Mold, sample testing system, sample testing method, and sample having a compressible body

Abstract

The mold comprises two chucks and two or more central mold components configured to be detachably coupled to the chucks, the central mold components extending between the chucks. When the central mold components are coupled to the chucks, the central mold components and the chucks can define a mold cavity having a gauge forming section and two shoulder forming sections. The gauge forming section is defined by the central mold components and may have a first transverse dimension. Each of the shoulder forming sections is defined by each of the chucks and may have a second transverse dimension that is at least 1.5 times the first transverse dimension.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to tensile testing of molded samples.

Background Art

[0002] Using a tensile test of a material, one or more mechanical properties of the material can be confirmed. For example, when separating a sample, the tensile force applied to the sample and the deformation of the sample (e.g., the change in its length) can be measured. From these measured values, the stress / strain relationship of the sample can be determined, and various mechanical properties such as yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elastic modulus can be calculated.

[0003] To promote the reliability and consistency of tensile tests between different samples, by molding the samples, breakage at the same part of the samples can be promoted. Some tensile tests, such as ASTM D638 that employs Type IV test specimens, involve machining the sample into a "dogbone" shape in which a smaller-diameter gauge section is disposed between two larger-diameter shoulders. The shoulders provide convenient positions for clamping the sample during the tensile test, and since the diameter of the shoulders is larger than that of the gauge section, the stress at the shoulders during the tensile test is lower than that at the gauge section. As a result, breakage of the gauge section rather than the shoulders is promoted.

[0004] Tensile testing of compressible materials can pose problems in terms of reliability and consistency even when the samples are machined into a dogbone shape. In a tensile test, the sample is typically held by two grips that clamp each end of the sample, and by pulling them apart, a tensile force acts on the sample. By clamping both ends of a compressible sample, deformation occurs, and stress concentration may be induced at both ends of the sample. Therefore, the risk of unintentional breakage at both ends of the sample can increase. For example, when testing a dogbone-shaped compressible sample, unintentional breakage of the sample may occur at one of the shoulders rather than at the gauge section of the sample, thereby reducing the reliability and consistency of the tensile test.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The mold, system, and method of the present invention can be used to better promote reliability and consistency in tensile testing of compressible specimens. For this purpose, the mold may include two chucks and two or more central mold components detachably coupled to the chucks so as to extend between the chucks. When the central mold components are coupled to the chucks, the chucks and central mold components can define a mold cavity having a gauge forming portion and two shoulder forming portions. The gauge forming portion is defined by the central mold component and has a first transverse dimension, and the shoulder forming portions are defined by each of the chucks and have a second transverse dimension greater than the first transverse dimension. The specimen is placed in the mold cavity and solidifies to include a gauge portion having a smaller transverse dimension located between two shoulders having a larger transverse dimension and located within the chucks.

[0006] To test the sample, the gauge portion of the solidified sample is positioned between the chucks, and the central mold component can be separated from the chucks with the shoulder portion of the sample remaining inside the chucks. Tensile force can be applied to the sample by moving the chucks linearly away from each other, for example, by coupling one chuck to a linear actuator and the other to a fixed mount. Since the shoulder portion of the sample is formed in the shoulder-forming portion defined by the chucks, the shoulder can be held inside the chucks by adhesive and optionally by vacuum force. Each chuck may also contain a number of conduits that are in fluid communication with the shoulder-forming portion of the mold cavity defined by the chucks when the central mold component is coupled to the chucks, and that extend in directions that are at an angle (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis extending through the gauge-forming portion and shoulder-forming portion of the mold cavity. Thus, when the sample is placed in the mold cavity, the sample flows into the conduits of each chuck, and as it solidifies, branches may be formed that help to hold the shoulder portion of the sample inside the chucks during tensile testing. The chuck's ability to hold the shoulder reduces the risk of unintended breakage at the shoulder by eliminating the need for clamping, which can induce deformation and stress concentration at the shoulder. Instead, deformation and breakage can occur at smaller lateral dimensional gauge sections. This, in turn, can improve the reliability and consistency of tensile tests.

[0007] Any suitable sample can be molded and tested using a mold. The use of a mold with a sample-holding chuck is particularly suitable for tensile testing of soft tissue samples such as coagulated blood. For example, when blood is coagulated in a mold, fibrinogen in the blood is converted to fibrin, which forms a network of fibers that capture blood cells and platelets to form a solid blood clot. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the blood clot can be reliably and consistently confirmed by tensile testing using a chuck to hold the clot, thereby providing insights into how the blood clot reacts to instruments such as stent retrievers.

[0008] Some of the molds of the present invention have two chucks and two or more central mold components, and some of the systems of the present invention comprise a mold having two chucks and two or more central mold components. In some embodiments, the central mold components are configured to be detachably coupled to the chucks so as to extend between the chucks. In some embodiments, when the central mold components are coupled to the chucks, the central mold components and the chucks define a mold cavity. Some of the methods of the present invention for testing a specimen include placing the specimen in a mold cavity defined by two chucks and two or more central mold components detachably coupled to the chucks and extending between the chucks.

[0009] In some embodiments, the mold cavity comprises a gauge forming section defined by a central mold component and having a first lateral dimension. In some embodiments, the first lateral dimension is between 5 millimeters (mm) and 10 millimeters (mm). In some embodiments, the mold cavity has two shoulder forming sections, each defined by a chuck. In some embodiments, each shoulder forming section has a second lateral dimension at least 1.5 times the first lateral dimension. In some embodiments, the second lateral dimension is between 15 mm and 25 mm. In some embodiments, for each chuck, when the central mold component is coupled to the chuck, the shoulder forming section of the mold cavity defined by the chuck does not extend outside the mold.

[0010] In some embodiments, the mold cavity includes two further extensions. In some embodiments, each extension is defined by a central mold component. In some embodiments, each extension extends between the gauge forming section and the shoulder forming section, respectively. In some embodiments, each extension includes a lateral dimension that increases as it moves from the gauge forming section to the respective shoulder forming section.

[0011] In some embodiments, each chuck includes a plurality of conduits. In some embodiments, for each chuck, the conduits of the chuck extend to the outside of the chuck. In some embodiments, the conduits of each chuck include a plurality of first conduits each extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conduits each extending in a second direction. In some embodiments, the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In some embodiments, for each chuck, the first conduits include at least 10 first conduits. In some embodiments, for each chuck, the second conduits include at least 10 second conduits. In some embodiments, for each chuck, the conduits of the chuck have one or more conduit sets, each including two or more first conduits and two or more second conduits. In some embodiments, for each chuck, the first and second conduits in a set are coplanar. In some embodiments, for each set of conduits, each first conduit in the set intersects with at least one second conduit in the set. In some embodiments, for each chuck, the body of the chuck includes a plurality of parts that, for each set of conduits, circumsect two first conduits and two second conduits of that set, respectively.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the central mold component is coupled to the chucks, for each chuck, the conduit of the chuck is in fluid communication with the shoulder forming portion of the mold cavity defined by the chuck. In some embodiments, when the central mold component is coupled to the chucks, for each chuck, each conduit of the chuck extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis passing through the gauge forming portion and shoulder forming portion of the mold cavity. In some embodiments, each conduit of each chuck has a lateral dimension between 3 millimeters (mm) and 8 millimeters (mm). In some methods, the placement of the sample in the mold cavity is carried out so that the sample flows into the conduit of each chuck.

