Hardness Tester with Elasticity Index Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hardness testers cannot distinguish differences in elasticity between samples, as they measure hardness based solely on indentation diagonal lengths without accounting for sample elasticity.
Innovation Solution
A hardness tester and method that include an indentation former, area calculators, an image capture controller, and an elasticity index calculator to measure the indentation area during and after indenter application, enabling the calculation of both hardness and elasticity indices, allowing for differentiation in sample elasticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hardness value is measured based on indentation diagonal length after indenter withdrawal, then hardness measurement is achieved, but elasticity differences between samples cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures an image of the indentation during the indenter pressing process (before withdrawal) to obtain the first area data, in addition to capturing the residual indentation after withdrawal. This preliminary action preserves elasticity information that would otherwise be lost, enabling distinction between samples with different elasticity even when they have the same hardness.
2Ease of operation
If only residual indentation is measured, then measurement process is simple, but sample elasticity cannot be evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The hardness tester is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures both hardness (using the residual indentation area) and elasticity (using the comparison between residual and pressing-time indentation areas). The image capturer and area calculator work together to extract both types of information from the same indentation, making the device versatile without significantly complicating the operation.
3Measurement precision
If indentation area during pressure application is measured, then elasticity index can be calculated, but measurement system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image capturer as an intermediary device that optically records the indentation state during pressing. This non-contact measurement method avoids the need for complex mechanical sensors or force measurements, simplifying the overall system while still enabling precise elasticity index calculation through image analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a hardness tester and method including an indentation former creating an indentation in a sample surface with an indenter; a first area calculator calculating an area of the indentation during application of pressure, the indentation being formed in the sample surface while the indenter is pressed against the sample; an image capture controller controlling a CCD camera to obtain image data of the sample surface; a second area calculator calculating the area of the indentation remaining in the sample surface based on the obtained image data; an elasticity index calculator calculating an elasticity index of the sample based on the area of the indentation during application of pressure and the area of the indentation calculated by the second area calculator; and a hardness value calculator calculating a hardness value of the sample based on the indentation remaining in the sample surface.