Description:AUTOMATED BIAXIAL STRETCHING DEVICE WITH SCISSOR MECHANISM
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a device in the field of material testing, specifically for elastic materials like rubber and other polymers, and more particularly to an Automated Biaxial Stretching Device with Scissor Mechanism allowing continuous accurate stretching of the frail elastomers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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.
Elastomers are polymeric materials that can stretch and return to their original shape when a force is applied and then released. Moreover, they inherit the unique property of regaining their original shape and size after being significantly stretched. Elastomers get their unique properties from long chains of cross-linked polymers. Because the polymer chains are cross-linked, they can stretch and return to their original shape, making them ideal for use in applications requiring repeated deformation. Natural rubber, polyurethanes, polybutadiene, silicone, and neoprene are all examples of elastomers. Elastomers have a wide range of applications, from automotive to medical and textile industries to industrial labs. Prosthetics, lubricants, and molds are products that require superior chemical and thermal resistance classes in the medical field.
Soft elastomer stretching is a well-established pre-test phenomenon for a variety of applications, and it has so many positive effects on reducing instabilities that it has seen a surge in demand. Measuring their mechanical properties, including elasticity and deformation, is critical to determine their applicability in various fields. However, the traditionally manual process of stretching soft elastomeric actuators is time-consuming and prone to errors. Although there are devices available to keep the elastomer stretched, they have several limitations. Some lack retaining pins, while others do not provide continuous stretching from both axes, increasing the risk of elastomer rupture. Furthermore, some of these devices rely on bevel gear mechanisms, which result in frictional losses, while others require working temperatures of up to 250°C. While scissor mechanisms are available, they only have two parallel sides, resulting in bulging at the opposite ends. As a result, a device that operates at normal room temperature and provides sufficient accuracy without damaging the elastomer is required.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be constructed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
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.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present disclosure is to provide an Automated Biaxial Stretching Device with Scissor Mechanism to perform the accurate stretching of elastomers.
The object of the present disclosure is to provide continuous stretching of the elastomers over the entire edge of the elastomers.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide linear accuracy in stretching the elastomers.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide defined length elastomer stretching, until the user removes it.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide stretching of each axis individually and at different amounts.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sturdy frame for mounting the entire scissor mechanism to prevent any variations in elastomer thickness while post-processing.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form to be further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Accordingly, in an aspect, the present invention provides an Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism as a solution to identify the accurate stretching of the elastomers.
In an aspect, the Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism has provided with the base of T-slotted stand over which, T-slotted sturdy frames are mounted to prevent any variations in elastomer thickness while post-processing.
In an aspect, the Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism is provided with stable and accurate stretching measurement by providing about 2mm linear accuracy using lead screws.
In an aspect, the scissor mechanism is to be attached to the pins at the corners of the frames, which is actuated by the use of two sliding guide rails.
In an aspect, the two geared DC motors rotate the lead screws with rotary encoders to control the exact number of rotations.
In an aspect, the body of the Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism is provided with a control system consisting of an LCD screen, a power switch, and knobs for adjusting stretching parameters.
In an aspect, the Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism is provided with the elastomer to be held at its defined length until the user removes it after stretching.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view diagram of the Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view diagram of the scissor mechanism of Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates a front view diagram of the lead screw assembly of the Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view diagram of Motor arrangement along with encoder assembly of the Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates a front view diagram of the control system of the Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments.
If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art.
The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non – claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Accordingly, in an aspect, the present invention provides an Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism (100), which is electrically actuated allowing the continuous and accurate stretching of the frail elastomers.
