Automated Nanomechanical Testing System With Robotic Probe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanomechanical test instruments face challenges in efficiently aligning and testing multiple samples with high throughput and accuracy, particularly in environments with disturbances such as acoustical, air flow, and temperature variability, which can lead to inaccurate measurements at the micron and nano scales.
Innovation Solution
An automated testing system that includes a robotic handling system for sample alignment and testing, capable of positioning multiple samples with high precision and minimizing environmental disturbances, using a nanomechanical testing instrument with advanced actuator and sensor technologies for force and displacement control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sample alignment and testing is performed, then technician flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to technician error and environmental disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated robotic handling system that uses sensors and actuators to position samples. This substitution eliminates technician error while maintaining measurement accuracy through precise automated control of sample positioning and probe alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-alignment capabilities where the robotic handling system automatically positions samples and the system performs self-calibration procedures. This self-service approach maintains high measurement accuracy without requiring continuous technician intervention, thereby reducing human error while preserving system adaptability.
2Productivity
If high throughput testing is implemented, then productivity increases, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to environmental disturbances such as acoustical noise, air flow, and temperature variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing system into distinct functional modules including a robotic handling system for sample manipulation and a controlled measurement zone for nanomechanical testing. This segmentation allows high-speed automated sample handling to occur separately from the sensitive measurement process, enabling high throughput while maintaining measurement accuracy by isolating the measurement zone from environmental disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary controlled environment between the external disturbed environment and the measurement process. This intermediary zone shields the sensitive nanomechanical measurements from acoustical noise, air flow, and temperature variability while allowing rapid automated sample exchange, thus maintaining both high productivity and measurement precision.
3Loss of time
If multiple samples are tested sequentially with manual handling, then system complexity remains low, but testing time increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic handling system is designed as a universal multi-functional platform that can automatically perform multiple operations including sample loading, positioning, alignment, and removal. This single automated system replaces multiple manual operations, reducing overall testing time while the modular design keeps system complexity manageable through standardized interfaces and procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated testing system includes systems and methods to facilitate inline production testing of samples at a micro (multiple microns) or less scale with a mechanical testing instrument. In an example, the system includes a probe changing assembly for coupling and decoupling a probe of the instrument. The probe changing assembly includes a probe change unit configured to grasp one of a plurality of probes in a probe magazine and couple one of the probes with an instrument probe receptacle. An actuator is coupled with the probe change unit, and the actuator is configured to move and align the probe change unit with the probe magazine and the instrument probe receptacle. In another example, the automated testing system includes a multiple degree of freedom stage for aligning a sample testing location with the instrument. The stage includes a sample stage and a stage actuator assembly including translational and rotational actuators.