[0013] In some embodiments, each chuck and each central mold component has one or more inner surfaces, and each inner surface of the chuck has a greater surface roughness than the inner surface of each central mold component. In some embodiments, when the central mold component is coupled to the chuck, for each chuck, at least one of the inner surfaces of the chuck defines a shoulder-forming portion of the mold cavity. In some embodiments, when the central mold component is coupled to the chuck, the inner surface of the central mold component defines a gauge-forming portion of the mold cavity. In some embodiments, the inner surface of each central mold component is made of acrylic. In some embodiments, the chuck and the central mold component are each made of a polymer material.

[0014] In some embodiments, two or more central mold components include one or more first central mold components and one or more second central mold components. In some methods, placing a sample in the mold cavity includes coupling the first central mold component to the chuck so that the first central mold component extends between the chucks. In some methods, placing a sample in the mold cavity includes placing the chuck and the first central mold component in a container and dispensing the sample into the container with the chuck and the first central mold component in the container and the first central mold component coupled to the chuck. In some embodiments, placing a sample into the mold cavity includes, after dispensing the sample into the container, coupling the second central mold component to the chuck in the container so that the second central mold component extends between the chucks.

[0015] Some methods involve solidifying the sample while it is placed in a mold cavity. Some of the samples of the present invention have a compressible body. In some embodiments, the compressible body includes two shoulders and a gauge section positioned between the shoulders. In some embodiments, for each shoulder, the sample includes a plurality of branches coupled to the shoulder. In some embodiments, the branches each extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis extending through the shoulder and the gauge section. In some embodiments, the gauge section has a first transverse dimension. In some embodiments, each shoulder has a second transverse dimension.

[0016] In some embodiments, for each shoulder of a sample, the branch connected to the shoulder includes a plurality of first branches extending in a first direction and a plurality of second branches extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In some embodiments, for each shoulder of a sample, the first branch connected to the shoulder includes at least 10 first branches. In some embodiments, for each shoulder of a sample, the second branch connected to the shoulder includes at least 10 second branches. In some embodiments, for each shoulder of a sample, the branch connected to the shoulder includes one or more sets of branches, each including two or more first branches and two or more second branches. In some embodiments, for each set of branches, the first and second branches in the set are coplanar. In some embodiments, for each set of branches, each of the first branches in the set intersects with at least one of the second branches in the set. In some embodiments, for each shoulder of a sample, for each set of conduits, there are a plurality of openings located at the shoulder, each opening being circumscribed by two first branches and two second branches in the set. In some embodiments, each branch of each shoulder of a sample has a lateral dimension between 3 mm and 8 mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the compressible body further includes two extensions, each extending between the gauge portion and the respective shoulder portions, with each extension having a lateral dimension that increases as it moves from the gauge portion toward the respective shoulder portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sample placed in the mold cavity contains blood, and the coagulated sample contains coagulated blood. In some methods, coagulating the sample involves adding one or more coagulants to the sample. In some embodiments, the coagulants include calcium chloride and / or thrombin. In some embodiments, the coagulated blood contains fibrin.

[0019] Some systems include an actuator configured to be detachably coupled to a first chuck. Some systems include a mount configured to be detachably coupled to a second chuck. In some systems, when the actuator is coupled to the first chuck, the mount is coupled to the second chuck, and the central mold component is not coupled to the chuck, the actuator is configured to move the first chuck linearly relative to the second chuck along a longitudinal axis extending through the chuck. Some methods involve separating the central mold component from the chucks such that, after the sample has solidified, the gauge portion of the solidified sample formed in the gauge forming portion of the mold cavity is positioned between the chucks, and each of the two shoulders of the solidified sample formed in each of the shoulder forming portions of the mold cavity is positioned within its respective chuck. Some methods involve moving the chucks linearly apart along a longitudinal axis extending through the chucks and the solidified sample. In some systems, when the actuator is coupled to the first chuck, the mount is coupled to the second chuck, and the central mold component is not coupled to the chuck, the actuator is configured to move the first chuck linearly relative to the second chuck along a longitudinal axis extending through the chuck. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis is horizontal.

[0020] Some systems include a load cell configured to measure the force acting on the second chuck in a direction along the longitudinal axis extending through the chucks when the actuator is coupled to the first chuck and the mount is coupled to the second chuck. In some systems, the actuator includes a displacement gauge. In some systems, the displacement gauge is configured to measure the distance the first chuck moves relative to the second chuck along the longitudinal axis extending through the chucks when the actuator is coupled to the first chuck and the mount is coupled to the second chuck. Some systems include one or more cameras configured to capture video of the area between the chucks when the actuator is coupled to the first chuck and the mount is coupled to the second chuck.

[0021] Some methods involve measuring the force acting on the solidified sample and / or the change in the length of the solidified sample as the chucks are linearly separated. In some embodiments, the chucks are linearly separated until the solidified sample breaks.

[0022] The term “combined” is defined as connected, though not necessarily direct or mechanical, and two “combined” items may be a single unit. The terms “one (a)” and “one (an)” are defined as one or more unless otherwise expressly required by this disclosure. The term “substantially” is defined as the majority, not necessarily the whole, of what is identified and includes what is identified. For example, substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees, and substantially parallel includes parallel, as understood by those skilled in the art. In this specification, “substantially parallel” and “substantially aligned” mean angles of no more than 10 degrees relative to parallel, and “substantially perpendicular” mean angles of no more than 10 degrees relative to perpendicular, respectively.

[0023] The terms "comprise" and all its forms ("comprises," "comprising," etc.), "have" and all its forms ("has," "having," etc.), and "include" and all its forms ("includes," "including," etc.) are open-ended linking verbs. Therefore, a device or system that "comprises," "has," or "includes" one or more components owns, but is not limited to owning only, those components. Similarly, a method that "comprises," "has," or "includes" one or more steps owns, but is not limited to owning, those steps only.

[0024] Any embodiment of any apparatus, system, and method may be composed of or consist essentially of, rather than "comprising / including / having" any of the described steps, components, and / or features. Thus, in any claim, the terms "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" can be replaced with any of the above open-ended conjunctive verbs in order to change the scope of a given claim from that using other open-ended conjunctive verbs.

[0025] Furthermore, an apparatus or system configured in a particular way is at least configured in that way, but may also be configured in other ways than the specifically described way.

[0026] One or more features of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments even if not described or illustrated, unless explicitly prohibited by the nature of this specification or the embodiments.

[0027] Some details related to the above and other embodiments are described below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] The following drawings are for illustrative purposes and not limiting. From the perspective of brevity and clarity, not all features of a given structure are always described in all the drawings in which that structure is shown. The same reference numbers do not necessarily indicate the same structure. Rather, the same reference numbers may be used to indicate features having similar characteristics or similar functions, and different reference numbers may also be used.