In an aspect, various parts of the device are:
101. T-Slot frames
102. Elbow Joint
103. T- Slot Stands
104. T- Slot Elbow Joint
105. Rubber foot
106. Carriage
107. Scissor Mechanism
108. Fixed Mounting Pins
109. Elastomers Mounting Pins
110. Sliding Guide Rails
111. Elevated Sliding Rail
112. Sliding Rail
113. Lead Screw Assembly
114. DC Motor
115. Encoder Attachment
116. Linear Rod
117. Lead Screw Nut
118. Linear Rod Nut Attachment
119. Power Bearing A
120. Power Bearing B
121. Coupler
122. Encoder Disc
123. Encoder Light Sensors
124. Rollers
125. Control System
126. LCD Screen
127. ON/OFF Switch
128. UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT Buttons
129. Enter Button
130. Emergency Stop
131. Restart Button
132. Connecting wires
133. 12V Electrical Supply
134. Linkages
In an embodiment, FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view diagram of the Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism (100) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism (100) can be made of aluminum or metal manufactured by injection molding or 3D printing or any other manufacturing process. Body of the Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism (100) is provide with T-slot frames (101) provided with the external dimensions of 50cmx50cm, and, hoisted at the height of 25cm by four T-slotted stands (103). T-slot frames (101) are provided with the grooves to allow the smooth sliding of the carriage (106) with the help of the rollers (124). The T-slotted stands (103) are provided with the rubber foot (105) which can be made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane and used for providing the grip to the stands (103) of the device (100). The rubber foot (105) having exact fit for the grooves of the stand (103) can be pushed into the bottom of the stand (103) by friction fit and provide impact resistance to the device and save it from unwanted vibrations to lead the accuracy. The two T-slot frames (101) and one T-slotted stand (103) are connected by the four elbow joints (102) at each corner which fits into the grooves of the T-slot by using nuts and bolts. The nut fits into the T-slot and the bolt clamps the elbow joint to the nut. The carriage (106) carries two sliding guide rails (110) which are elevated sliding rail (111) and sliding rail (112). These sliding guide rails (110) are attached collinearly with two perpendicular edges of the scissor mechanism (107). The linear actuation to the sliding guide rails (110) is provided by two lead screw assemblies (113), one for each axis movement. The lead screw nut (117) mounted over the linear rod (116) with rotation provides the linear motion to carriage (106) and sliding guide rails (110). The linear rod (116) attached with the T-slot stands (103) with the two power bearings which are power bearings A (119) and power bearings B (120). The actuation to the device is provided by the DC motor (114) mounted on the lead screw assembly (116). The elastomers mounting pins (109) of the inner sides of the scissor mechanism (107) can be used to clamp the elastomer along multiple points. The encoder light sensors (123) are provided at the lead screw assembly (113) to measure rotation of the motor as input for the control system (125) and translate lead screw nut (117) in an output of the control system (125). The control system (125) is further provided with LCD screen (126), ON/OFF Switch (127), UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT Buttons (128), Enter Button (129), Emergency Stop (130), and Restart Button (131) which are all featured on a control system (125) body and serves as the device’s point of control. The specification for the body of the Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism (100) is further illustrated in TABLE 1.
TABLE 1 Specification of the parts of the Device (100)
S No Component Dimension Value
1 T-slot frames Length 500 mm
Width and Height 20mm x 20mm
2 T-slot stands Length 250mm
Width and Height 20mm x 20mm
3 Lead Screw Rod Rod Length, Diameter 500mm, 8mm
Pitch 2mm
4 Elbow Joint Length x Width x Height 20mm x 20mm x 15mm
5 Lead Screw Nut Outer Diameter 22mm
Inner Diameter 8mm
6 Encoder Disc Inner Diameter 6mm
Outer Diameter 40mm
Fringes 10 in number
In an embodiment, FIG. 2 illustrates a scissor mechanism (107) consisting of linkages (134) of length about 40 mm and thickness of about 5 mm and mounted at fixed mounting pins (108) placed at the corners. The linkages (134) have three elastomers mounting pins (109), one in the middle and two at each end of the linkages (134). The holes at the end of the linkage (134) provide a connection to the next consecutive linkage (134) by using a screw and nut. The middle elastomers mounting pins (109) provides a pivot for rotation. The combined mechanism can be stretched or contracted between 50mm to 450mm in internal length.
The Scissor holes (134) at the inner sides of the scissor mechanism can be used to clamp the elastomer along multiple points. The elastomer can be held at multiple points along its peripheral; the number of these points can be varied according to the scissor mechanism (107). The scissor mechanism (107) provides the continuous stretching option to the elastomer as per required input up to the accuracy of about 2mm. Moreover, the size of the linkages can be changed, and different scissor mechanisms can be mounted on pins according to the user's initial length of elastomers.
