Methods and apparatus to perform mechanical property testing

Methods and apparatus to perform mechanical property testing are disclosed. An example testing device includes a computing device configured to obtain a measurement value related to the material or component under test. The computing device includes: a display device; an input device; a processor; and memory coupled to the processor to store computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: display, via the display device, a testing mode interface either directly or in response to selection of the testing mode interface at the first interface, the testing mode interface configured to enable selection of a predetermined test definition interface; and in response to selection of the predetermined test definition interface via the input device, display a test interface, the test interface comprising: inputs for a predetermined subset of configurable test parameters of the testing device; and activation of a mechanical property test.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to mechanical testing, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus to perform mechanical property testing.

Universal testing machines are used to perform mechanical testing, such as compression strength testing or tension strength testing, on materials or components.

SUMMARY

Methods and apparatus to perform mechanical property testing are disclosed, substantially as illustrated by and described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Wherever appropriate, similar or identical reference numerals are used to refer to similar or identical components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed example testing devices improve the utility and ease of use of universal testing machines by improving the speed at which test operators are capable of performing mechanical testing. Conventional universal testing machines require the operator to explicitly set up a set of several test parameters to accomplish even tests having few relevant parameters. In contrast with conventional testing machines, disclosed example testing devices include at least one predetermined test definition interface, or “QuickTest” mode, that enables an operator to quickly input values for a small subset of the configurable parameters of the universal testing machine, such as the parameters that are most often used or are the most relevant to define a variety of tests. In some examples, the configurable parameters of the QuickTest mode for a universal testing machine include test direction, test rate, and units of rate.

While conventional universal testing machines enable users to save predefined sets of parameters, such as a method that is preset to a specific material test, disclosed example testing devices may have the predetermined test definition interface as preconfigured user interface within the software or firmware of the testing device. Disclosed testing devices can significantly improve the speed and simplicity of universal testing for operators, thereby improving testing speed, user experience, and/or operator efficiency.

Disclosed example testing devices measure a mechanical property of a material or component under test, and include a computing device to obtain a measurement value related to the material or component under test. The computing device includes a display device, an input device, a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor to store computer readable instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: display, via the display device, a testing mode interface configured to enable selection of a predetermined test definition interface; and in response to selection of the predetermined test definition interface via the input device, display a test interface. The test interface includes inputs for a predetermined subset of configurable test parameters of the testing device.

In some example testing devices, the predetermined subset are limited in number to fit on the display device without a need to open additional dialogs. In some examples, the inputs for the predetermined ones of the configurable test parameters include a selection of the mechanical properties to be tested by the mechanical property test. In some such examples, the selection of the mechanical property comprises a selection of at least one of a compression strength, a tensile strength, a torsion strength.

In some example testing devices, the inputs for the predetermined subset of the configurable test parameters include a test rate. In some such examples, the inputs for the predetermined subset of the configurable test parameters including a rate selection. The rate selection includes at least one of a displacement rate, a rotation rate, a force rate, or a strain rate.

In some examples, the computer readable instructions cause the processor to store input values for the predetermined subset of the configurable test parameters, and populate the input values for the predetermined subset of the configurable test parameters in response to a subsequent display of the predetermined test definition interface. In some such examples, the computer readable instructions cause the processor to store input values for auxiliary information associated with the mechanical property test, and populate the input values for the auxiliary information in response to the subsequent display of the predetermined test definition interface.

In some examples, the computer readable instructions cause the processor to display the testing mode interface in response to selection of the testing mode interface in an operation mode selection interface. In some such examples, the operation mode selection interface further includes a selection for defining a test method to be performed by the testing device.

In some example testing systems, the test interface includes a display of real-time test measurements of the mechanical property test. In some examples, the predetermined subset are displayed on the display device without requiring opening a dialog in the test interface. In some examples, the test interface includes a graphical display of at least one of test measurements or test results of the mechanical property test. In some such examples, the test interface updates the graphical display of the test measurements in response to the processor receiving the test measurements.

