Universal Durometer Optical Indentation Reading System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing durometers face reliability issues due to errors in indentation measurement and load control, primarily caused by variations in micrometric reading devices and penetrator fixation systems, leading to inaccurate hardness testing across different materials and test types.
Innovation Solution
A universal durometer with a mechanically connected load cell and penetrator, featuring a robust optical reading system with interchangeable digital image sensors and adjustable lenses, and a closed-loop load control mechanism to ensure precise indentation measurement and reliable hardness testing across various materials and test types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If micrometric reading devices are used to measure indentation, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variations and errors in the reading devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical micrometric reading devices with an optical imaging system that captures images of the indentation and processes them digitally. This substitution eliminates mechanical reading errors and variations, providing more reliable and precise measurements through optical detection and digital image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the indentation rather than directly measuring it with mechanical probes. The imaging system captures a visual representation of the indentation, which is then analyzed digitally to determine dimensions, avoiding the errors associated with direct mechanical measurement.
2Measurement precision
If penetrator fixation systems are used to hold the penetrator, then penetrator positioning is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates due to errors in the fixation system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical penetrator fixation systems with a simpler system where the penetrator is positioned and held, and the indentation is measured optically. This reduces the complexity of mechanical fixation requirements while maintaining or improving measurement precision through image-based detection.
3Reliability
If load control systems are used to apply penetration force, then force application is enabled, but reliability deteriorates due to errors in load control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop control system that uses feedback from the optical imaging system to verify and adjust the penetration process. The system monitors the indentation through imaging and uses this feedback to ensure consistent and reliable testing conditions, compensating for load control variations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If universal durometer design is implemented to test various materials, then adaptability improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variations across different test types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal durometer design where a single optical imaging system can measure indentations from different penetrator types (Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell, Knoop) used for testing various materials. The system automatically adapts to different test types through image processing algorithms, maintaining high measurement precision across all applications without requiring separate specialized devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
A universal durometer (1) with improved indentation reading device, comprising a main structure (2), which is functionally associable with a specimen of material (3) whose hardness is to be measured, pusher means (4) supported by the main structure (2) and functionally connected to a penetrator (5) which can be pressed with a preset load on a test surface (6) of the specimen of material (3) along a penetration direction (7) which is substantially perpendicular to the testing surface (6) and optical reading means (17) which are functionally associated with the pusher means (4) for reading the indentation (18) left on the testing surface (6) by the penetrator (5); the optical reading means (17) comprise a main optical axis (31), which substantially coincides with the penetration direction (7), and the penetrator (5) is supported by movement means (46) for moving the penetrator (5) from the viewing field of the optical reading means (17); the durometer further comprising a plurality of optical lenses (37) which can be associated alternatively with the optical reading means (17) for varying the magnification factor of the image of the indentation (18) detected by the optical reading means (17), the optical lenses (37) being functionally supported by selection means (38) for positioning one of the optical lenses (37) along the main optical axis (31).