In an embodiment, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrates a front view diagram of the lead screw assembly (113) and isometric diagram of the actuation system of the lead screw assembly (113) provided with the geared DC motor (114) of 12V capacity to convert the electrical power into mechanical motion. Further the encoder disc (122) fits over the shaft of the DC motor (114) along with the coupler (121). Coupler (121) attached to the shaft of the DC motor (114) and lead screw by the set screws and transmits the power from the DC motor (114) to the linear rod (116). The coupler (121) is further attached with the power bearing A (119) which provides free rotational movement to the lead screw linear rod (116). The bearings (119) are bolted onto the legs of the t-slot stands (103) and attached by setscrews to the lead screw linear rod (116).
The encoder attachment (115) is provided at power bearing A (119) with its one end connected with one of the holes of bearing (119) with the nut bolt attachment, while the other end carries an encoder light sensor (123) exactly fits over the encoder disc (122) thickness. The encoder light sensor (123) passes light through the gap between the fringes of the disc to count the rotations done and provides input to the control system to calculate the exact number of rotations required to stretch a given elastomer.
The encoder attachment (115) is bolted onto the edge of the T-slot frame (101) to reduce vibrations. The encoder attachment (115) can be made with 3D printing techniques and with material Polylactic acid (PLA) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), which is thermoplastic. The lead screw linear rod (116) also has power bearing B (120) mounted at the opposite end to the power bearing A (119) and carries a lead screw nut (117). The lead screw nut (117) meshes into the screws of the lead screw linear rod (116) and moves linearly when the lead screw rotates. The lead screw nut (117) is further attached to linear rod nut attachment (118) through a nut bolt mechanism providing linear motion to the carriage (106).
The linear rod nut attachment (118) fits onto the lead screw nut (117) by aligning the center and auxiliary holes, and, by using a screw and nut fastener. The top of the linear rod nut attachment (118) is connected to the carriage (106). The linear rod nut attachment (118) can be made with 3D printing using the PLA (Polylactic acid) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) materials. The carriage (106) is mounted on the T-slot frame (101) using roller attachments (124) which allow the sliding of carriage (106) over the frame (101). The control system (125) gets the input from the encoder light sensor (123) and can control the stretching by the motion of the scissor mechanism (107).
In an embodiment, FIG. 5 illustrates a control system (125) which is connected to the 12V electric supply (133) to provide electric power for the actuation of the device (100). The electric supply wires are termed as connecting wires (132) which connect the control system (125) to the two DC motors (114) mounted over the lead screw assembly (113), and further connects with the encoder light sensors (123) to get the input of the number of rotations of the lead screw linear rod (116).
The data of the sensors displayed over the LCD screen (126) and the stretching of the elastomer can be adjusted by the UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT buttons (128). The control system (125) is provided with an ON/OFF switch (127), and emergency stop (130) to stop the stretching of the elastomer at any point. Enter button (129), and restart button (131) help to start the stretching from the same point where it stops in case of the shutdown of electrical supply or reset the machine to start a new stretch. The lead screw assembly (113) used for linear actuation provides an accuracy of about 2 mm which can be further controlled by the control system (125).
The requirements for a device (100) of the specified dimensions are considered due to the experimental research performed by the inventors. The device (100) is designed to solve the problems faced during the testing of elastomers and other materials.
In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the appended claims.