In some example testing devices the configurable test parameters that are included in the predetermined subset are not configurable. In some examples, the test interface further includes an input to activate a mechanical property test.

Disclosed example testing devices measure a mechanical property of a material or component under test, and include a computing device to obtain a measurement value related to the material or component under test. The computing device includes a display device, an input device, a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor to store computer readable instructions. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to, in response to an initialization event at the computing device, display a test interface comprising inputs for a predetermined subset of configurable test parameters of the testing device.

In some examples, the initialization event include a user login at the computing device. In some examples, the initialization event comprises a startup of the testing device or the computing device.

In some example testing devices, the predetermined subset are limited in number to fit on the display device without a need to open additional dialogs. In some examples, the inputs for the predetermined ones of the configurable test parameters include a selection of the mechanical properties to be tested by the mechanical property test. In some such examples, the selection of the mechanical property comprises a selection of at least one of a compression strength, a tensile strength, a torsion strength.

In some example testing devices, the inputs for the predetermined subset of the configurable test parameters include a test rate. In some such examples, the inputs for the predetermined subset of the configurable test parameters including a rate selection. The rate selection includes at least one of a displacement rate, a rotation rate, a force rate, or a strain rate.

In some examples, the computer readable instructions cause the processor to store input values for the predetermined subset of the configurable test parameters, and populate the input values for the predetermined subset of the configurable test parameters in response to a subsequent display of the predetermined test definition interface. In some such examples, the computer readable instructions cause the processor to store input values for auxiliary information associated with the mechanical property test, and populate the input values for the auxiliary information in response to the subsequent display of the predetermined test definition interface.

In some examples, the computer readable instructions cause the processor to display the testing mode interface in response to selection of the testing mode interface in an operation mode selection interface. In some such examples, the operation mode selection interface further includes a selection for defining a test method to be performed by the testing device.

In some example testing systems, the test interface includes a display of real-time test measurements of the mechanical property test. In some examples, the predetermined subset are displayed on the display device without requiring opening a dialog in the test interface. In some examples, the test interface includes a graphical display of at least one of test measurements or test results of the mechanical property test. In some such examples, the test interface updates the graphical display of the test measurements in response to the processor receiving the test measurements.

In some example testing devices the configurable test parameters that are included in the predetermined subset are not configurable. In some examples, the test interface further includes an input to activate a mechanical property test.

FIG.1is an example testing device100to perform mechanical property testing. The example testing device100may be, for example, a universal testing system capable of static mechanical testing. The testing device100may perform, for example, compression strength testing, tension strength testing, shear strength testing, bend strength testing, deflection strength testing, tearing strength testing, peel strength testing (e.g., strength of an adhesive bond), torsional strength testing, and/or any other compressive and/or tensile testing. Additionally or alternatively, the testing device100may perform dynamic testing.

The example testing device100includes a test fixture102and a computing device104communicatively coupled to the test fixture102. The test fixture102applies loads to a material under test106and measures the mechanical properties of the test, such as displacement of the material under test106and/or force applied to the material under test106.

The example computing device104may be used to configure the test fixture102, control the test fixture102, and/or receive measurement data (e.g., transducer measurements such as force and displacement) and/or test results (e.g., peak force, break displacement, etc.) from the test fixture102for processing, display, reporting, and/or any other desired purposes.

FIG.2is a block diagram of an example implementation of the testing device100ofFIG.1. The example testing device100ofFIG.2includes the test fixture102and the computing device104. The example computing device104may be a general-purpose computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile device, a server, an all-in-one computer, and/or any other type of computing device.

The example computing device200ofFIG.2includes a processor202. The example processor202may be any general purpose central processing unit (CPU) from any manufacturer. In some other examples, the processor202may include one or more specialized processing units, such as RISC processors with an ARM core, graphic processing units, digital signal processors, and/or system-on-chips (SoC). The processor202executes machine readable instructions204that may be stored locally at the processor (e.g., in an included cache or SoC), in a random access memory206(or other volatile memory), in a read only memory208(or other non-volatile memory such as FLASH memory), and/or in a mass storage device210. The example mass storage device210may be a hard drive, a solid state storage drive, a hybrid drive, a RAID array, and/or any other mass data storage device.

