WO2022159670A1 - Système, procédé et appareil d'automatisation de test d'échantillon - Google Patents
Système, procédé et appareil d'automatisation de test d'échantillon Download PDFInfo
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- WO2022159670A1 WO2022159670A1 PCT/US2022/013263 US2022013263W WO2022159670A1 WO 2022159670 A1 WO2022159670 A1 WO 2022159670A1 US 2022013263 W US2022013263 W US 2022013263W WO 2022159670 A1 WO2022159670 A1 WO 2022159670A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- test head
- housing
- anvil
- cavity
- specimen
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 184
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 23
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 19
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 19
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 17
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000003908 quality control method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000825 pharmaceutical preparation Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229940127557 pharmaceutical product Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 238000004445 quantitative analysis Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920005372 Plexiglas® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006399 behavior Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012669 compression test Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009658 destructive testing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004926 polymethyl methacrylate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009516 primary packaging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N3/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
- G01N3/08—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress by applying steady tensile or compressive forces
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/36—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting change in dimensions of the structure being tested
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N3/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
- G01N3/02—Details
- G01N3/04—Chucks
Definitions
- the present disclosure is directed to specimen testing and, more particularly, to a system, method, and apparatus for automating residual seal force testing and/or compression friction measurement testing.
- containers e.g., bottles, vials, etc.
- elastomeric closures and, in some cases, crimped caps have been a primary packaging system for parenteral (i.e., injectable) medicines.
- Parenteral products contained in such container package systems require a robust seal at the interface between the glass container and the elastomeric stopper to prevent contamination and product leakage. While the seal is established in the manufacturing process, it must withstand a variety of handling, processing, and storage conditions prior to use.
- container seal is composed of three major components - the glass container, an elastomeric closure (e.g., a rubber stopper), and a cap that secures the rubber stopper in the container, such as an aluminum cap.
- an elastomeric closure e.g., a rubber stopper
- a cap that secures the rubber stopper in the container, such as an aluminum cap.
- a metal cap typically an aluminum or aluminum alloy
- the cap must be crimped onto the stopped container with a compressive force that will ensure sufficient mating of the container and elastomeric closure.
- the cap is removed for other testing.
- Closure variables that affect the container seals include dimensional characteristics and tolerances, along with the mechanical properties of the closure components, including modulus, hardness, and compression set.
- Figure la illustrates a perspective view of an example testing system in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.
- Figure lb illustrates a perspective view of the example testing system of Figure 1 a with portions removed to better illustrate the load string.
- Figure 2a illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of a first example test head in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.
- Figures 2b and 2c illustrate plan cross-sectional views of the first example test head of Figure 2a in contact with a specimen.
- Figure 2d illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of the first example test head with a concave region at the point of contact.
- Figure 3a illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of a second example test head in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.
- Figures 3b and 3c illustrate plan cross-sectional views of the second example test head of Figure 3a in contact with a specimen.
- Figure 4a illustrates a perspective view a third example test head in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.
- Figure 4b illustrates a plan cross-sectional views of the third example test head taken along section A-A of Figure 4a.
- Figure 5 is a flowchart representative of an example method for operating the example testing system.
- first, second, top, “bottom,” “side,” “front,” “back,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.
- first side is located adjacent or near a second side
- second side do not imply any specific order in which the sides are ordered.
- the term “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and/or.”
- x and/or y means any element of the three-element set ⁇ (x), (y), (x, y) ⁇ .
- x and/or y means “one or both of x and y”.
- x, y, and/or z means any element of the seven-element set ⁇ (x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z) ⁇ .
- x, y, and/or z means “one or more of x, y, and z.”
- circuit and “circuitry” includes any analog and/or digital components, power and/or control elements, such as a microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), software, and the like, discrete and/or integrated components, or portions and/or combinations thereof.
- DSP digital signal processor
- compression rod and “compression pin” as used herein, each mean a rigid structure configured to impart a compressive force upon a specimen positioned in a testing system.
- the compression pin can be used to compress the elastomeric closure within a rigidly-supported parenteral container, such as a vial.
- processor means processing devices, apparatuses, programs, circuits, components, systems, and subsystems, whether implemented in hardware, tangibly embodied software, or both, and whether or not it is programmable.
