Hardness Tester Indenter Reference Quick-Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing surface reference detecting mechanisms in hardness testers require time-consuming replacement processes due to the need for tools like drivers to change contactors when different indenters or samples are used, which hampers efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A surface reference detecting mechanism that includes an indenter shaft, indenter reference, holder, indenter position detector, regulator, and biasing portion, allowing for simple replacement of the indenter reference by applying an external force to resist the biasing force, with the regulator displacing between positions using a spherical member and taper configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contactor is fixed by a screw, then the contactor can be securely fixed to the hardness tester, but a tool such as a driver is necessary to replace the contactor and such work requires time
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor is divided into a body portion and a tip portion that can be separately replaced. The tip portion can be quickly changed without replacing the entire contactor or using tools, while the body portion remains fixed. This segmentation allows rapid replacement of wear-prone parts while maintaining secure fixation of the overall assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The contactor replacement mechanism transitions from a static screw-fixed design to a dynamic quick-release system. The new design allows the contactor to be easily inserted and secured without tools, enabling rapid replacement while maintaining reliable connection during hardness testing operations.
2Reliability
If the contactor is fixed by a screw, then the contactor can be securely fixed to the hardness tester, but such work requires time-consuming replacement processes
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor is segmented into replaceable portions, allowing only the necessary parts to be changed. This reduces replacement time and improves productivity while maintaining secure fixation of the overall contactor assembly to the hardness tester through the body portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The contactor replacement system is designed to be self-servicing, allowing operators to quickly replace contactor tips without requiring external tools like drivers. The simple insertion and securing mechanism enables rapid replacement that improves productivity while ensuring reliable fixation.
3Reliability
If a tool such as a driver is necessary to replace the contactor, then the contactor can be securely fixed, but such work requires time and there is room to improve replacement work
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor is segmented into a body portion and tip portion, allowing the tip to be replaced without tools. This segmentation maintains secure fixation of the body to the hardness tester while enabling simple, tool-free replacement of the tip portion, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-and-driver mechanical system is replaced with a simpler quick-release mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for external tools while maintaining secure fixation, making the replacement process much simpler and more accessible to operators.
Data Source
AI summary
An indenter reference that is brought into contact with an axial second side surface of a sample which is arranged further toward an axial first side than an indenter, the indenter reference serving as a position reference for the indenter; a holder that detachably holds the indenter reference and is coupled with the indenter reference; an indenter position detector that couples with the holder and detects a relative position of the indenter with respect to the indenter reference; a regulator that allows displacement between a first position that regulates movement of the indenter reference with respect to the holder and a second position where the indenter reference can be removed from the holder; and a biasing portion that biases the regulator to be kept at the first position.