Mobile testing device and method of using the device
View Patent ↗A mobile testing device is adjustable to perform different types of tension tests. The measuring device can conduct tests on components located on the ground or on elevated components. The measuring device can also carry out tensile strength tests on wire cables, slings, and other components. The measuring device can also be used to calibrate weight-indicating devices and instruments that indicate tensile strength. The positioning and movement of the gantry is achieved by using an assembly of hydraulic cylinders. Different working positions can thus be obtained and more than a trivial amount of physical effort is not required to operate the device.
1. A mobile testing device for testing a component, the mobile testing device comprising:
a transportable platform;
a gantry supported on said platform;
a system for moving said gantry from a traveling position in which said gantry is entirely supported by said platform to a testing position in which said gantry is supported on a ground surface; and
a device for applying a tensile force to the component undergoing testing.
2. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 , wherein:
said system for moving said gantry includes a hydraulic system with at least one hydraulic cylinder moving said gantry from a traveling position to a testing position.
3. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 , wherein:
said system for moving said gantry includes a hydraulic system with a plurality of hydraulic cylinders moving said gantry from a traveling position to a testing position.
4. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 , wherein:
said device for applying the tensile force to the component is a tension cylinder.
5. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a vehicle for moving said platform.
6. The mobile testing device according to claim 5 , wherein:
said platform is a part of said vehicle.
7. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 , wherein:
said gantry includes a plurality of articulated support legs that support said gantry from underneath said gantry while said device applies the tensile force the component undergoing testing; and
the component undergoing testing is an anchor.
8. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 , wherein:
said gantry includes a support bar for supporting said gantry while applying the tensile force to the component.
9. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 , wherein:
said system for moving said gantry includes a plurality of telescopic arms increasing a distance between said gantry and said platform, a crossbar extending between said plurality of arms, a cantilever located on said crossbar, an eye located on said cantilever, and a tilting cylinder supported by said eye; and
said cantilever and said eye separate said tilting cylinder from a plane extending through said plurality of arms by a distance enabling a sufficient torque to be produced to move said gantry.
10. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 , wherein:
said gantry has a longitudinal length and said gantry includes a frame extending along said longitudinal length;
said system for moving said gantry adjusts an angle of said gantry against a ground surface such that a plane extending through said longitudinal length of said frame will be at an angle of 35 to 90 degrees with respect to the ground surface; and
said system for moving said gantry adjusts an angle of said gantry against a vertical surface such that an aperture angle will be at an angle of 35 to 180 degrees with respect to the ground surface.
11. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 in combination with the component, wherein:
said gantry includes a frame including two UPN type steel columns and a plurality of support legs;
said frame of said gantry absorbs internal stresses that are produced when applying the tensile force without loading said system for moving said gantry; and
the component is an anchor being pull tested.
12. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 , wherein:
said gantry includes a frame including two UPN type steel columns and a support bar;
said frame of said gantry absorbs internal stresses that are produced when applying the tensile force without loading said system for moving said gantry.
13. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 , wherein:
said system for moving said gantry includes a plurality of telescopic arms increasing a distance between said gantry and said platform;
said plurality of arms being connected between said gantry and said platform.
14. The mobile testing device according to claim 13 , wherein:
said system for moving said gantry includes a master cylinder, an eye connected to said master cylinder, a bolt extending through said eye, and a crossbar rigidly connecting said plurality of arms; and
said crossbar, said eye, and said bolt cooperating to form an articulated connection between said master cylinder and said plurality of arms.
15. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 , wherein:
said system for moving said gantry includes a master cylinder having an end, and a prism-shaped structure supporting said end of said master cylinder above said platform.
16. The mobile testing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a tension indicating device for indicating the tensile force applied to the component by said device for applying a tensile force.
17. A method of testing, comprising:
providing a mobile testing device for testing a component, the mobile testing device including:
a transportable platform,
a gantry supported on the platform,
a system for moving the gantry from a traveling position in which the gantry is entirely supported by the platform to a testing position in which the gantry is supported on a ground surface, and
a device for applying a tensile force to the component undergoing testing;
transporting the mobile testing device to a testing location; and
performing a test by applying the tensile force to the component.
18. The method according to claim 17 , wherein:
the component is a guy line anchor.
19. The method according to claim 17 , wherein:
the component is a cable, a sling or a chain.
20. The method according to claim 17 , wherein:
the component is a weight-indicating device; and
the tensile force is applied to the weight-indicating device to repair, calibrate, install and/or maintain the weight-indicating device.
21. The method according to claim 17 , wherein the test is selected from the group consisting of:
a verification test to verify a breaking strength or weak point stress of the component,
a determination test to determine a breaking strength or weak point stress of the component, and
a calibration test to calibrate the component when the component is a weight-indicating instrument.
22. A mobile testing device for testing a component, the mobile testing device comprising:
a transportable platform;
a gantry supported on said platform;
a system for moving said gantry from a traveling position in which said gantry is entirely supported by said platform to a testing position in which said gantry is not located on said platform and is supported on a ground surface; and
a device for applying a tensile force to the component undergoing testing while said system keeps said platform in said testing position in which said gantry is not located on said platform and is supported on the ground surface.