Hello everyone,

I wanted to share a freelance design project I recently built from scratch in just a few hours, and how I solved a mechanical problem I encountered during the process.

My client's request was to design a fixture capable of testing specimens at various angles between 0 and 45 degrees, unlike standard vertical tensile tests. In the early stages of the design, the biggest challenge I faced was the kinematic lockup; when the system tilted to 45 degrees, the upper shaft ran out of downward stroke.

To overcome this issue, instead of keeping the lower jaw fixed, I converted the system into a slider-crank mechanism. By extending the base plate and the rails, I allowed the bottom carriage to slide horizontally.

Solving these mechanical challenges within a tight timeframe and delivering a fully functional project was a very valuable experience for me. Thank you for taking the time to read, and I wish everyone success with their designs!