a two-holder arrangement including one holder between the other holder and the base, an actuator connected to a specimen holder, and a brace or brace assembly spanning between columns with attachment locations along the column length between the base and the crosshead to structurally couple the columns.
Stated Advantages
Raises a problematic “box mode” resonant frequency.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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