- processor includes, but is not limited to, one or more computing devices, hardwired circuits, signalmodifying devices and systems, devices and machines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmable devices and systems, field-programmable gate arrays, application-specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip, systems comprising discrete elements and/or circuits, state machines, virtual machines, data processors, processing facilities, and combinations of any of the foregoing.
- the processor may be, for example, any type of general purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, an application- specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
- DSP digital signal processing
- ASIC application- specific integrated circuit
- the processor may be coupled to, or integrated with a memory device.
- the term “memory” and/or “memory device” means computer hardware or circuitry to store information for use by a processor and/or other digital device.
- the memory and/or memory device can be any suitable type of computer memory or any other type of electronic storage medium, such as, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magnetooptical memory, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, solid state storage, a computer-readable medium, or the like.
- ROM read-only memory
- RAM random access memory
- CDROM compact disc read-only memory
- EPROM erasable programmable read-only memory
- EEPROM electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory
- flash memory solid state storage, a computer-readable medium, or the like.
- a quantitative method for measuring a closure force exerted against a container after sealing can be performed using a constant rate of compression testing machine. By exerting a slow, constant rate of compression on a sealed container, a stress vs. time curve can be generated to determine a residual seal force (RSF) measurement of a given closure seal in a specimen.
- the RSF measurement can be determined for a variety of containers with various closure sizes and shapes.
- RSF measurements can be used to indicate the security of the container’s closure as part of a manufacturer’s quality control.
- the initial force with which the closure compresses the container is a function of the vertical and horizontal crimping forces applied during application (e.g., crimping) of the aluminum cap; however, due to the viscoelastic relaxation behavior of rubber, the force of the closure pressing against the containers decays as a function of time, elastomer composition, and as a result of various processing procedures.
- a compression friction (CF) measurement test can be performed using the compression testing machine to qualify a glass container that is sealed using an elastomeric closure (e.g., a plunger).
- a CF measurement test is sometimes referred to as a glide test.
- FIG. la illustrates perspective view of an example testing system 100
- Figure lb illustrates a perspective view of the load frame 102 of the example testing system 100 with portions omitted for clarity.
- the testing system 100 generally comprises a load frame 102, a load cell 106 mounted to a crosshead 108 of the load frame 102, a platen assembly 110 at a base structure 104 of the load frame 102, and a controller 150.
- the platen assembly 110 is configured to support one or more specimens 112 during compression testing (e.g., RSF or CF testing), whether through a manual or automated process.
- the load frame 102 comprises a base structure 104, one or more columns 114, a moving crosshead 108, and a top plate 116.
- the load frame 102 serves as a high stiffness support structure against which the test forces react (e.g., compressive forces) during a test (e.g., a RSF test, compression friction measurement test, etc.). While the load frame 102 may be composed of a single column 114, as illustrated, multiple columns 114 may be employed, for example, in a dual column arrangement.
- the base structure 104 generally serves to support the one or more columns 114 and a platen assembly 110 that supports the specimen 112, while also housing various circuitry and components, such as a controller 150.
- the platen assembly 110 may be manually or automatically adjusted (or otherwise controlled) to move or transfer a specimen 112 to a testing position, which is typically aligned below the test head 136, test apparatus, or other test accessory.
- the specimen 112 may be, for example, a container 140 for a parenteral pharmaceutical product as illustrated in Figure lb.
- the container 140 e.g., a bottle with a flange 14
- An elastomeric closure 146 covers the opening 142.
- a cap 148 is crimped under flange 144 and compresses the elastomeric closure 146 to seal the opening 142.
- the cap 148 may be omitted whereby the elastomeric closure 146 fits within the opening 142 of the container 140 (e.g., a vial) and presses against the inner surface of the container 140 to seal the opening 142. While the specimen 112 is illustrated as a container 140 with and without a flange
- Each of the one or more columns 114 comprises a guide column and a ballscrew 154 that is drivingly coupled to an actuator 156.
- a ballscrew 154 is a form of mechanical linear actuator that translates rotational motion (e.g., from an actuator 156, such as a motor) to linear motion with little friction.
