Automated Probe Exchange Assembly for Nanoscale Mechanical Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual probe changing in mechanical testing at micron or nanoscale is time-consuming, error-prone, and labor-intensive, and probe degradation limits the duration of extended measurements, disrupting controlled environments and introducing errors.
Innovation Solution
An automated instrument changing assembly that retrieves, installs, and extracts probes using a magazine and robotic mechanisms, minimizing manual interaction and allowing for automatic probe exchange based on wear detection, with torque control and calibration management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual probe changing is used, then probe exchange can be performed, but measurement time increases significantly and errors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service probe changing through a robotic arm that automatically retrieves probes from a magazine, installs them on the transducer, and performs recalibration without human intervention. This eliminates the time-consuming manual operations while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical probe handling with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm with gripper mechanically performs probe extraction, installation, and positioning tasks that were previously done manually, thereby reducing measurement time and eliminating human error.
2Ease of operation
If manual probe changing is used, then probe exchange can be performed, but labor intensity increases and controlled environment is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs probe changing autonomously within the controlled environment, eliminating the need for human operators to enter or disturb the environment. The robotic arm and magazine system handle all probe exchange operations internally without exposing the controlled space to unconditioned air or manual manipulation.
3Measurement precision
If probe degradation is detected, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but manual probe changing introduces errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time probe degradation detection through feedback mechanisms that monitor probe condition during measurements. When degradation thresholds are exceeded, the system automatically triggers probe replacement and recalibration sequences, ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained while eliminating the reliability issues associated with manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated robotic system replaces manual probe changing operations that introduce human error. The robotic arm performs precise, repeatable probe installation and positioning tasks, ensuring consistent measurement reliability while maintaining the ability to detect and respond to probe degradation.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If extended mechanical testing is performed, then comprehensive material characterization is achieved, but probe degradation limits the timeframe
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous extended measurements by implementing automatic probe monitoring, degradation detection, and replacement protocols. When probes approach degradation thresholds, the system automatically exchanges them and recalibrates, ensuring measurement precision is maintained throughout extended testing periods without manual intervention gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback on probe geometry and condition allows the system to detect degradation trends during extended measurements. The system automatically triggers probe replacement when precision thresholds are approached, enabling comprehensive long-duration material characterization while maintaining manufacturing precision through automated quality control.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5A
AI summary
A first instrument changing assembly includes a magazine having one or more probe assembly stations. The assembly further includes at least one probe change tool including a receptacle socket. One or more probe assemblies are retained within the one or more probe assembly stations. The one or more probe assemblies each include a probe receptacle including a probe retention recess and a common socket fitting configured for complementary fitting with a common receptacle socket. The probe change tool is configured to install or extract the respective probes from a mechanical testing instrument according to the complementary fit between the common socket fitting and the common receptacle socket of the probe assemblies. A second instrument changing assembly includes an instrument array housing including a plurality of instruments. Each of the one or more instruments (probe and transducer combination) are deployed relative to the instrument array housing with an instrument deployment actuator.