A bus212enables communications between the processor202, the RAM206, the ROM208, the mass storage device210, a network interface214, and/or an input/output interface216.

The example network interface214includes hardware, firmware, and/or software to connect the computing device201to a communications network218such as the Internet. For example, the network interface214may include IEEE 202.X-compliant wireless and/or wired communications hardware for transmitting and/or receiving communications.

The example I/O interface216ofFIG.2includes hardware, firmware, and/or software to connect one or more input/output devices220to the processor202for providing input to the processor202and/or providing output from the processor202. For example, the I/O interface216may include a graphics processing unit for interfacing with a display device, a universal serial bus port for interfacing with one or more USB-compliant devices, a FireWire, a field bus, and/or any other type of interface. The example testing device100includes a display device224(e.g., an LCD screen) coupled to the I/O interface216. Other example I/O device(s)220may include a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a trackball, a pointing device, a microphone, an audio speaker, a display device, an optical media drive, a multi-touch touch screen, a gesture recognition interface, a magnetic media drive, and/or any other type of input and/or output device.

The example computing device200may access a non-transitory machine readable medium222via the I/O interface216and/or the I/O device(s)220. Examples of the machine readable medium222ofFIG.2include optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile/video discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks), portable storage media (e.g., portable flash drives, secure digital (SD) cards, etc.), and/or any other type of removable and/or installed machine readable media.

The example testing device100ofFIG.1further includes the test fixture102coupled to the computing device200. In the example ofFIG.2, the test fixture102is coupled to the computing device via the I/O interface216, such as via a USB port, a Thunderbolt port, a FireWire (IEEE 1394) port, and/or any other type serial or parallel data port. In some other examples, the test fixture102is coupled to the network interface214via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.), either directly or via the network218.

The test fixture102ofFIG.2includes a frame228, a load cell230, a displacement transducer232, a cross member loader234, material fixtures236, and a controller238. The frame228provides rigid structural support for the other components of the test fixture102that perform the test. The load cell230measures force applied to a material under test by the cross-member loader234via the grips236. The cross-member loader234applies force to the material under test, while the material fixtures236grasp or otherwise couple the material under test to the cross-member loader234. Example grips236include compression platens, jaws or other types of fixtures, depending on the mechanical property being tested and/or the material under test.

The example controller238communicates with the computing device200to, for example, receive test parameters from the computing device200and/or report measurements and/or other results to the computing device200. For example, the controller238may include one or more communication or I/O interfaces to enable communication with the computing device104. The controller238may control the cross-member loader234to increase or decrease applied force, control the fixture(s)236to grasp or release a material under test, and/or receive measurements from the displacement transducer232, the load cell230and/or other transducers.

FIGS.3-6illustrate example user interfaces (e.g., interactive display screens) that may be implemented by the computing device104ofFIGS.1and2to enable an operator of the testing device100to perform a “QuickTest.” An example QuickTest is a test method having a predetermined subset of all of the configurable test parameters of the testing device100. In the example disclosed with reference toFIGS.3-6, the predetermined subset of configurable test parameters includes test parameters that are commonly used (e.g., most commonly used), and/or include test parameters that are most often defined by the operator when creating new test methods. The example user interfaces ofFIGS.3-6discussed below enable rapid selection and performance of the QuickTest method, and is distinguished from stored, operator-defined test methods in that the QuickTest significantly limits the number of configurable test parameters (e.g., by populating the remaining parameters) and/or is predefined within the software or firmware of the computing device104.

FIG.3is an example user interface300showing a number of user selectable tasks302,304,306,308of the testing device100ofFIG.1, and which may be displayed by the example testing device100(e.g., via the display device224ofFIG.1). The example user selectable tasks302-308may be selected using an input device, such as a touchscreen or cursor. Selection of the user selectable task302cause the computing device104to display a testing mode interface, such as the testing mode interface illustrated inFIG.4.