[0029] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one mold including two chucks and four central mold parts extending between and detachably coupled to those chucks. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a plan view of the mold of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the mold of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D is a right side view of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1E] Figure 1E is a left side view of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1F] Figure 1F is a front view of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1G] Figure 1G is a rear view of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1H] Figure 1H is a cross-sectional view of the mold in Figure 1A, cut along the line 1H-1H in Figure 1B, the line 1I-1I in Figure 1D, and the line 1J-1J in Figure 1B, showing the shape of the mold cavity defined by the chuck and the central mold component when the central mold component is coupled to the chuck. [Figure 1I] Figure 1I is a cross-sectional view of the mold in Figure 1A, cut along the line 1H-1H in Figure 1B, the line 1I-1I in Figure 1D, and the line 1J-1J in Figure 1B, showing the shape of the mold cavity defined by the chuck and the central mold component when the central mold component is coupled to the chuck. [Figure 1J] Figure 1J is a cross-sectional view of the mold in Figure 1A, cut along the line 1H-1H in Figure 1B, the line 1I-1I in Figure 1D, and the line 1J-1J in Figure 1B, showing the shape of the mold cavity defined by the chuck and the central mold component when the central mold component is coupled to the chuck. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a perspective view of one of the chucks of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a front view of one of the chucks of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a side view of one of the chucks of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 2D] Figure 2D is a top view of one of the chucks of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a perspective view of the central mold component of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a front view of the central mold component of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C is a perspective view of one of the central mold components of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 3D] Figure 3D is a front view of one of the central mold components of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 3E] Figure 3E is a top view of one of the central mold components of the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a perspective view of an assembly including two central mold components of the mold shown in Figure 1A, which are coupled between the chucks of the mold and extend between them. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a plan view of the assembly including the two central mold components of the mold shown in Figure 1A, which are coupled between the chucks of the mold and extend between them. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C is a perspective view of the assembly shown in Figures 4A and 4B after the remaining two central mold components of the mold in Figure 1A have been joined between the chucks and extended between them. [Figure 4D] Figure 4D is a plan view of the assembly shown in Figures 4A and 4B after the remaining two central mold components of the mold in Figure 1A have been joined between the chucks and extended between them. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows the process of placing the sample in the mold cavity of the mold shown in Figure 1A and allowing it to solidify, which includes placing the assemblies shown in Figures 4A and 4B into a container. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows the process of placing the sample in the mold cavity of the mold shown in Figure 1A and allowing it to solidify, which includes administering the sample into a container. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C shows the process of placing the sample in the mold cavity of the mold shown in Figure 1A and allowing it to solidify, which includes connecting the remaining central mold components of the mold to the chuck. [Figure 5D] Figure 5D shows the process of placing the sample in the mold cavity of the mold shown in Figure 1A and allowing it to solidify, which includes removing the assembled mold from the container. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a side view of the solidified sample formed using the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a plan view of the solidified sample formed in the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a front view of the solidified sample formed using the mold shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a plan view of one system of the present invention, which includes the mold shown in Figure 1A, a linear actuator configured to be coupled to the first chuck of the mold, and a mount configured to be coupled to the second chuck. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B shows the process of performing a tensile test on a sample solidified in the mold of Figure 1A using the system of Figure 7A, which includes removing the central mold component from the chuck. [Figure 7C] Figure 7C shows the process of performing a tensile test on a sample solidified in the mold of Figure 1A using the system of Figure 7A, which includes moving the first chuck linearly relative to the second chuck using an actuator. [Figure 7D] Figure 7D shows the process of performing a tensile test on a sample solidified in the mold of Figure 1A using the system of Figure 7A, which includes moving the first chuck linearly relative to the second chuck using an actuator until the solidified sample breaks. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] As shown in the referenced Figures 1A to 1J, Embodiment 10 of the mold of the present invention includes two chucks 14a and 14b and two or more central mold components 18a and 18b. The number of central mold components may be one or more of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, or any number between two of these, but the figures include four central mold components. The central mold components 18a and 18b may be configured to be detachably coupled to the chucks 14a and 14b such that the central mold components extend between the chucks. When the central mold components 18a and 18b are coupled to the chucks 14a and 14b, the central mold components and chucks define a mold cavity 22 (Figures 1H to 1J) in which a sample can be solidified and molded. As will be described in more detail later, after the sample has solidified and molded in the mold cavity 22, the central mold parts 18a and 18b are removed from the chucks 14a and 14b, the solidified sample is held in place, and the chucks are pulled apart to perform a tensile test on the sample.

[0031] Referring particularly to Figures 1H to 1J, the mold cavity 22 may have a shape that facilitates uniform and predictable tensile testing of the specimen molded within the mold cavity. As shown in the figures, the mold cavity 22 has a gauge forming section 26 and two shoulder forming sections 30, the gauge forming section being defined by a central mold component and each shoulder forming section being defined by its respective chuck, such that the gauge forming section is positioned between the shoulder forming sections. The gauge forming section 26 has a first transverse dimension 34 (e.g., diameter), and each shoulder forming section 30 may have a second transverse dimension 38 (e.g., diameter) that is larger than the first transverse dimension. For example, the second lateral dimension may be 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, or 2.7 times the first lateral dimension, or a multiple between these two values ​​with respect to the first lateral dimension (for example, at least 1.5 times or at least 2.0 times the first lateral dimension). As will be described in more detail later, with each shoulder forming portion 30 having a second lateral dimension 38 which is larger than the first lateral dimension 34 of the gauge forming portion 26 (for example, at least 1.5 times or at least 2.0 times), the shoulder portion of a sample molded in the shoulder forming portion of the mold cavity 22 may have a larger lateral dimension than the gauge portion of a sample molded in the gauge forming portion of the mold cavity. During a tensile test in which the specimen is held in chucks 14a and 14b, this may promote deformation and breakage of the specimen within the gauge portion with the smaller lateral dimension, while simultaneously promoting the close contact of the shoulder portion of the specimen with the larger lateral dimension to the chuck (for example, because the larger second lateral dimension increases the surface area of ​​the shoulder portion in contact with the chuck). This improves consistency and reliability in the tensile test (for example, by reducing the risk of deformation and breakage within the shoulder portion). The lateral dimensions of the gauge forming portion 26 and the shoulder forming portion 30, respectively, may be substantially constant along the length 46 or 50 of the portion (for example, each of these portions may be cylindrical).

[0032] As shown in the figure, for each of the chucks 14a and 14b, when the central mold parts 18a and 18b are coupled to the chuck, the shoulder forming portion 30 does not extend to the outside of the mold 10. Therefore, when the sample placed inside the shoulder forming portion 30 defined by the chucks 14a and 14b solidifies, air cannot enter, and a vacuum is formed within the shoulder forming portion. Consequently, when the medium mold parts 18a and 18b are removed from the chucks 14a and 14b and the portion of the solidified sample other than the shoulder is exposed to the surrounding environment, for each chuck, the pressure difference between the surrounding environment and the vacuum inside the shoulder forming portion pushes the shoulder of the sample into the chuck, assisting in holding the shoulder inside the chuck during the tensile test. However, in other embodiments, the shoulder forming portion 30 of each of the chucks 14a and 14b may extend to the outside of the mold 10.

[0033] The mold cavity 22 is further defined by central mold components 18a and 18b, respectively, and comprises two extensions 42 extending between the gauge forming section 26 and the shoulder forming section 30, respectively. The extensions 42 of the mold cavity 22 can form an extension of the specimen placed therein, which during tensile testing can act as a transition between the smaller lateral dimension of the specimen's gauge section and the larger lateral dimension of the shoulder section, further promoting deformation and breakage within the gauge section and reducing the risk of the same phenomenon occurring within the shoulder section. To do so, each extension 42 has a lateral dimension (e.g., diameter) that increases from the gauge forming section 26 (e.g., where the lateral dimension of the extension is the first lateral dimension 34) toward the respective shoulder forming section 30 (e.g., where the lateral dimension of the extension is the second lateral dimension 38). As shown in the figure, each extension 42 is frustoconical in shape to define an extension transition between the gauge forming section 26 and the respective shoulder forming section 30.

