Cooled Sample Holder Rotation for Reproducible Grinding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample grinding machines lack the precision and reproducibility needed for material testing, often resulting in inaccurate and unreliable tensile test results due to temperature-related material changes and manual handling errors, which are particularly problematic for temperature-sensitive materials like bake hardening steels.
Innovation Solution
A sample grinding machine attachment with a cooling device to maintain the sample piece at a controlled temperature and a turning mechanism that automatically rotates the sample holder, eliminating manual handling and ensuring precise and consistent processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling and re-clamping of specimen holders is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to clamping errors and positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen holder is designed with integrated positioning elements that automatically ensure correct alignment when placed in the carriage holders. The holder self-adjusts to the correct position without requiring manual alignment or re-clamping operations, eliminating positioning errors while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated turning mechanism that rotates the specimen holder between opposite sides. This mechanical substitution eliminates human error in re-clamping and positioning while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processes.
2Device complexity
If grinding is performed without cooling, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature increases causing material changes and reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a coolant delivery system that uses hydraulic or pneumatic principles to transport cooling fluid through channels in the specimen holder. This effectively removes heat generated during grinding, preventing material property changes while adding controlled complexity to ensure reliable test results.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system changes the thermal parameter of the grinding process by introducing coolant flow through the specimen holder. This parameter change (from dry to cooled grinding) prevents temperature-induced material changes, ensuring reliability for temperature-sensitive materials like bake hardening steels.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated turning mechanism is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved by eliminating manual errors, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turning mechanism is designed as a dynamic system that automatically rotates the specimen holder between opposite sides during the grinding process. This dynamic automation ensures consistent positioning and processing on both sides of the specimen, improving manufacturing precision while the mechanism's design keeps the added complexity manageable.
4Ease of operation
If multiple manual operations are required for re-clamping and rotating specimens, then productivity is reduced, but ease of operation is improved for simple machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate operations (grinding one side, manual removal, rotation, re-clamping, grinding other side) into a single automated cycle. The specimen holder remains in the carriage throughout, and the turning mechanism integrates rotation with the grinding process, eliminating redundant manual operations and improving productivity while maintaining operational simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly improves the accuracy and reproducibility of tensile test results by preventing temperature-induced material changes and reducing manual error, allowing for efficient and reliable processing of temperature-sensitive materials while maintaining dimensional stability and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
the sample holder has a cooling device for cooling the sample piece secured to the sample holder, wherein the cooling device is designed in particular to cool the sample holder or the sample piece secured to the sample holder during grinding thereof by means of the grinding machine
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sample grinding machine attachment with a sample holder for the detachable fixation of at least one sample to be ground, wherein the attachment can be arranged and/or is arranged on a sample grinding machine so that the sample held by the sample holder can be ground by the grinding machine. According to the invention, the sample holder has a cooling device for cooling the sample held on the sample holder during the grinding process. Alternatively or additionally, the sample grinding machine attachment has a turning mechanism for the sample holder by means of which the sample holder, while permanently fixing the sample to the sample holder, can be moved into a first and a second working position for processing the sample on the grinding machine and a turning position arranged between these. The invention further relates to a sample grinding machine with a sample grinding machine attachment.