Other example user selectable tasks illustrated inFIG.3include a method definition mode304(e.g., a mode in which an operator can define test methods using any of the configurable test parameters available to the testing device100), an analysis mode306(e.g., a mode in which results of prior tests may be reviewed and/or analyzed), and/or a configuration mode308(e.g., a mode in which aspects of the testing device100can be configured).

FIG.4is another example user interface400showing a number of test definition selections402,404of the testing device100, and which may be displayed by the example testing device ofFIG.1. The example test definition selection402enables an operator to select a predetermined test definition interface, an example of which is illustrated inFIG.5. The test definition selection402corresponds to the “QuickTest” mode including the predetermined subset of configurable test parameters.

Other example test definition selections include an operator-defined test method404, which has been previously configured by an operator (or administrator) and saved to the testing device100.

FIG.5is another example user interface500showing a test setup interface502and which may be displayed by the example testing device100ofFIG.1in response to selection of a “QuickTest” predetermined test definition402ofFIG.4.

The example test setup interface502includes a limited, predetermined set of configurable test parameters. The limited, predetermined set of configurable test parameters may be selected such that the user interface500is flat (e.g., that the set of configurable test parameters fits on a single interface and/or that no additional windows, dialogs or other interfaces are required to access the set of configurable test parameters. In the example interface500, the set of configurable test parameters only includes a test direction504, a test rate506, and units of test rate508. The test direction504may define a mechanical property being tested, such as tension or compression. In some examples, the “tension” and “compression” directions define the two directions in which a single-dimension test device is capable of exerting force, and other mechanical properties such as shear strength testing, bend strength testing, deflection strength testing, tearing strength testing, and/or peel strength testing can be performed by configuring the test direction504to “tension,” “compression,” “clockwise rotation,” and/or “counter-clockwise rotation,” and appropriately orienting the material under test and/or using fixtures appropriate for the type of test.

The example test rate506defines a rate at which the testing device100changes displacement and/or force in the material under test. The units of test rate508define how the rate input to the test rate506is interpreted by the controller238. Example units may include units of displacement (e.g., distance per unit time, such as millimeters per minute (mm/min)) and/or units of force (e.g., force per unit time, such as kilonewtons per minute (kN/min)), in imperial units and/or metric units. Additionally or alternatively, the units of test rate508may be defined in terms of a transducer measurement, in which the test rate is controlled at least in part based on feedback from the transducer. An example of a transducer-based test rate508may include extension of the material under test, as measured by an extensometer or other transducer of material extension. The test rate508may enable selection between one or more of a displacement rate, a rotation rate, a force rate, or a strain rate.

The example user interface500further includes a test activation button510(e.g., a Start button) that commands the controller238to initiate or activate the mechanical property test using the parameters input in the configurable test parameters504-508. Additionally or alternatively, a physical button located on the test fixture102may be used to initiate or activate the mechanical property test in the same manner as the test activation button510.

The example user interface500ofFIG.5may further include additional input configuration parameters514-518and an output configuration interface512. The input configuration parameters514-518are auxiliary information that do not affect the mechanical property test, but may provide information to be associated with the resulting output. Example output parameters that may be defined include a sample text input514, a specimen text input516, and a specimen note518. The output configuration interface512is auxiliary information that may include output format selections520to specify ways of transferring and/or recording the results outside of the testing device100. The output format selections may specify file formats for the results, storage and/or transmission locations for the results, components to be used to transmit, store, or otherwise output the results (e.g., the I/O interface216, the network interface214, the display device224, the mass storage device210) and/or any other output configuration options.

In some examples, the test setup interface502stores the most recently used inputs to the configurable test parameters504-508, the additional input configuration parameters514-518, and/or the output configuration interface520, when the user interface500is closed, such as when an operator selects to return to one of the interfaces300,400ofFIGS.3and/or4. When the operator returns to the test setup interface502at a later time, the parameters may then be recalled and populated into the configurable test parameters504-508, the additional input configuration parameters514-518, and/or the output configuration interface520to potentially further increase the speed at which a test can be activated on the testing device100.