- the ballscrew 154 may include a threaded shaft that provides a helical raceway for ball bearings, which acts as a precision screw. As illustrated in Figure lb, the ballscrew 154 is housed within the one or more columns 114 between the base structure 104 and the top plate 116.
- the actuator 156 that drives the ballscrew 154 is controlled via the controller 150.
- a column cover 118 may be provided to protect the ballscrew 154 from dirt, grime, and damage, while also protecting the user from harm during operation.
- the testing system 100 comprises various sensors to monitor its operation.
- the testing system 100 may include an upper limit switch 132 and a lower limit switch 134 to prevent the crosshead 108 from deviating from an acceptable range of motion along axis A.
- the controller 150 may stop (or reverse) the actuator 156 to prevent damage to the testing system 100 or the specimen 112.
- the crosshead 108 is mounted to both the guide column and the ballscrew 154 and supports the load cell 106.
- the ballscrew 154 is driven (e.g., rotated) via an actuator 156. Rotation of the ballscrew 154 drives the crosshead 108 up (away) or down (toward) relative to the base structure 104, while the guide column provides stability to the crosshead 108.
- the load cell 106 may be removably coupled to the crosshead 108 via one or more mechanical fasteners 138 (e.g., screws, bolts, socket head cap screws, etc.) to enable the operator to exchange the load cell 106 when desired. For example, the load cell 106 may become damaged, a different type of load cell
- the display device 126 e.g., a touch screen display
- control panel 128, and/or remote control 130 e.g., a handset
- the control panel 128 and the remote control 130 may each provide one or more switches, buttons, or dials to control or adjust operation of the testing system 100 (e.g., an emergency stop button).
- the control panel 128 and the remote control 130 may further provide one or more status indicators (e.g., LEDs, lights, etc.) to provide a status of the testing system 100.
- the remote control 130 may be wired or wireless.
- the load string 101 may be housed in an enclosure 120 that defines a test chamber 122.
- the enclosure 120 may be fabricated from a transparent material (e.g., glass, plastic, Plexiglas, etc.) to enable the operator to observe the load string 101.
- a door or access panel 124 may be provided to enable access to the test chamber 122 within the enclosure 120.
- the load string 101 generally refers to the components installed between the moving crosshead 108 and the base structure 104 (or, where applicable, a fixed lower crosshead).
- the load string 101 includes the load cell 106, the test head 136, any adapters required to connect the components, and the specimen(s) 112 to be tested.
- the load cell 106 is mounted on the crosshead 108, a test head 136 with an anvil is mounted to the load cell 106, and a specimen 112 is positioned on the base structure 104 (e.g., using a platen assembly 110).
- a load cell 106 is mounted on the crosshead 108, a compression rod is mounted to the load cell 106, and a specimen 112 is positioned on the base structure 104 (e.g., using a platen assembly 110).
- Operation of the testing system 100 may be automatically controlled and/or monitored via the controller 150.
- the controller 150 may comprise a processor 150a and memory device 150b configured with executable instructions.
- the controller 150 is operably coupled to, and configured to control, the various actuators (e.g., the actuator 156 that drives the ballscrew 154), sensors (e.g., load cell(s) 106, upper and lower limit switches 132, 134), user interfaces (e.g., display device 126, control panel 128, and/or remote control 130), etc.
- the crosshead 108 moves down along Axis A of the load frame 102 (toward the base structure 104) to apply compressive load to the specimen 112 via a test head 136, test apparatus, or other test accessory that is coupled to the load cell 106.
- the test head 136 may be, or include, an anvil (also known as a dom) configured to contact and compress the one or more specimens 112.
- the test head 136, test apparatus, or other test accessory may be coupled directly to a coupler 152 of the load cell 106 or via a compression rod or pin.
- the load cell 106 converts this load into an electrical signal that the testing system 100 measures via controller 150 and displays to the operator via display device 126.
- the test head 136 may advance at a constant speed (e.g., about 0.01 inches/second).
- a constant speed e.g. 0.01 inches/second.
- the controller 150 automatically records the force exerted by the specimen 112 in response to the movement (strain) imposed upon the specimen 112 by the test head 136.
- the constant speed may be adjusted for a given specimen 112.
