Panel bending and testing device

#The present invention relates to test fixtures, and more particularly to fixtures adapted to test a panel of material.

#Mechanical testing devices for determining mechanical properties of materials are known in the art. Conventional devices exist that are configured to apply a controlled load to a test specimen, while simultaneously recording the deflection or displacement of the specimen as the load is applied. Taking into account the size and shape of the specimen as well as the load characteristics and magnitude, a stress-level can be determined for the test specimen. Once the stress-level is determined, it may be combined with the deflection data recorded during the test and a modulus can be determined for the material. While the particular test methods and units for determining the moduli of various materials may vary, similar insights into the performance characteristics (e.g. maximum load capacity and stiffness) are revealed by the determination of a material's modulus. A properly determined modulus allows accurate structural and mechanical calculations to be performed for a given material. These calculations assist designers and engineers as they implement the material during manufacturing and construction projects.

#Increased use of pre-fabricated structural materials such as plywood, plasterboard, composite floor joists and the like has resulted in a greater desire for material property data for these types of products. In addition, the size (e.g. thickness) and strength of certain of these products has increased dramatically in recent years. As such, a testing device that is relatively simple to use, provides accurate data for material modulus determination, and is suitable for use with prefabricated structural materials would be welcomed by those in the art.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a panel testing device according to the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a section view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a section view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

#Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

#Referring to FIG. 1, a panel bending and testing device 10 according to the present invention is illustrated. The device 10 includes a structural frame 14 including a base portion 18 and a plurality of uprights 22 extending upwardly from the base portion 18. Mesh sections 26 extend between the uprights 22 to surround at least a portion of the device 10 and serve as debris shields in a manner described further below. A first bearing assembly 30 is secured to the base portion 18 and rotatably supports a first roller assembly 38. A second bearing assembly 42 is similarly secured to the base portion 18 and rotatably supports a second roller assembly 46. A manipulator 50 is secured to the base portion 18 and is illustrated in a stowed position in FIG. 1. In the stowed position, a deflection measurement assembly 54 supported by the manipulator 50 is positioned such that a shroud 58 is between the measurement assembly 54 and the first and second roller assemblies 38, 46 for reasons discussed further below.

#Referring now also to FIG. 2, the first roller assembly 38 includes a first roller 62 and a second roller 66 spaced from the first roller 62. The first and second rollers 62, 66 are joined to each other by a lower end plate 70, and an upper end plate 74 (see FIG. 1). A portion of the first roller assembly 38 extends through the first bearing assembly 30 and into the base portion 18. The first roller assembly 38 rotates about a first axis 78 by a hydraulic actuating assembly 80 (see FIG. 3) that is housed within the base portion 18 and will be described further below. As illustrated, the first axis 78, about which the roller assembly 38 rotates, is substantially aligned with the first roller 62. In alternative embodiments, the first roller assembly 38 may be rotated about an axis that is not necessarily aligned with the first roller 62.