Hardness Test Device Fracture Chamber Conveyor Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hardness measurement devices are complex and unsuitable for testing specimens with complex shapes, as they require precise alignment and are limited in accommodating non-parallel elongated specimens.

Innovation Solution

A testing device with a fracture chamber featuring a conveyor belt that allows easy positioning of specimens, an adjustable abutment for guiding the specimens, and an endless belt floor that reduces space requirements and facilitates the measurement of complex shapes by aligning them correctly for width and length measurements before applying force for hardness testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional alignment aids and tongs are used to position test specimens, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test specimen itself serves as the alignment aid through its geometric features (edges, faces, corners). The specimen's own geometry defines the measurement axis and positioning, eliminating the need for external alignment tools. The specimen is positioned by aligning its geometric features with the fracture chamber boundaries rather than requiring separate alignment devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fracture chamber boundaries serve multiple functions: they contain the specimen, provide alignment references, and define the measurement geometry. The chamber's geometric features are used for both specimen positioning and as part of the measurement system, eliminating the need for separate alignment aids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual positioning with tongs is used, then adaptability to different specimen shapes is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecimen shape adaptabilityVSAvoidpositioning speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The specimen automatically positions itself by aligning its geometric features with the fracture chamber boundaries. The operator simply places the specimen into the chamber, and its own geometry (edges, faces, corners) determines its final position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual manipulation with tongs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fracture chamber is pre-configured with geometric boundaries that correspond to the desired measurement geometry. The specimen is designed with matching geometric features that naturally align with these boundaries, so the alignment action has already been prepared in advance through the chamber and specimen design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If turntable positioning is used for elongated specimens, then positioning speed is improved, but adaptability to complex shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidcomplex shape measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The specimen's geometric features (edges, faces, corners) automatically define its position and orientation in the fracture chamber. The specimen itself serves as the positioning reference, eliminating the need for turntables or external alignment aids. This works for any shape that has definable geometric features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is flexible and adaptable to different specimen geometries rather than being fixed. The fracture chamber accommodates various shapes by using the specimen's own geometry for alignment, allowing the system to adapt to different specimen types without mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If separate floor and alignment aids are provided, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fracture chamber boundaries combine multiple functions: they form the structural enclosure, provide the measurement floor, and serve as alignment references. The chamber's geometric features are integrated to perform both structural and measurement functions simultaneously, eliminating separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fracture chamber serves as both the measurement enclosure and the alignment reference system. Its boundaries are used for both containing the specimen and providing the geometric references needed for precise positioning, eliminating the need for separate alignment aids and floor structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3081919B1Test device for performing hardness measurements
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 KRAEMER THILO
  • EP3081919B1 patent drawingFigure 1~9
  • EP3081919B1 patent drawingFigure 10~15
  • EP3081919B1 patent drawingFigure 16

AI summary

The invention relates to a testing device (1) for performing hardness measurements on test specimens (12), comprising a fracture chamber (2) in which a fixed jaw (4) and a movable pressing jaw (5) opposite it are arranged. A conveyor belt (3) is at least partially arranged in the fracture chamber (2), and the test specimen (12) can be positioned in the fracture chamber (3) by means of the conveyor belt (3). An advantage of the testing device (1) is that even test specimens with very complex shapes can be measured.