[0034] The gauge forming section 26, shoulder forming section 30, and expansion section 42 of the mold cavity 22 may have any dimensions suitable for molding and testing a sample. Preferably, these parts of the mold cavity 22 are relatively compact so that the mold 10 is a manageable size for testing and the amount of sample required to fill the mold cavity is reduced. This is particularly beneficial when testing samples such as blood, where smaller sample sizes are desirable (for example, to reduce the burden on the subject). For example, the first lateral dimension 34 of the gauge forming section 26 can be any less than or equal to 12 mm, 11 mm, 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, or 6 mm (millimeters), or between any two of these (for example, between 5 mm and 10 mm), and the second lateral dimension 48 of each shoulder forming section 30 can be any less than or equal to 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, or 15 mm, or between any two of these (for example, between 15 mm and 25 mm). Furthermore, the length 46 of the gauge forming section 26 (for example, measured in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis 70 passing through the gauge forming section and the shoulder forming section 30) may be any less than or equal to 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, or 15 mm, or between any two of these (for example, between 15 mm and 35 mm). The length 50 of each shoulder forming section 30 (for example, measured in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis 70) is not only compact, but also long enough to provide sufficient surface area for the shoulder of the sample being molded within the shoulder forming section of the mold cavity 22, thereby promoting adhesion with the chuck (e.g., 14a or 14b) defining the shoulder forming section. For example, the length 50 may be any less than or equal to 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, or 15 mm, or between these two (e.g., between 15 mm and 30 mm). Also, the length 54 of each extension section is smaller than the length 46 of the gauge forming section 26 and the length 50 of the shoulder forming section 30, and may be any less than or equal to 25 mm, 22.5 mm, 20 mm, 17.5 mm, 15 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm, or 7.5 mm, or between these two (e.g., between 7.5 mm and 20 mm).

[0035] To further enhance the ability of chucks 14a and 14b to hold the specimen during tensile testing, each chuck may be equipped with multiple conduits 58a and 58b so that specimen breakage occurs at the gauge portion rather than the shoulder portion. For each of chucks 14a and 14b, conduits 58a and 58b can be in fluid communication with the shoulder-forming portion 30 defined by the chuck. This allows the specimen placed in the mold cavity 22 to flow into the conduits and, upon solidification, to form branches within the conduits that are connected to the shoulder portion of the specimen. Each of the conduits 58a and 58b may extend in a direction that is positioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis 70, for example, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Thus, when chucks 14a and 14b are pulled apart along the longitudinal axis 70 during tensile testing, the branches of the specimen formed in the angled conduits 58a and 58b resist the force that would pull the specimen out of the chucks and help to hold the specimen within the chucks.

[0036] Preferably, each conduit 58a and 58b of the chucks 14a and 14b includes a plurality of first conduits 58a extending in a first direction 62a and a plurality of second conduits 58b extending in a second direction 62b substantially perpendicular to the first direction. For example, each of the chucks 14a and 14b comprises a first conduit 58a having 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 or more, or a value between these two (e.g., at least 10), and a second conduit 58b having 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 or more, or a value between these two (e.g., at least 10). By including conduits 58a and 58b extending in both the first direction 62a and the second direction 62b, the formation of more sample branching can help keep the shoulders of the sample within the chucks 14a and 14b during tensile testing. Furthermore, for each of the chucks 14a and 14b, the first conduits 58a and second conduits 58b can be arranged to include one or more conduit sets 74, where the conduits are, for example, one set, two sets, three sets, four sets, five sets, six sets, or seven sets, or a value between these two, and each set comprises two or more first conduits and two or more second conduits. As shown in the figures, each chuck includes three sets of conduits (Figures 1B and 1D). For each set 74 of conduits 58a and 58b, the first and second conduits in the set are coplanar, and each first conduit in the set can intersect with at least one second conduit in the set. With such a configuration, the bodies of each chuck 14a and 14b can include multiple parts 78, each circumscribing two first conduits 58a and two second conduits 58b (Figure 1J). This defines loops through which the sample branches formed within these external conduits interface with the chuck, thereby enhancing the chuck's ability to firmly and stably hold the shoulder of the sample.

[0037] Conduits 58a and 58b each have relatively small lateral dimensions 66 (e.g., diameter), which allows more conduits to be defined by chucks 14a and 14b, and consequently more sample branching to be formed within the chuck. This can improve the chuck's ability to hold the shoulder of the sample. However, when each conduit has a small lateral dimension 66, sample flow through conduits 58a and 58b for sample branching (e.g., blood flow) may be obstructed (e.g., by trapped air bubbles). To balance these considerations, the lateral dimension 66 of each conduit 58a and 58b can be any of 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, or 20% of the lateral dimension 58a and / or length 50 of the shoulder forming portion 30, or a value between these two (for example, between 15% and 35% of the lateral dimension and / or length of the shoulder forming portion), and at least 10% or at least 15%. For example, the lateral dimension 66 of each conduit 58a and 58b can be any of 12mm, 11mm, 10mm, 9mm, 8mm, 7mm, 6mm, 5mm, 4mm, or 3mm or a value between these two (for example, between 3mm and 8mm).

[0038] As shown in the figure, for each of the chucks 14a and 14b, each of the conduits 58a and 58b may extend to the outside of the chuck. This makes it easier to place the sample into the mold cavity 22 and conduits 58a and 58b, for example, by allowing air to be exhausted when placing the sample into the mold cavity, especially when the shoulder forming portion 30 does not extend to the outside of the mold 10.

[0039] Since the chucks 14a and 14b serve to hold the solidified sample during the tensile test, each chuck may have one or more inner surfaces 82. Here, the shoulder forming portion 30 is defined by at least one inner surface of the chuck, and each of the conduits 58a and 58b is defined by at least one inner surface of the chuck, thereby enhancing the chuck's ability to hold the sample. Furthermore, since the central mold components 18a and 18b are removed from the chucks 14a and 14b for the tensile test, each central mold component may have one or more inner surfaces 86. Here, the inner surfaces of the central mold components cooperate to define the gauge forming portion 26 and the expansion portion 42 of the mold cavity 22, thereby enhancing the ability of the central mold components to be released from the sample. For example, each inner surface 82 of the chucks 14a and 14b may have a greater surface roughness than each inner surface 86 of the central mold components 18a and 18b. For example, the average maximum peak height of each inner surface 82 of the chucks 14a and 14b (for example, measured along the length 50 of the shoulder forming portion 30 for the inner surface defining the shoulder forming portion 30, or along the length of the conduit 58a or 58b for the inner surface defining the conduit) may be 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.09 mm, 0.10 mm, 0.11 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.13 mm, or 0.14 mm or greater, or a value between these two. Furthermore, the inner surface 86 of each central mold component 86 may be made of a hydrophobic material such as acrylic that facilitates the release of the mold component from the sample and promotes inner surface smoothness (for example, when applied as a surface coating).

[0040] The chucks 14a and 14b of the mold 10, as well as the central mold components 18a and 18b, can be formed from any suitable material. Since the sample molded by the mold 10 may be a biological sample such as blood, the mold can preferably be a disposable product made of a cost-effective material. For example, the chucks 14a and 14b and the central mold components 18a and 18b can be made of polymer materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and / or aliphatic polyamide (nylon), respectively. The chucks 14a and 14b and the central mold components 18a and 18b may be manufactured by 3D printing (e.g., using fused deposition modeling), which facilitates cost-effective production and can improve the surface roughness of the inner surface 82 of the chuck that holds the sample.