- the controller 150 also automatically records the corresponding strain data.
- the resulting data set comprises a sequence of stress- strain measurements that can be graphed, which approximates a curve of predictable shape.
- an adequate seal may be determined by monitoring for an inflection point on resulting curve (e.g., indicating the elastomeric closure 146 has transitioned from flexing to rigid, thus sealing the opening 142).
- the test head 136 may be designed for RSF and/or CF testing.
- the test head 136 may be a compression rod for CF testing or include an anvil for RSF testing, such as a test head with an adjustable, conforming anvil.
- anvil for RSF testing such as a test head with an adjustable, conforming anvil.
- certain tests may warrant a specific type of test head 136.
- the test head 136 used during RSF measurement may include an anvil that is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the closure of a parenteral container. Therefore, while the test head 136 is generally illustrated in Figures la and lb as being configured for RSF testing, a compression rod (and associated load cell) may instead be used for CF testing.
- the test head 136 can be interchangeable to enable the testing system 100 to be used for various types of tests (e.g., RSF, CF, tensile, compression, flexure, etc.).
- the test head 136 may be configured to removably couple with the load cell 106 via, for example, a coupler 152 or other means to enable the operator to replace or interchange the test head 136 with another the test head 136, test apparatus, or other test accessory.
- the coupler 152 may employ one or more of a collar coupling (e.g., a collar with one or more set pins or screws), clevis coupling, sleeve coupling, or a screw on coupling (e.g., a threaded rod). Therefore, while the coupler 152 is illustrated as a female collar coupler with set screws and/or set pins, other types of couplings are contemplated.
- the one or more specimens 112 are supported on the base structure 104 by the platen assembly 110. Akin to the test head 136, certain tests may warrant a specific type of platen assembly 110.
- the platen assembly 110 used during RSF measurement may include one or more stations that are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the parenteral container 140 (or other specimen 112). That that end, the platen assembly 110 may comprise an specimen plate 110a that is test specific or specimen specific, and a base plate 110b supported by the base structure 104 and configured to support the specimen plate 110a.
- the specimen plate 110a may be removably coupled to the base plate 110b to enable the operator to select a specimen plate 110a that is suitable for a particular test.
- the specimen plate 110a is a plate or table that is sized and shaped to support the one or more specimens 112 (e.g., via one or more recesses), while the base plate 110b may be a plate configured to support and/or secure the specimen plate 110a relative to the base structure 104.
- the specimen plate 110a is configured to move relative to the base plate 110b.
- the specimen plate 110a may be configured to rotate or tilt relative to the base plate 110b to accommodate an approach angle of the test head 136 during compression.
- test head 136 firmly contact the specimen 112 (e.g., the cap 148) during a RSF test. This typically requires that the operator check to ensure that the specimen 112 is properly seated in the platen assembly 110 such that the flat surface of the cap 148 is flush with the contact point of the test head 136 (e.g., the anvil). In an automated approach, this introduces additional complications.
- One option is to employ a sensor system (e.g., one or more imaging devices) to confirm a correct placement of the specimen 112, however, sensor systems increase cost and complexity of the overall system testing system 100.
- a lower cost, but robust, option is use a test head 136 with an anvil that conforms to the position of the specimen 112 by enabling both planar and radially motion of the anvil during the seating portion of the RSF compression test to ensure that the test head 136 firmly contacts the specimen 112 (e.g., at the cap 148).
- FIG. 2a illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of a first example test head 200 in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.
- the test head 200 generally comprises a housing 202, an anvil 204, a ball roller assembly 208, and a retaining ring 203.
- the ball roller assembly 208 is configured to provide a point of contact 224 between the housing 202 and the anvil 204 during a RSF test.
- the retaining ring 203 is positioned within the first cavity 222 and configured to maintain the anvil 204 at least partially within the first cavity 222. During the RSF test, the compressive forces push the anvil 204 into the first cavity 222.
- the retaining ring 203 is configured to maintain the anvil 204 at least partially within the first cavity 222 in the absences of such compressive forces.
- the retaining ring 203 also provides a limit on the radially pivot 228 of the anvil 204 within the first cavity 222.
