System and Method of Strain Emulation using a Beam Load Cell Test Setup

This novel method deals with emulation of Strain of a Structural Measurement System which includes software validation, acceptance tests and training. Current methods for simulating strain and force data for developing and verifying data acquisition (DAQ) software typically rely on costly electronic simulators or specialized hardware, making it challenging and expensive for developers, researchers, and small organizations to test their solutions under realistic conditions. To verify DAQ software, multiple specialized hardware solutions are deployed, that include Electronic Simulators, Commercial DAQ Modules and Hydraulic/Pneumatic test rigs. These technologies pose a challenge with limited flexibility and scalability options for small-scale prototyping, especially in budget-constrained scenarios. The sensors on these equipment may or may not be company approved inducing acceptance challenges. Our invention is an inexpensive, scalable, and mechanically simple alternative. Using a 3D-printed structure combined with standard cantilever load cells and easily accessible weights, it enables realistic and customizable strain simulations without the need for expensive electronic simulation equipment. All platforms namely NI based, Dewesoft, VTI and others can be integrated into a unified test framework in this method which otherwise needs to be simulated on suitable equipment individually. Also this method uses company approved Sensing devices and methods.