THREE POINT BENDING FIXTURE
THREE POINT BENDING FIXTURE SUMMARY
The purpose of the three-point bending fixture is to create a test environment that allows an operator to measure the stiffness of a catheter shaft repeatably and reliably. The setup is designed to hold the shaft under a light and constant axial tension at a set distance. A force gauge is then used to apply a load perpendicular to the shaft axis and a force vs deflection curve is be generated. This data is vital to understanding the operational and safety characteristics of devices enabling engineering teams to compare and improve manufacturing process in a controllable fashion.
TEAM:
Mechanical Engineer, Machinist, Assembly technician
DESIGN TOOLS USED:
Solidworks
MARKET:
Medical Device Manufacturing and R&D
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
- Device shaft shall be held horizontally under constant tension
- Device position shall be adjustable to allow for testing at various locations
- Tensioner shall be free in the lateral axis to allow float during the bending operation
- Fixture must have high reliability and repeatability with regards to setup(s) and spacing
- Fixture shall be capable of measuring the bending force curve on multiple device shafts
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
Preliminary Design, Internal Design review meetings, Detailed Design, multiple design review meetings with customer team, Final Design, Manufacturing, Assembly, Internal Test and Validation, Delivery, Customer Test/Validation/Measurement Systems Analysis