- the test head 200 defines a proximal end 218 having a first coupler 232 configured to engage with a second coupler 152 of the testing system 100 and a distal end 220 having a recess 206 configured to engage a specimen 112.
- the recess 206 may be sized and shaped to engage a surface of the cap 148 of the specimen 112.
- a washer 234 can be positioned at the contact point between the anvil 204 and the retaining ring 203 to provide or adjust a limit on the radially pivot 228 of the anvil 204 within the first cavity 222.
- the washer 234 can be similarly configured in connection with the other views of the test head 200.
- the anvil 204 is configured to float within the first cavity 222, thereby allowing a surface of the anvil 204 conform to the surface of the cap 148.
- a plurality of specimens 112 may be preloaded and/or automatically fed to or by the platen assembly 110. Such movement can result in a specimen 112 being improperly seated (e.g., crooked).
- the accuracy of the RSF measurements decreases when the contact between the anvil 204 and the cap 148 is not flush.
- the anvil 204 is configured to move relative to the housing 202 in both a planar motion 226 (e.g., side-to-side) and to pivot radially 228 relative to the housing 202.
- the housing 202 defines a first cavity 222 and the anvil 204 is positioned at least partially within the first cavity 222.
- the outer diameter of the anvil 204 may be sized to allow for lateral movement in a plane of the anvil 204 within the first cavity 222.
- the inner diameter of the first cavity 222 may be larger than the outer diameter of the anvil 204 by a predetermined distance (D) to allow for some play within the first cavity 222.
- the predetermined distance (D) may be, for example, 1 to 10 millimeters.
- the ball roller assembly 208 generally comprises a sphere 210, a roller housing 212, and a plurality of ball bearings 214.
- the ball roller assembly 208 may be rated to support 180N of compressive load.
- the plurality of ball bearings 214 serve to reduce friction between the sphere 210 and the roller housing 212.
- the ball roller assembly 208 may be positioned in a second cavity 216.
- the ball roller assembly 208 can be press fit into the second cavity 216.
- the housing 202 defines a second cavity 216, however, as will be described in connection with Figures 3a through 3c where the anvil 204 may define the second cavity 216, other arrangements are contemplated.
- the housing 202, the anvil 204, and/or the sphere 210 may be fabricated from a metal or a metal alloy, such as stainless steel.
- Figures 2b and 2c illustrate plan cross-sectional views of the first example test head of Figure 2a in contact with a specimen 112 that is improperly seated at a first angle and a second angle, respectively.
- the ball roller assembly 208 provides a single point of contact 224 between the housing 202 and the anvil 204. As illustrated, the ball roller assembly 208 enables the anvil 204 to move in a planar motion 226 relative to the housing 202. During an RSF test, the anvil 204 can move in a planar motion 226 and/or 228 radial motion 228 such that the recess 206 of the anvil
- Figure 2d illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of the first example test head with a concave region at the point of contact.
- the single point of contact 224 may create a wear point (e.g., a divot) on the anvil 204.
- a divot could prohibit the anvil 204 from freely floating, thereby reducing accuracy of the RSF measurements.
- the anvil 204 may define a concave region 230 at the single point of contact 224 that corresponds to the surface of the sphere 210, thereby increasing contact area with the ball roller assembly 208.
- the concave region 230 may alternatively be positioned on the housing 202 when the ball roller assembly 208 is secured to the anvil (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 3a through 3c).
- Figure 3a illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of a second example test head 300 in accordance with aspects of this disclosure
- Figures 3b and 3c illustrate plan cross-sectional views of the second example test head 300 in contact with a specimen 112 that is improperly seated at a first angle and a second angle, respectively.
- the test head 300 of Figures 3a through 3c is substantially the same as the test head 200 of Figures 2a through 2c except that the anvil 204 defines the second cavity 216 for the ball roller assembly 208.
- the ball roller assembly 208 is press fit into the second cavity 216 of the anvil 204.
- Figure 4a illustrates a perspective view a third example test head 400 in accordance with aspects of this disclosure
- Figure 4b illustrates a plan cross-sectional views of the third example test head taken along section A-A of Figure 4a.