[0041] As described above, the central mold components 18a and 18b can be configured to be detachably coupled to the chucks 14a and 14b. Such detachable coupling can be achieved in any suitable manner. For example, with further reference to Figures 2A-2D and 3A-3E, each of the chucks 14a and 14b may include two or more openings 90 extending through them (e.g., in a direction substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 70), for example, at least one opening for each of the central mold components 18a and 18b. Each central mold component may include one or more openings 94 extending through them (e.g., in a direction substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 70). When the central mold component extends between the first chuck 14a and the second chuck 14b, the openings 94 of the central mold components 18a and 18b are aligned with the openings 90 of the first chuck and the opening of the second chuck so that a connecting member such as a wire or a fastening member such as a pin can be inserted through the openings of the central mold component and the chucks and joined together. Each of the central mold components 18a and 18b can be removed from the chucks 14a and 14b by at least removing the connecting member from the aligned openings 90 and 94.

[0042] Referring to Figures 4A to 4D, a method for assembling the mold 10 is shown. As shown, it is not necessary for all of the central mold parts 18a and 18b to be coupled to the chucks 14a and 14b at the same time. For example, the central mold parts 18a and 18b include one or more first central mold parts 18a and one or more second central mold parts 18b, for example, the first central mold parts are one, two, three, or four or more, or a value between two of them, and the second central mold parts are one, two, three, or four or more, or a value between two of them. As shown, the mold 10 includes two first central mold parts and two second central mold parts. Before the second central mold parts 18b are coupled to the chucks (Figures 4A and 4B), the first central mold parts 18a may be coupled to the chucks 14a and 14b (for example, using wires extending through the chucks and the openings 90 and 94 of the first central mold parts, as described above). As will be described in detail later, the sample can be placed on this assembly before the second central mold component 18b is joined to the chucks 14a and 14b (Figures 4C and 4D). This facilitates the placement of the sample into the mold cavity 22.

[0043] Referring to Figures 5A-5C, some of the methods of the present invention for testing a sample (e.g., 102) include placing the sample in a mold cavity (e.g., 22) (e.g., any of the mold cavities described above, defined by any of the chucks and central mold components described above) defined by two chucks (e.g., 14a and 14b) and two or more central mold components (e.g., 18a and 18b) detachably coupled between the chucks and extending between them, and optionally, the sample flows into the conduits (e.g., 58a and 58b) of each chuck. The sample is a material whose mechanical material properties are to be investigated, preferably a material that is compressible upon solidification. As will be described in more detail later, the systems and methods described herein are particularly suited for tensile testing of such compressible materials upon solidification. For example, the systems and methods described herein are particularly advantageous when testing soft tissue such as blood, which can be allowed to coagulate to form a blood clot for testing.

[0044] The sample can be placed in the mold cavity in any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, placing the sample in the mold cavity involves coupling one or more first central mold parts (e.g., 18a) to the chuck so that the first central mold part extends between the chucks, as described above in Figures 4A and 4B. The chuck and the first central mold part are then placed in a container (e.g., 98) (Figure 5A), and with the chuck and the first central mold part in the container and the first central mold part coupled to the chuck, the sample is administered into the container (Figure 5B). As illustrated, the sample is placed in the container so that it immerses the first central mold part and enters at least some of the shoulder forming sections (e.g., 30) and conduits defined by each chuck. After the sample has been administered into the container, one or more second central mold parts (e.g., 18b) are coupled to the chuck so that the second central mold part extends between the chucks (Figure 5C), defining the mold cavity that will contain the sample. When only the first central mold component is coupled to the chuck, unless the sample completely fills the shoulder forming portion and conduit of the chuck, the sample is displaced by coupling the second central mold component to the chuck, so that the sample completely fills the mold cavity and conduit. As shown in the figure, placing the sample in the mold cavity involves sequentially coupling the first and second central mold components, but in other embodiments, it is also possible to define the mold cavity by coupling all central mold components to the chuck, and then introduce the sample into the mold cavity after all central mold components have been coupled.

[0045] Several methods involve a step of coagulating the sample while it is placed in the mold cavity (or optionally in a container). Coagulation can be performed by any suitable method. For example, if the sample contains blood, coagulating the sample involves adding one or more coagulants to the sample. A blood sample may contain one or more anticoagulants, such as citrate, and the coagulants may contain one or more compounds, such as calcium chloride, that reverse the effects of those anticoagulants. The coagulants may also contain thrombin, an enzyme that promotes the conversion of fibrinogen in the blood to fibrin, which forms a network of fibers that capture blood cells and platelets to form a blood clot. As described above, when the sample is placed in the mold cavity by sequentially joining the first and second central mold components to the chuck, it is preferable to add the coagulant to the sample before the second central mold component is joined to the chuck in order to facilitate the dispersion of the coagulant throughout the sample. Coagulation of the sample includes heating, for example, in a heating chamber having a temperature of 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C, or 40°C or higher, or a temperature between these two, for any of the following times: 10.0 minutes, 12.5 minutes, 15.0 minutes, 17.5 minutes, 20.0 minutes, 22.5 minutes, 25.0 minutes, 27.5 minutes, 30.0 minutes, 32.5 minutes, 35.0 minutes, 37.5 minutes, or 40.0 minutes or higher, or a time between these two (e.g., between 15 minutes and 30 minutes). When the sample is blood, heating accelerates the coagulation process in which fibrinogen is converted into fibrin for coagulation. After coagulation, excess sample can be removed from the outside of the mold, such as after removing the mold from the container (Figure 5D).

[0046] Referring to Figures 6A-6C, a sample 102 that can be formed by the process described above is shown. The sample 102 has a body that is compressible (e.g., composed of coagulated blood containing fibrin) and includes a gauge portion 106 that can be formed in the gauge forming portion 26 of the mold cavity 22, and two shoulder portions 110 that are formed in each of the shoulder forming portions 30 of the mold cavity, with the gauge portion positioned between the shoulder portions. The body of the sample 102 may also include two extension portions 122 that extend between the gauge portion 106 and each of the shoulder portions 110. Since the gauge portion 106, shoulder portions 110, and extension portions 122 of the sample 102 are formed by the gauge forming portion 26, shoulder forming portion 30, and extension portions 42 of the mold cavity 22, respectively, the shape and dimensions of these parts of the sample can be identical to the shape and dimensions of the respective parts of the mold cavity. For example, the gauge portion 106 may be cylindrical and have a first transverse dimension 114 (e.g., diameter). This first lateral dimension is, for example, less than or equal to any of 12 mm, 11 mm, 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, or 6 mm (millimeters), or a value between these two (for example, between 5 mm and 10 mm). Each shoulder portion 110 is cylindrical and has a second lateral dimension 118 (for example, diameter), the second lateral dimension being, for example, less than or equal to any of 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, or 15 mm, or a value between these two (for example, between 15 mm and 25 mm). The second lateral dimension is greater than the first lateral dimension, for example, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, or 2.7 times the first lateral dimension, or a value between these two (e.g., at least 1.5 times or at least 2.0 times). Each extension 122 is frustoconical in shape and has a lateral dimension (e.g., diameter) that increases as it moves from the gauge section 106 (e.g., where the lateral dimension of the extension may be the first lateral dimension 114) toward each shoulder section 110 (e.g., where the lateral dimension of the extension may be the second lateral dimension 118).Similarly, the length 126 of the gauge section 106 (measured in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis 142 extending through the gauge section and shoulder section 110) is less than or equal to any of 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, or 15 mm, or between two of them (e.g., between 15 mm and 35 mm), and the length 130 of each shoulder section 110 (measured in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis 142) is less than or equal to 40 mm, 35 mm, The length of each extension 122 is less than or equal to 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, or 15 mm, or between two of these (e.g., between 15 mm and 30 mm), and the length 134 of each extension 122 is shorter than the length of the gauge and shoulder sections, and may be less than or equal to 25 mm, 22.5 mm, 20 mm, 17.5 mm, 15 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm, or 7.5 mm, or between two of these (e.g., between 7.5 mm and 20 mm). As described above, such dimensional settings promote adhesion between the shoulder section 110 and the chucks 14a and 14b that hold the shoulder section, encourages the breaking of the gauge section 106 of the smaller lateral dimension of the sample 102 during tensile testing for consistent and reliable test results, and allows for the formation of a manageable-sized solidified sample with a relatively small material volume.