While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

, C , Claims:CLAIMS:
WE CLAIM:
1. An Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism (100) which is electrically actuated allowing the continuous and accurate stretching of the frail elastomers, comprising:
a plurality of T-slot frames (101) provided with the grooves in shape of alphabet ‘T’ to allow the smooth sliding of the carriage (106) with the help of the rollers (124);
a plurality of T-slot stands (103) provided with the rubber foot (105) which can be pushed at the bottom of the standby friction fit, for providing the grip and impact resistance at the ground base;
a plurality of lead screw assemblies (113) mountable along the two perpendicular T-slot frames (101);
a plurality of carriage (106) provided with the plurality of sliding guide rails (110) which are elevated sliding rail (111) and sliding rail (112) ;
a plurality of sliding guide rails (110) with rectangular or circular cross section attached collinearly with two perpendicular edges of the scissor mechanism (107);
a plurality of scissor mechanism (107) provided with the plurality of linkages (134) having plurality of elastomers mounting pins (109) and linked with the consecutive linkage (134) by screw and nut;
a plurality of the linear rod (116) attached colinearly along the two perpendicular T-slot frames (101);
a plurality of geared DC motor (114) attached at one end of the plurality of the linear rod (116) of lead screw assembly (113);
a plurality of encoder disc (122) provided with the plurality of fringes inside the disc, fits over the shaft of plurality of DC motor (114) over the plurality of linear rod (116) of lead screw assembly (113);
a plurality of coupler (121) attached next to the plurality of encoder disc (122) over the plurality of linear rod (116) of lead screw assembly (113);
a plurality of power bearings consists of a plurality of power bearing A (119) attached next to the plurality of coupler (121), and a plurality of power bearing B (120), which are bolted onto the legs of the plurality of T-slot stands (103) and attached by the plurality set-screws to the plurality of lead screw linear rod (116);
a plurality of encoder attachment (115) carrying one end connected to the plurality of the hole of the plurality of power bearing A (119) with the plurality of nut bolt attachment, while the other end carries the encoder light sensor (123);
a plurality of encoder light sensor (123) exactly fits over the plurality of encoder disc (122) thickness from the top; and
a control system (125) provided with LCD screen (126), ON/OFF switch (127), UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT buttons (128), enter button (129), emergency Stop (130), and restart button (131) and further connects with 12V electric supply (133) through the connecting wires (132).
2. The Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism (100), wherein the said plurality of T-slot frames (101) and said plurality of T-slotted stands (103) can made of aluminum or any metal, manufactured by injection molding or 3D printing or any other manufacturing processes.
3. The Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism (100), wherein the said plurality T-slot frames (101) having the dimension of length, width and height 500mm, 20mm, and 20mm respectively and the said plurality of T-slotted stands (103) having length, width and height as 250mm, 20mm, and 20mm respectively, connected by the plurality elbow joints (102) having dimension of length, width and height as 20mm, 20mm, and 15mm respectively, at each corner which fits into the said grooves of the T-slot by using plurality of nuts and bolts.
4. The DC motor (114) as claimed in claim 1, is of 12V capacity and provides the linear actuation to the said carriage (106) and said sliding guide rails (110) which provide further actuation to the said scissor mechanism (107) for each axis movement, by the translation of the said lead screw nut (117) over the said linear rod (116).
5. The scissor mechanism (107) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said linkages (134) of length 40mm and thickness of 5mm with the three elastomers mounting pins (109), one in the middle and two at each end of the said linkages (134), and the middle elastomers mounting pins (109) provides a pivot for rotation.
6. The scissor mechanism (107) as claimed in claim 1, can be stretched or contracted about 50mm to 450mm in internal length and the said elastomers mounting pin (109) can be used to clamp the elastomer along multiple points along its peripheral and can be varied according to the continuous stretching of the said elastomer as per required input up to the accuracy of about 2 mm.
7. The linear rod (116) of the said lead screw assembly (113) as claimed in claim 1, is having fine threads to avoid the backlash and further the length and pitch of about 500 mm and about 2 mm respectively which further provides the accuracy of about 2 mm in stretching of the said elastomer.
8. The encoder attachment (115) and linear rod nut attachment (118) as claimed in claim 1, can be made with 3D printing techniques and with Polylactic acid (PLA) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) material, which is thermoplastic.
9. The encoder light sensor (123) as claimed in claim1, passes light through the gap between the ten fringes of the encoder disc (122) having inner diameter and outer diameter, as 6mm, 40mm, respectively, to count the rotations done, and provides input to the control system (125) to calculate the exact amount of translation motion required for the lead screw nut (117) to stretch a given elastomer accurately.
10. The Automated Biaxial Stretching Device With Scissor Mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the and T-slotted stands (103) is provided with the rubber foot (105) which can be made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane.