Flexible Sample Testing System with Retractable Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing testing systems for flexible electronic devices are limited in their ability to uniformly bend smaller samples and control precise parameters like bend radius and angle, as they often apply different forces to various portions of the sample, making it difficult to conform to a constant radius.
Innovation Solution
A testing system that uses a motor-driven mandrel with a retractable holder and sample carrier to uniformly bend the entire sample on a surface with a constant radius, allowing for precise control of bend radius and angle, and includes environmental controls to simulate various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing testing systems use faceplates and rollers to bend samples, then the testing system can be simple in structure, but the sample cannot be uniformly bent with constant radius and the system cannot accommodate smaller samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mandrel with a circular cross-section that provides a constant radius of curvature for bending the sample. The mandrel's curved surface ensures uniform bending across the entire sample length, resolving the issue of non-uniform bend radius encountered with flat faceplates and rollers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a retractable holder that can move along the mandrel to dynamically adjust and maintain contact with the sample throughout the bending process. This dynamic adjustment ensures continuous uniform contact and consistent bend radius, while the holder can be retracted when not needed, maintaining system simplicity.
2Area of stationary object
If existing testing systems use fixed faceplates, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot test all portions of the sample simultaneously and cannot accommodate smaller samples
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable holder is designed to move along the mandrel's length, enabling it to engage with different portions of the sample as needed. This dynamic positioning allows the system to test entire samples or smaller sample sections uniformly, while the holder can be retracted to minimize interference and maintain structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable holder acts as an intermediary between the mandrel and the sample, providing controlled contact force and ensuring uniform bending. It mediates the interaction by distributing pressure evenly across the sample surface while allowing the sample to conform to the mandrel's constant radius.
3Measurement precision
If existing testing systems apply different forces to different portions of the sample, then the system structure is simple, but the bend radius cannot be controlled precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable holder is designed to apply localized contact force at specific points along the sample, ensuring that each portion of the sample experiences the appropriate force to achieve uniform bending. This localized force application, combined with the mandrel's constant radius, enables precise bend radius control.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel's circular cross-section provides a geometric constraint that enforces a constant bend radius. By combining this curved geometry with the retractable holder's localized force application, the system achieves precise control over bend radius while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for testing the flexibility of a sample such as an electronic device are provided herein. A testing system can have a motor operably connected to a mandrel such that the motor causes the mandrel to accurately and precisely rotate and cause the sample to conform to an outer surface of the mandrel. Moreover, a proximal end of the sample is secured to the outer surface of the mandrel, and the opposing distal end is controlled by a retractable holder such that the entire sample is subjected to a constant bend radius as the mandrel rotates. Other aspects and features such as controlling the environment around the mandrel and securing small samples to the mandrel are also described herein.