[0047] In addition, when each of the chucks 14a and 14b contains conduits 58a and 58b, the specimen 102 has multiple branches 138a and 138b formed within the conduits for each shoulder 110, so that they can be connected to the shoulders and extend in a direction that is at an angle (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis 142. As described above, the branches 138a and 138b help to hold the shoulders 110 of the specimen 102 within the chucks 14a and 14b during tensile testing, reducing the risk of unintended deformation or breakage at the shoulders. Since the branches 138a and 138b are formed within the conduits 58a and 58b, the branches can have the same arrangement and dimensions as the conduits. For example, branches 138a and 138b include a plurality of first branches 138a, each extending in a first direction 62a, for example, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 branches, or a number between these two (for example, at least 10 branches); and a plurality of second branches 138b, each extending in a second direction 62b substantially perpendicular to the first direction, for example, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 branches, or a number between these two (for example, at least 10 branches). Optionally, there may be one or more sets 146, for example, one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven sets, or sets of values ​​between these two (e.g., three sets), each comprising two or more first branches and two or more second branches. Similar to the sets (multiple sets) 74 of conduits 58a and 58b, for each set (multiple sets) 146 of branches 138a and 138b, the first and second branches of the set are coplanar, and each first branch intersects with at least one of the sets of second branches. This intersection allows each shoulder 110 to include a plurality of openings 150 located in the shoulder for each of the sets 146 of branches 138a and 138b, each opening 150 being externally tangent by two of the sets of first branches and two of the sets of second branches.As described above, the externally circumscribing first branch 138a and second branch 138b define a loop around the main body portion 78 of the chuck 14a or 14b in which their branches are located, promoting a stable and robust interface between the shoulder portion 110 of the sample 102 and the chuck. Furthermore, each of the branches 138a and 138b has a lateral dimension 152 (e.g., diameter), which is less than or equal to 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, or 20% of the lateral dimension 118 and / or length 130 of the shoulder portion 110 (at least 10% or at least 15% of the lateral dimension 118 and / or length 130 of the shoulder portion 110), or a value between these two (e.g., between 15% and 35% of the lateral dimension and / or length of the shoulder portion), for example, less than or equal to 12mm, 11mm, 10mm, 9mm, 8mm, 7mm, 6mm, 5mm, 4mm, or 3mm, or a value between these two (e.g., between 3mm and 8mm).

[0048] Referring to Figure 7A, a system 154 including a mold 10 is shown, which can be used to perform tensile testing on a specimen 102 molded and solidified in the mold. As shown, the system 154 may comprise an actuator 158 configurable to be detachably coupled to a first chuck 14a of the mold 10, and a mount 162 configurable to be detachably coupled to a second chuck 14b of the mold. For example, each of the chucks 14a and 14b may have an opening 166 (Figures 1A-1C) through which a fastener 170 such as a pin or bolt can be inserted. The opening 166 of the first chuck 14a is interfaceable with an opening on the actuator 158, and the first chuck can be coupled to the actuator by passing the fastener 170 through the opening. The opening 166 of the second chuck 14b is interfaceable with an opening on the mount 162, and the second chuck can be coupled to the mount by passing the fastener 170 through the opening. When the actuator 158 is coupled to the first chuck 14a, the mount 162 is coupled to the second chuck 14b, and the central mold components 18a and 18b are not coupled to the chucks, the actuator can be configured to move the first chuck linearly relative to the second chuck along a longitudinal axis 70 extending through the chucks (for example, in direction 174). The longitudinal axis is horizontal, which can reduce the risk of part of the specimen falling and contaminating one or more components of the system 154. For example, the actuator 158 may be a linear actuator and may have any suitable mechanism (e.g., electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) to produce this linear motion for tensile testing of the specimen 102 held by the chucks 14a and 14b.

[0049] System 154 may include one or more mechanisms for measuring the mechanical properties of specimen 102 during testing. For example, system 154 may include one or more mechanisms for measuring the deformation of specimen 102 during tensile testing (e.g., changes in length and / or lateral dimensions). As shown in the figure, to measure such deformation, actuator 154 may include a displacement gauge 178 configured to measure the distance the first chuck 14a moves along the longitudinal axis 174 relative to the second chuck 14b, i.e., the change in the length of specimen 102 held and stretched between the chucks. System 154 may also include one or more cameras 182 configured to capture video of the region between chucks 14a and 14b. The cameras can be used to determine the change in the length of specimen 102 and the change in the lateral dimensions of the gauge portion 106 of the specimen. Furthermore, system 154 may include one or more mechanisms for measuring the force with which specimen 102 is pulled during tensile testing. For example, the mount 162 of system 154 may include a load cell 186 configured to measure the force acting on the second chuck 14b (and thus the test 102 held by chucks 14a and 14b) in a direction along the longitudinal axis 174. The deformation and load data can be used to calculate various mechanical properties of the sample 102, such as yield strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and elongation.

[0050] Referring to Figures 7B-7D, several methods involve separating the central mold component from the chuck after the sample has solidified (Figure 7B). With the central mold component separated from the chuck, the gauge portion (e.g., 106) of the solidified sample formed in the gauge forming portion (e.g., 26) of the mold cavity and any expansion portion (e.g., 122) formed in the expansion portion (e.g., 42) of the mold cavity can be positioned between the chucks. Furthermore, each of the two shoulder portions (e.g., 110) of the solidified sample formed in each of the shoulder forming portions (e.g., 30) can be positioned within the respective chucks so that the chucks hold the sample. As shown, the central mold component can be separated from the chuck after the first chuck is coupled to the actuator (e.g., 158) and the second chuck is coupled to the system mount (e.g., 162), as described above (Figure 7A).

[0051] Several methods involve moving the first and second chucks linearly (e.g., horizontally as described above) along a longitudinal axis (e.g., 70) extending through the chucks and the solidified sample to separate them after the central mold component has been separated from the chucks. For example, the first chuck may be coupled to an actuator and the second chuck to a mount, and then the actuator may be used to move the first chuck linearly along the longitudinal axis (e.g., in direction 174) relative to the second chuck (Figures 7B and 7C). The chucks may be moved linearly to separate them so that the solidified sample breaks, and breakage is when the solidified sample ruptures or separates (Figure 7D). As described above, when the chuck moves linearly and separates to confirm the mechanical properties of the solidified sample, changes in the length of the solidified sample, changes in the lateral dimension of the gauge portion of the solidified sample, and / or forces acting on the solidified sample (e.g., tensile force pulling the sample) can be measured (e.g., using a displacement gauge (e.g., 178), one or more cameras (e.g., 182), and / or a load cell (e.g., 186)).