- the test head 400 of Figures 4a and 4b is similar to test heads 200, 300 in that it facilitates planar motion 226 and radial motion 228, however, test head 400 splits the planar motion 226 and radial motion 228 into two separate mechanisms.
- planar motion 226 is provided via a plurality of ball bearing assemblies
- the test head 400 generally comprises a first housing 402, a second housing 404, and an anvil 406.
- the first housing 402 defines a first cavity 412 and the second housing 404 defining a second cavity 414.
- the second housing 404 is positioned at least partially within the first cavity 412 and is configured to move in a planar motion 226 relative to the first housing 402.
- An anvil 406 positioned at least partially within the second cavity 414 and configured to pivot radially 228 relative to the second housing 404. As illustrated, the anvil 406 is configured to pivot radially 228 relative to the second housing 404 using a ball roller assembly 416.
- the ball roller assembly 416 comprises a sphere 408 and a roller housing 410.
- a plurality of ball bearing assemblies 418 are provided to reduce friction between the surface of the first and second housings 402, 404.
- the plurality of ball bearing assemblies 418 are press fit into cavities defined in the second housing 404, however, the plurality of ball bearing assemblies 418 may instead be press fit into cavities defined in the first housing 402.
- the ball roller assembly 416 may further comprises a plurality of ball bearings (not illustrated) between the sphere 408 and the roller housing 410.
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart representative of an example method 500 for performing an automated residual seal force RSF test in a testing system 100.
- the testing system 100 comprises a load cell 106 configured to move along a column 114 toward and away from a base structure 104 via a crosshead 108.
- a plurality of specimens 112 are loaded to a specimen plate 110a.
- the plurality of specimens 112 are loaded to a specimen plate 110a may be loaded through a manual or automated process.
- the plurality of specimens 112 comprises a first specimen 112 and a subsequent specimen 112 (e.g., a second specimen 112).
- the specimen plate 110a is positioned in a first position that situates the first specimen 112 at a testing position of the testing system 100.
- the specimen plate 110a can be positioned in a first position manually (e.g., by the operator before the test is commenced) or via an actuator.
- the actuator 156 advances the crosshead 108 along the column 114 toward the base structure 104 to compress the first specimen 112.
- the processor 150a which is operatively coupled to the load cell 106, determines a residual seal force of the first specimen 112.
- the actuator 156 retracts the crosshead 108 along the column 114 away the base structure 104.
- the specimen plate 110a is moved in a second position that situates the subsequent specimen 112 at the testing position.
- the actuator 156 advances the crosshead 108 along the column 114 toward the base structure 104 to compress the subsequent specimen 112.
- the processor 150a determines a residual seal force of the subsequent specimen 112.
- Steps 512 through 516 may be automatically repeated for each subsequent specimen 112 until each of the plurality of specimens 112 loaded to the specimen plate 110a is tested.
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Abstract
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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KR1020237027934A KR20230132553A (ko) | 2021-01-21 | 2022-01-21 | 표본 테스트를 자동화하기 위한 시스템, 방법 및 장치 |
EP22704091.2A EP4281746A1 (fr) | 2021-01-21 | 2022-01-21 | Système, procédé et appareil d'automatisation de test d'échantillon |
JP2023544279A JP2024504709A (ja) | 2021-01-21 | 2022-01-21 | 試料試験を自動化するシステム、方法、及び装置 |
CN202280018698.2A CN116917710A (zh) | 2021-01-21 | 2022-01-21 | 用于自动化样品测试的系统、方法和设备 |
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US17/578,729 US11906478B2 (en) | 2021-01-21 | 2022-01-19 | System, method, and apparatus for automating specimen testing |
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JPS51115980U (fr) * | 1975-03-17 | 1976-09-20 | ||
US4315427A (en) * | 1980-05-12 | 1982-02-16 | The West Company | Apparatus, method and system for determining the integrity of sealed containers |
JPS57130248U (fr) * | 1981-02-10 | 1982-08-13 |
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JPS51115980U (fr) * | 1975-03-17 | 1976-09-20 | ||
US4315427A (en) * | 1980-05-12 | 1982-02-16 | The West Company | Apparatus, method and system for determining the integrity of sealed containers |
JPS57130248U (fr) * | 1981-02-10 | 1982-08-13 |
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