Description:ALIGNMENT FIXTURE FOR TEST SAMPLE TO ENSURE THE STRAIGHTNESS IN UNIVESAL TESTING MACHINE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a sample alignment fixture, the method of use of an alignment fixture for ensuring the test samples in the perfect vertical position in a fracture testing machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION/PRIOR ART:
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[003] Fatigue is the weakening of a material caused by repeated applied loads. It is the progressive and localized structural damage that occurs when a material is subjected to cyclic loading. The nominal maximum stress values that cause such damage may be much less than the strength of the material typically quoted as the ultimate tensile stress limit, or the yield stress limit. A fatigue is a failure of material or machine due to the action of repeated or fluctuating stress on a machine member for some number of times. This failure begins with a small crack.

[004] There are several type of test specimens used in the fatigue testing machine like CTOD (crack tip opening displacement) samples, Round Cross section specimens and flat cross section specimens.

[005] In the above samples, CTOD (crack tip opening displacement) samples are of two types. one is square sample and another one is Rectangular sample. The square samples have two holes to hold the sample in the test fixture. Because of that, the samples are aligned vertically itself.

[006] Round cross section samples are perfectly inserted and self-aligned in the v –grove provided in the fatigue machine grip. However, Flat cross section specimens and CTOD rectangular flat specimen don’t have self-aligned mechanism in the sample itself and also there is no provision in the grip to ensure the verticality of sample positioning.

[007] The sample positioning is also one of the major contributors, that affects the final result, because loading may not be perpendicular to the cross section considered. The repeatability of the result also may depend on the prefect positioning of the sample. The fixture needs to be developed to ensure the straightness of the samples in case of rectangular CTOD and Flat cross section sample considered for the test.

PRIOR ART:

[008] CN patent document CN 106335651A describes alignment fixture and method for aligning first component and second component. This is totally related with mating two components by using the alignment devices. Engagement of the mating features aligns the two components such that the fastener holes on the components are aligned.
[009] None of the prior patents relates to the alignment of samples in the fatigue machine. Hence, the present invention has been proposed.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0010] An object of the invention is to provide Alignment fixture for test sample to ensure the straightness in universal testing machine.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to ensure the straightness of the samples mounting in the fatigue testing machine device by using the sample alignment fixture.

[0012] Still another object of the invention is to provide Alignment fixture for test sample to ensure the straightness in universal testing machine, which is simple in construction.

[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0014] One or more drawbacks of conventional systems and process are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus/composition and a method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure.

[0015] According to the invention, positioning of the sample is more superior in the fatigue testing machine to obtain the reliable and accurate result. Sample position affects the result repeatability i.e. in case of inaccurate/unsatisfactory result positioning of the sample has to be repeated and also inferior result may lead to false conclusion. Hence, the sample position is much more important considering flat CTOD (crack tip opening displacement) and Flat cross section test sample. The sample alignment fixture ensures the reliability of sample positioning and ensures the straightness of the sample in the grip.
[0016] According to the invention, there is provided Alignment fixture for test sample to ensure the straightness in universal testing machine comprising of a handle (1) connected with base plate (2) at one end and plate (3) for sample alignment at other end of the base plate (2), wherein the base plate (2) is disposed perpendicularly to the handle (1) and the plate (3) is placed in parallel to the handle (1).

[0017] The mounting base (2), handle (1) and flat plate (3) clamps are welded together to ensure the rigidity.

[0018] The handle (1) and flat plate (3) are mounted on said base plate (2) to constitute a single structure.

[0019] The handle (1) is positioned below the flat plate (3).

[0020] The fixture is made of material including Stainless Steel for prolonged life.

[0021] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

[0022] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS :
[0024] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:

? Figure 1 shows: Fabricated fixture according to the present invention, which illustrates the following features:
1 - Handle,
2 - Mounting base,
3 - Flat plate.
? Figure 2 shows: Top view of the fixture of the invention.
? Figure 3 shows: Isometric view of the fixture of the present invention.
? Figure 4 shows: Test Result of the invention.

[0025] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

[0026] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0027] The present invention makes a disclosure regarding a technology pertaining to an invention directing to Alignment fixture for test sample to ensure the straightness in universal testing machine.

[0028] Reference may be made to the figure 1-3 illustrating the invention, that provides a device. Here, the device/fixture comprising of a handle Bar with Rubber grip (1) connected with base plate (2) at one end and flat plate (3) at other end. The handle (1) can be welded with the base plate (2) at one end and flat plate (3) at other. The mounting base, handle and flat clamps are welded together to ensure the rigidity. While keeping the sample in the grip, the alignment fixture base (2) just keeps the surface of sample in grip intact. The fixture is moved to and fro by using the handle (1) based on the width of the sample. The sample is placed in the grip in such a way that side of the sample is intact with the flat plate (3). The base plate (2) is disposed perpendicularly to the handle (1) and flat plate (3) is placed in parallel to the handle (1).

[0029] The fixture is kept on the testing machine sample holding jig surface intact. The sample is placed intact with flat plate (3). The jig is operated for clamping the sample after the fixture is removed from its place.
[0030] The fixture of the invention is a single piece. The same is made of material including Stainless Steel for prolonged life. This material is given as an example without restricting scope of the invention to the same. Thus, other materials readily apparent to a person skilled in the art are understood to be within purview of the invention.

Advantages of the Invention:
- No restriction of the sample dimension or size, except that one edge should be straight
- The fixture can be used for all type of samples including flat and rectangular sample
- The device/fixture is portable in nature
- The device/fixture is compatible to any universal testing machine
- The fixture does not affect function of the machine
- The device/fixture ensures straightness of the sample mounting in the fatigue testing machine.

Working of the Invention:

[0031] The invention as in figure 1 and 2 provides a device including a handle (1) welded with base plate (2) at one end and flat plate (3) at other end. While keeping the sample in the grip, the alignment fixture base (1) just keeps the surface of grip intact. Moving the fixture to and fro by using handle (2) based on the width of the sample. The sample is placed in the grip in such a way that side of the sample is intact with flat plate (3). After placing the sample alignment fixture is removed from its place.

[0032] This helps to provide the result as expected in the industry.

Test Result:

[0033] When the sample is aligned properly load applied is in line with the centre of gravity and the results are expected to be appropriate for linear loading. But if there is a misalignment of samples there will be an eccentricity between line of action of load and centre of gravity. This will create an additional moment which will lead to lower strength than expected. Reference may be made to figure 4 in this regard.

[0034] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0035] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

[0036] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particulars claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogues to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[0037] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.

[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

[0039] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

[0040] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. Alignment fixture for test sample to ensure the straightness in universal testing machine comprising of a handle (1) connected with base plate (2) at one end and plate (3) for sample alignment at other end of the base plate (2), wherein the base plate (2) is disposed perpendicularly to the handle (1) and the plate (3) is placed in parallel to the handle (1).

2. The alignment fixture for test sample as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting base (2), handle (1) and flat plate (3) clamps are welded together to ensure the rigidity.

3. The alignment fixture for test sample as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the handle (1) and flat plate (3) are mounted on said base plate (2) to constitute a single structure.

4. The alignment fixture for test sample as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein the handle (1) is positioned below the flat plate (3).

5. The alignment fixture for test sample as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein the fixture is made of material including Stainless Steel for prolonged life.