[0052] As described above, solidified samples are formed in such a way that fracture is promoted at the gauge portion of the solidified sample, ensuring consistent and reliable measurements by allowing fracture to occur at the same location across different tests of different samples. In conventional tensile tests of samples with a gauge portion having smaller lateral dimensions positioned between wider shoulders, the chuck holding the sample has grips that clamp the shoulders. Clamping induces stress and deformation at the shoulders of the sample, which increases the risk of unintended sample fracture at one shoulder and consequently reduces the reliability of measuring the sample's mechanical properties, which is problematic for compressible samples such as blood clots. By forming the shoulders of the solidified sample within a portion of the mold cavity defined by the chuck, the adhesive and vacuum forces between the chuck and the shoulders (and optionally the sample branch formed within the chuck's conduit) hold the shoulders within the chuck. The risk of unintended sample fracture at the shoulders is reduced, fracture at the gauge portion is promoted, and thereby the reliability of measuring the sample's mechanical properties is improved.

[0053] The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. While specific embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of detail or by reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, various exemplary embodiments of goods, systems, and methods are not limited to any particular form disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and substitutions that fall within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than those illustrated may include some or all of the features of the illustrated embodiments. For example, components may be omitted, combined as a single structure, and / or replaced by connections. Furthermore, as appropriate, any aspect of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with any aspect of any of the other embodiments to form further embodiments having equivalent or different characteristics and / or functions and addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the advantages and merits described above may relate to one embodiment or to multiple embodiments.

[0054] The claims are not intended to include, and should not be construed as including, a means-plus or step-plus function limitation, unless such limitation is expressly stated in a particular claim using the phrases “means for” or “step for.”

Claims

1. It is a mold, Two zippers, It is configured to be detachably coupled to the chuck and extends between the chucks, and has two or more central mold components. Equipped with, When the central mold component is coupled to the chuck, the central mold component and the chuck define the mold cavity. The aforementioned mold cavity is A gauge forming section defined by the central mold component and having a first lateral dimension, Two shoulder forming portions, each defined by the respective chuck and having a second lateral dimension that is at least 1.5 times the first lateral dimension. A mold characterized by having the following features.

2. The mold cavity further comprises two extensions, each of which is: Defined by the aforementioned central mold component, The mold according to claim 1, characterized in that it extends between the gauge forming portion and the shoulder forming portion, and has a lateral dimension that increases as it moves from the gauge forming portion toward the respective shoulder forming portion.

3. Each of the chucks has a plurality of conduits, When the central mold component is coupled to the chuck, for each of the chucks, the conduit of the chuck is The chuck is in fluid communication with the shoulder forming portion of the mold cavity defined by the chuck, Each of the conduits extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis extending through the gauge forming portion and the shoulder forming portion of the mold cavity. The mold according to feature 1 or 2.

4. For each of the chucks, the conduit of the chuck comprises a plurality of first conduits each extending in a first direction, A plurality of second conduits each extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, The mold according to claim 3, characterized by having the following features.

5. For each of the aforementioned chucks, The conduit of the chuck has one or more sets of conduits, each of which includes two or more first conduits and two or more second conduits. For each set of the aforementioned conduits, The first conduit and the second conduit in the set are on the same plane. The mold according to claim 4, characterized in that each of the first conduits in the set intersects with at least one of the second conduits in the set.

6. The mold according to claim 5, wherein, for each of the chucks, the body of the chuck includes a plurality of parts that are externally connected by two first conduits and two second conduits in the set, respectively, for each set of conduits.

7. The mold according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that each of the conduits of each of the chucks has a lateral dimension between 3 mm (millimeters) and 8 mm (millimeters).

8. For each of the aforementioned chucks, The first conduit includes at least 10 first conduits, The mold according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the second conduit includes at least 10 second conduits.

9. For each of the aforementioned chucks, The conduit of the chuck extends to the outside of the chuck, The shoulder-forming portion of the mold cavity defined by the chuck does not extend to the outside of the mold when the central mold component is coupled to the chuck. The mold according to any one of features 3 to 8.

10. Each of the chucks and each of the central mold components has one or more inner surfaces, and each of the inner surfaces of the chucks has a surface roughness greater than that of each of the inner surfaces of the central mold components. When the central mold component is coupled to the chuck, for each of the chucks, at least one of the inner surfaces of the chuck defines the shoulder forming portion of the mold cavity. The inner surface of the central mold component defines the gauge forming portion of the mold cavity. A mold according to any one of the features 1 to 9.

11. The mold according to claim 10, characterized in that each of the central mold components has an inner surface made of acrylic.

12. The mold according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the chuck and the central mold component each contain a polymer material.

13. The aforementioned first lateral dimension is between 5 mm and 10 mm. The aforementioned second lateral dimension is between 15 mm and 25 mm. A mold according to any one of the features 1 to 12.

14. A system for testing samples, It is a mold, Two zippers, Two or more central mold components are configured to be detachably coupled to the chuck and extend between the chucks, It has, When the central mold component is coupled to the chuck, the central mold component and the chuck define the mold cavity. The aforementioned mold cavity is A gauge forming section defined by the central mold component and having a first lateral dimension, A mold characterized by having two shoulder forming portions, each defined by the respective chuck and having a second lateral dimension that is at least 1.5 times the first lateral dimension, An actuator configured to be detachably coupled to the first chuck among the chucks, A mount configured to be detachably connected to the second chuck of the aforementioned chucks, Equipped with, When the actuator is coupled to the first chuck, the mount is coupled to the second chuck, and the central mold component is not coupled to the chuck, the actuator is configured to move the first chuck linearly relative to the second chuck along a longitudinal axis extending through the chuck. A system characterized by the following features.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the mount has a load cell configured to measure a force acting on the second chuck in a direction along the longitudinal axis extending through the chuck when the actuator is coupled to the first chuck and the mount is coupled to the second chuck.

16. The actuator has a displacement gauge, The system according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the displacement gauge is configured to measure the distance the first chuck moves relative to the second chuck along the longitudinal axis extending through the chuck when the actuator is coupled to the first chuck and the mount is coupled to the second chuck.

17. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, comprising one or more cameras configured to capture video of the region between the chucks when the actuator is coupled to the first chuck and the mount is coupled to the second chuck.

18. The mold cavity further has two expansion sections, Each extension is defined by the central mold component, It extends between the gauge forming portion and the shoulder forming portion, The lateral dimension increases as it moves from the gauge forming portion toward each of the shoulder forming portions. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

19. Each of the chucks has a plurality of conduits, When the central mold component is coupled to the chuck, for each of the chucks, the conduit of the chuck is The chuck is in fluid communication with the shoulder forming portion of the mold cavity defined by the chuck, Each of the conduits extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis extending through the gauge forming portion and the shoulder forming portion of the mold cavity. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

20. For each of the chucks, the conduit of the chuck is Multiple first conduits extending in the first direction, A plurality of second conduits each extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, The system according to claim 19, characterized by including the following:

21. For each of the aforementioned chucks, The conduit of the chuck includes one or more conduit sets, each including two or more first conduits and two or more second conduits. For each set of conduits, The first conduit and the second conduit in the set are on the same plane. Each of the first conduits in the set intersects with at least one of the second conduits in the set. The system according to claim 20, characterized in that it is as described above.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein, for each of the chucks, the body of the chuck includes a plurality of parts that are externally connected by two first conduits and two second conduits in the set, respectively, for each conduit set.

23. The system according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that each of the conduits of each of the chucks has a lateral dimension between 3 millimeters (mm) and 8 millimeters (mm).

24. For each of the aforementioned chucks, The first conduit includes at least 10 first conduits, The aforementioned second conduit includes at least 10 second conduits. The system according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that it is the system described in any one of claims 20 to 23.

25. For each of the aforementioned chucks, The conduit of the chuck extends to the outside of the chuck, The shoulder-forming portion of the mold cavity defined by the chuck does not extend to the outside of the mold when the central mold component is coupled to the chuck. The system according to any one of claims 19 to 24.