FIG.6is another example user interface showing the test interface500ofFIG.5and including test results600from a mechanical property test. The example test results600include a results graph602and a results table604. The example test results600may include results for one or more test specimens in a single interface.

FIG.7is a flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions700which may be executed to implement the testing device100ofFIGS.1and/or2. The example machine readable instructions700may be performed by the testing device100(e.g., via the computing device104) to perform mechanical property testing. In some examples, the instructions700begin when an operator logs into the testing device100. Additionally or alternatively, the instructions700begin when the testing device100is turned on and/or initialized.

At block701, the testing device100(e.g., via the processor202) determines whether to start in a predetermined test definition interface (e.g., a Quick-Test mode). For example, the testing device100may be configured to enter the Quick-Test mode immediately upon operator login or other initialization event.

If the testing device100is not configured to start in Quick-Test mode (block701), at block702, the testing device100displays a mode selection interface (e.g., the user interface300ofFIG.3, via the display device224). The mode selection interface may include a number of user selectable tasks for selection, including a testing mode such as the user selectable task302ofFIG.3. At block704, the processor202determines whether the testing mode has been selected (e.g., via the I/O device(s)220). If the testing mode has not been selected (block704), control returns to block702to continue displaying the mode selection interface. In other examples in which a different operation mode is selected (e.g., one of the user selectable tasks304-308), the example processor202may implement the selected user selectable task and the instructions700may end and/or return control to block702to display the mode selection interface300.

If the testing mode has been selected (block704), at block706the testing device100displays (e.g., via the display device224) a testing mode interface including a QuickTest method. For example, the processor202may cause the display device224to display the example user interface400ofFIG.4including the test definition selection402. At block708, the processor202determines whether the test definition selection402(e.g., a QuickTest definition) has been selected. If the test definition selection402has not been selected (block708), control returns to block706to continue displaying the testing mode interface400. In other examples in which a different test definition is selected (e.g., the test definition selection404), the example processor202may implement the selected test definition and the instructions700may end and/or return control to block702to display the mode selection interface300.

If the test definition selection402has been selected (block708), or if the testing device100is configured to start in Quick-Test mode (block701), at block710the example testing device100displays (e.g., via the display device224) a predetermined test definition interface including a predetermined subset of the configurable test parameters and a test activation element. For example, the testing device100may display the test setup interface502ofFIG.5, including the configurable test parameters504-508of the testing device100and the test activation button510. The testing device100may further display the additional input configuration parameters514-518and/or the output configuration interface520when the test definition is selected.

At block712, the processor202determines whether values for the configurable test parameters504-508, the additional input configuration parameters514-518, and/or the output configuration interface520have been previously stored. For example, the most recently used parameter values may be stored in memory and/or a nonvolatile storage device. If values for the configurable test parameters504-508, the additional input configuration parameters514-518, and/or the output configuration interface520have been previously stored (block712), the example processor202populates the values for the configurable test parameters504-508, the additional input configuration parameters514-518, and/or the output configuration interface520into the test setup interface502. The populated values may be changed by an operator of the testing device100.

After outputting the mechanical property test results (block720), or if a test has not been activated (block716), at block722the processor determines whether to exit the predetermined test definition interface. For example, an operator may select an option to return to the testing mode interface and/or to the task interface. The option to return to the testing mode interface and/or to the task selection interface may be provided at the conclusion of a test and/or may be continually displayed on the predetermined test definition interface (e.g., in a menu area). If the predetermined test definition interface is not to be exited (block722), control returns to block710.

In response to exiting the predetermined test definition interface (block722), at block724the processor stores values for the configurable test parameters that were populated in the configurable test parameters504-508, the additional input configuration parameters514-518, and/or the output configuration interface520when the test definition is selected (e.g., previously populated, populated by the operator, etc.). Control then returns to block706to display the testing mode interface.