US 11,692,908 B2
External loading test apparatus having a test subsystem for applying a force to simulate loading
Pierre-Antoine Claudon, Fleury (FR); and Bruno Trapletti, Champigneulles (FR)
Assigned to GE Energy Power Conversion Technology Limited, Warwickshire (GB)
Filed by GE Energy Power Conversion Technology Limited, Warwickshire (GB)
Filed on Jul. 30, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/390,728.
Claims priority of application No. 20315372 (EP), filed on Jul. 30, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0042878 A1, Feb. 10, 2022
Int. Cl. G01M 13/025 (2019.01); G01L 5/00 (2006.01)
CPC G01M 13/025 (2013.01) [G01L 5/0061 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An external loading test apparatus comprising:
a structure with at least three pillars supporting a platform, the platform being configured to receive a pod comprising a podded electric propulsion motor having a pod propeller in a hanging position while allowing operation of said pod, and
a test subsystem, for applying a force on the pod or pod propeller to simulate full scale external loading,
wherein the test subsystem comprises a pod actuator interface, an actuator, and an actuator structure interface,
wherein the actuator structure interface comprises a frame, forming a rotational joint with the actuator, so that the actuator is anchored to the structure while retaining at least one degree of rotation, and
wherein the actuator comprising an actuator body and an actuator rod configured so that the actuator rod extends from or retracts into the actuator body upon command.