26. Each of the chucks and each of the central mold components has one or more inner surfaces, and each of the inner surfaces of the chucks has a surface roughness greater than that of each of the inner surfaces of the central mold components. When the central mold component is connected to the chuck, For each of the chucks, at least one of the inner surfaces of the chuck defines the shoulder forming portion of the mold cavity, The inner surface of the central mold component defines the gauge forming portion of the mold cavity. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 25, characterized by the features described herein.

27. The system according to claim 26, characterized in that each of the central mold components has an inner surface made of acrylic.

28. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 27, characterized in that the chuck and the central mold component each contain a polymer material.

29. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 28, characterized in that the first lateral dimension is between 5 mm and 10 mm, and the second lateral dimension is between 15 mm and 25 mm.

30. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 29, characterized in that when the actuator is coupled to the first chuck and the mount is coupled to the second chuck, the longitudinal axis extending through the chuck is horizontal.

31. A method for testing a sample, the method being Placing a sample in a mold cavity defined by two chucks and two or more central mold components detachably coupled between the chucks and extending between the chucks, wherein the mold cavity is A gauge forming section defined by the central mold component and having a first lateral dimension, Two shoulder-forming portions, each defined by the respective chuck and having a second lateral dimension that is at least 1.5 times the first lateral dimension, Having, The aforementioned sample solidifies the sample placed in the mold cavity, After the sample has solidified, the central mold component is separated from the chuck, and as a result, The gauge portion of the solidified sample formed in the gauge forming portion of the mold cavity is placed between the chucks. Each of the two shoulders of the solidified sample formed within each of the shoulder-forming portions of the mold cavity is positioned within each of the chucks. Moving the chuck linearly along the longitudinal axis extending through the chuck and the solidified sample to separate them, A method for providing this.

32. The two or more central mold components include one or more first central mold components and one or more second central mold components. Placing the sample in the mold cavity means The first central mold component is connected to the chuck such that it extends between the chucks, The chuck and the first central mold component are placed inside the container, The chuck and the first central mold component are placed inside the container, and the first central mold component is coupled to the chuck, and the sample is administered into the container. After administering the sample into the container, the second central mold component is connected to the chuck in the container such that the second central mold component extends between the chucks. The method according to claim 31, having the following characteristics.

33. The mold cavity further has two expansions, and each of the two expansions is Defined by the aforementioned central mold component, It extends between the gauge forming portion and the shoulder forming portion, The lateral dimension increases as it moves from the gauge forming portion toward each of the shoulder forming portions. The method according to 31 or 32, characterized by the features described above.

34. Each of the chucks has a plurality of conduits, When the central mold component is coupled to the chuck, for each of the chucks, The conduit of the chuck is in fluid communication with the shoulder forming portion of the mold cavity defined by the chuck. Each of the aforementioned conduits extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis extending through the gauge forming portion and the shoulder forming portion of the mold cavity, Placing the sample in the mold cavity is done so that the sample flows into each of the conduits of the chuck. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized by...

35. For each of the chucks, the conduit of the chuck is Multiple first conduits extending in the first direction, A plurality of second conduits each extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, The method according to 34, characterized by having

36. For each of the aforementioned chucks, The conduit of the chuck has one or more sets of conduits, each of which includes two or more first conduits and two or more second conduits. For each set of conduits, The first conduit and the second conduit in the set are on the same plane. Each of the first conduits in the set intersects with at least one of the second conduits in the set. The method according to 35, characterized by the features described above.

37. The method according to 36, wherein, for each of the chucks, the body of the chuck includes a plurality of parts that are each externally connected by two first conduits and two second conduits in the set, for each conduit set.

38. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 37, characterized in that each of the conduits of each of the chucks has a lateral dimension between 3 mm and 8 mm.

39. For each of the aforementioned chucks, The first conduit includes at least 10 first conduits, The aforementioned second conduit includes at least 10 second conduits. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 38, characterized by the features described above.

40. For each of the aforementioned chucks, The conduit of the chuck extends to the outside of the chuck, The shoulder-forming portion of the mold cavity defined by the chuck does not extend to the outside of the mold when the central mold component is coupled to the chuck. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 39.

41. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 40, characterized in that the sample includes blood.

42. The method according to 41, characterized in that solidifying the sample includes adding one or more coagulants to the sample.

43. The method according to 42, characterized in that the coagulant comprises calcium chloride and / or thrombin.

44. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 43, comprising measuring the force acting on the solidified sample as the chuck moves linearly and is separated, and / or measuring the change in the length of the solidified sample.

45. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 44, characterized in that the chuck moves linearly and is separated until the solidified sample is damaged.

46. Each of the chucks and each of the central mold components has one or more inner surfaces, and each of the inner surfaces of the chucks has a surface roughness greater than that of each of the inner surfaces of the central mold components. When the central mold component is connected to the chuck, For each of the chucks, at least one of the inner surfaces of the chuck defines the shoulder forming portion of the mold cavity. The inner surface of the central mold component defines the gauge forming portion of the mold cavity. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 45, characterized by...

47. The method according to 46, characterized in that each of the central mold components has an inner surface made of acrylic.

48. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 47, characterized in that the chuck and the central mold component each contain a polymer material.

49. The aforementioned first lateral dimension is between 5 mm and 10 mm. The aforementioned second lateral dimension is between 15 mm and 25 mm. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 48, characterized by...

50. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 49, characterized in that the longitudinal axis along which the chuck moves linearly and separates is horizontal.

51. A sample having a compressible body, Two shoulder sections, A gauge section positioned between the shoulder sections, Each of the shoulder portions comprises a plurality of branches connected to the shoulder portion, each of which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis extending through the shoulder portion and the gauge portion, Equipped with, The gauge portion has a first lateral dimension, and each of the shoulder portions has a second lateral dimension that is at least 1.5 times the first lateral dimension. A sample characterized by the following features.

52. The sample according to claim 51, characterized in that it has coagulated blood containing fibrin.

53. The compressible body further comprises two expansion parts, each of which is It extends between the gauge portion and the shoulder portion, The lateral dimension increases as it moves from the gauge portion toward each of the shoulder portions, The sample according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that it is a sample according to claim 51 or 52.

54. With respect to each of the aforementioned shoulder portions, the branch connected to the shoulder portion is Multiple first branches extending in the first direction, Multiple second branches extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, A sample according to any one of claims 51 to 53, characterized in that it has the following features.

55. For each of the aforementioned shoulder portions, The branch connected to the shoulder portion includes one or more branch sets, and each of the one or more branch sets includes two or more first branches and two or more second branches. For each of the aforementioned branch sets, The first branch and the second branch within the set are on the same plane. Each of the first branches in the set intersects with at least one of the second branches in the set. The sample according to feature 54.

56. The sample according to claim 55, wherein for each of the shoulder portions, there are a plurality of openings arranged in the shoulder portion for each conduit set, and each of the openings is externally tangent by the two first branches and the two second branches within the set, respectively.

57. The sample according to any one of claims 51 to 56, characterized in that each of the branches of each of the shoulder portions has a lateral dimension between 3 mm and 8 mm.

58. For each of the aforementioned shoulder portions, The first branch connected to the shoulder portion includes at least 10 first branches, The second branch connected to the shoulder portion includes at least 10 second branches. The sample according to any one of claims 54 to 57.

59. The aforementioned first lateral dimension is between 5 mm and 10 mm. The aforementioned second lateral dimension is between 15 mm and 25 mm. The sample according to any one of claims 51 to 58.

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