A mechanism is hereby disclosed that, when activated in the linear direction of its axis, will expand and contract radially. The novel nature of the device is that of compliant methods and materials used in its design. Compliant members, referred to as dyads, translate the motion and imply resistance in a single structure. Thus eliminating the need for separate members, hinges, pins, springs and the associated assembly. When these compliant dyads are combined in the novel configurations hereby disclosed, a device is created that expands (or contracts) in multiple directions from its primary axis of actuation. Furthermore, one or more actuation dyad sets could be arranged at various angles relative to the global vertical axis. The radial expansion/contraction can be 2D or 3D by adding more primary activation dyad sets. Such a device can be applied to many applications and industries. One such application is for gripping the inside of a tube or object for moving manually or in automation. The compliant nature of this device can be optimized to auto-adapt to the objects size and shape allowing for greater part variation and reduce manufacturing line change-over times. Other applications would include snap fit connections, spherical articulating joints, spinning cutting tools, speed limiting using friction and centrifugal force, braking rotational forces or transmitting it, automatic centering, expanding elastic bands in an assembly process, and stretching an opening for fitment. The design of this device is material friendly and can be made of plastic, composite and metals. It may be of a single monoform construction (created by molding, machining, or additive manufacturing) or made of multiple parts including pivots and different materials to achieve the desired articulation.

A mechanism is hereby disclosed that, when activated in the linear direction of its axis, will expand and contract radially. The novel nature of the device is that of compliant methods and materials used in its design. Compliant members, referred to as dyads, translate the motion and imply resistance in a single structure. Thus eliminating the need for separate members, hinges, pins, springs and the associated assembly. When these compliant dyads are combined in the novel configurations hereby disclosed, a device is created that expands (or contracts) in multiple directions from its primary axis of actuation. Furthermore, one or more actuation dyad sets could be arranged at various angles relative to the global vertical axis. The radial expansion/contraction can be 2D or 3D by adding more primary activation dyad sets. Such a device can be applied to many applications and industries. One such application is for gripping the inside of a tube or object for moving manually or in automation. The compliant nature of this device can be optimized to auto-adapt to the objects size and shape allowing for greater part variation and reduce manufacturing line change-over times. Other applications would include snap fit connections, spherical articulating joints, spinning cutting tools, speed limiting using friction and centrifugal force, braking rotational forces or transmitting it, automatic centering, expanding elastic bands in an assembly process, and stretching an opening for fitment. The design of this device is material friendly and can be made of plastic, composite and metals. It may be of a single monoform construction (created by molding, machining, or additive manufacturing) or made of multiple parts including pivots and different materials to achieve the desired articulation.

A hydraulic forging machine and a method for replacing an upper anvil block thereof are disclosed. The hydraulic forging machine includes locking hydraulic cylinder that is fixed to a movable beam of the hydraulic forging machine when the hydraulic forging machine is in operation. The locking hydraulic cylinder is configured to provide a locking-unlocking function between an upper anvil block of the hydraulic forging machine and the movable beam. The locking hydraulic cylinder has its hydraulic power source supplied from a main hydraulic cylinder or a return hydraulic cylinder, which is also fixed to the movable beam. The present disclosure not only enables an oil supply circuit for the locking hydraulic cylinder to move together with the movable beam, but also simplifies the oil supply circuit for the locking hydraulic cylinder, resulting in an improved reliability of the hydraulic forging machine.

A hydraulic forging machine and a method for replacing an upper anvil block thereof are disclosed. The hydraulic forging machine includes locking hydraulic cylinder that is fixed to a movable beam of the hydraulic forging machine when the hydraulic forging machine is in operation. The locking hydraulic cylinder is configured to provide a locking-unlocking function between an upper anvil block of the hydraulic forging machine and the movable beam. The locking hydraulic cylinder has its hydraulic power source supplied from a main hydraulic cylinder or a return hydraulic cylinder, which is also fixed to the movable beam. The present disclosure not only enables an oil supply circuit for the locking hydraulic cylinder to move together with the movable beam, but also simplifies the oil supply circuit for the locking hydraulic cylinder, resulting in an improved reliability of the hydraulic forging machine.

The educational system for teaching mechanical failure includes first and second specimen pieces. The first and second specimen pieces are adapted to be magnetically joined to one another at a selected magnitude of magnetic force. A linear force measuring device, such as a load cell, is secured to the first specimen piece and a support frame. A linear actuator is secured to the support frame and the second specimen piece to selectively apply a separation force to the first and second specimen pieces. In use, a user may increase a magnitude of the separation force until the first and second specimen pieces separate from one another. The measured separation force when the first and second specimen pieces separate from one another is representative of a required force to cause mechanical failure.

The educational system for teaching mechanical failure includes first and second specimen pieces. The first and second specimen pieces are adapted to be magnetically joined to one another at a selected magnitude of magnetic force. A linear force measuring device, such as a load cell, is secured to the first specimen piece and a support frame. A linear actuator is secured to the support frame and the second specimen piece to selectively apply a separation force to the first and second specimen pieces. In use, a user may increase a magnitude of the separation force until the first and second specimen pieces separate from one another. The measured separation force when the first and second specimen pieces separate from one another is representative of a required force to cause mechanical failure.

The educational system for teaching mechanical failure includes first and second specimen pieces. The first and second specimen pieces are adapted to be magnetically joined to one another at a selected magnitude of magnetic force. A linear force measuring device, such as a load cell, is secured to the first specimen piece and a support frame. A linear actuator is secured to the support frame and the second specimen piece to selectively apply a separation force to the first and second specimen pieces. In use, a user may increase a magnitude of the separation force until the first and second specimen pieces separate from one another. The measured separation force when the first and second specimen pieces separate from one another is representative of a required force to cause mechanical failure.

The educational system for teaching mechanical failure includes first and second specimen pieces. The first and second specimen pieces are adapted to be magnetically joined to one another at a selected magnitude of magnetic force. A linear force measuring device, such as a load cell, is secured to the first specimen piece and a support frame. A linear actuator is secured to the support frame and the second specimen piece to selectively apply a separation force to the first and second specimen pieces. In use, a user may increase a magnitude of the separation force until the first and second specimen pieces separate from one another. The measured separation force when the first and second specimen pieces separate from one another is representative of a required force to cause mechanical failure.

A fastening structure includes an operating engaging element and a body portion. The operating engaging element has an engaging portion and an operating portion. The operating portion has a moving surface abutting against a corresponding moving surface of the operating engaging element to cause movement of the operating engaging element. The body portion has a mounting portion which the operating engaging element is mounted on; or the operating engaging element has a mounting portion which the body portion is mounted. With the engaging portion, the operating engaging element is fastened to an object, and the body portion is fastened to another object, thereby fastening the two objects together. Unfastening the two objects entails pressing the operating portion such that the moving surface of the operating portion abuts against the corresponding moving surface of the operating engaging element to cause movement of the operating engaging element, thereby separating the objects.

A fastening structure includes an operating engaging element and a body portion. The operating engaging element has an engaging portion and an operating portion. The operating portion has a moving surface abutting against a corresponding moving surface of the operating engaging element to cause movement of the operating engaging element. The body portion has a mounting portion which the operating engaging element is mounted on; or the operating engaging element has a mounting portion which the body portion is mounted. With the engaging portion, the operating engaging element is fastened to an object, and the body portion is fastened to another object, thereby fastening the two objects together. Unfastening the two objects entails pressing the operating portion such that the moving surface of the operating portion abuts against the corresponding moving surface of the operating engaging element to cause movement of the operating engaging element, thereby separating the objects.