Hardness Tester Indenter Positioning via Illumination Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hardness testers face challenges in accurately and efficiently positioning the test point due to visual estimation errors and time-consuming adjustment processes, particularly with methods like Rockwell and Vickers testers, which can lead to positioning drift and increased effort.
Innovation Solution
A hardness tester equipped with an illuminator forming a spot illumination pattern and a controller that aligns the indenter's perpendicular line with the test point using relative position coordinates, allowing precise positioning without drift, utilizing an XY stage for horizontal displacement and a single or dual light source configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual confirmation method is used to position test point, then positioning can be performed, but positioning drift occurs and time-consuming adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mark formation mechanism as an intermediary between the indenter and sample. Marks are formed at predetermined positions around the test point, serving as visual references that eliminate the need for continuous visual adjustment. The mark formation unit creates these reference marks automatically, allowing accurate positioning without time-consuming manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by forming reference marks at predetermined positions before the actual hardness test. These marks are created in advance to establish a clear visual reference system, so that when positioning is needed, the operator can quickly align with the pre-established marks rather than performing continuous visual adjustments during the test process.
2Measurement precision
If microscope confirmation method is used to position test point, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but time-consuming adjustments and complex operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mark formation as an intermediary visual reference system that works with both visual and microscope confirmation methods. The marks serve as permanent reference points that can be seen with the naked eye or through a microscope, eliminating the need for complex microscope adjustments while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the test area by forming marks at predetermined positions. These marks replicate the spatial relationships needed for accurate positioning but in a simplified visual form that can be easily observed and aligned with, whether using visual estimation or microscope confirmation.
3Measurement precision
If mark formation method is used to indicate test point, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mark formation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The mark formation unit is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as a positioning reference system and as part of the overall testing mechanism. The same structural elements that support the indenter also support the mark formation functionality, reducing the need for completely separate components and minimizing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mark formation function with the existing indenter column structure. The mark formation unit is integrated into the indenter column, sharing common support structures and control systems, thereby reducing device complexity compared to having a completely separate mark formation system.
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
Enables easy and accurate test point adjustments, ensuring that the indentation is formed at the correct position without drifting, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of hardness testing.
Implementation Method 1
The illuminator emits light on the surface of the sample and forms an illumination pattern having a spot
Data Source
AI summary
A hardness tester forms an indentation on a surface of a sample by loading a predetermined test force with an indenter and measures a hardness of the sample using the indentation. The hardness tester includes a light source emitting light on the surface of the sample and forming an illumination pattern having a spot; and a controller forming the indentation by bringing the indenter into contact with the sample in a state where a perpendicular line of a vertex of the indenter overlaps a test point when the position of the spot of the illumination pattern formed by the light source on the surface of the sample is used as the test point.