Impact Hardness Tester Actuator and Reed Switch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hardness testing devices using impact mechanisms are either physically demanding for operators due to high energy storage requirements or require additional mechanical triggers, leading to unreliable results and complexity, especially when used by robotic arms.
Innovation Solution
A hardness measurement apparatus with a single-motion actuator for loading and releasing the impact body, incorporating a reed switch for low-power operation and mode switching, allowing reduced user effort and increased convenience, and integrating electronics for compact, low-power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a spring is used to supply impact energy and is charged to maximum pressure, then the impact energy is sufficient for hardness measurement, but the operator is physically stressed and results become unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a spring mechanism for energy storage and an actuator for controlled release. The actuator segments the loading operation from the impact delivery, allowing the spring to be pre-charged without requiring the operator to maintain continuous physical stress during measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
An actuator serves as an intermediary between the operator and the spring mechanism. Instead of the operator directly managing the high-pressure spring, they operate the actuator which then controls the spring's energy release, reducing physical stress while maintaining measurement reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a separate trigger mechanism is added to release the impact body, then operator stress is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator combines multiple functions into a single mechanism: it loads the spring, controls the release of the impact body, and returns the system to its initial state. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components compared to having distinct loading and triggering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves multiple purposes within the device: it compresses the spring during loading, controls the release of the impact body during operation, and facilitates the return to the initial position. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical triggering is used, then the device can be operated, but power consumption increases and low-power operation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional continuous-power mechanical triggering systems with a low-power actuator mechanism that can be operated with minimal energy input. The actuator uses mechanical advantage and spring energy storage to achieve high-impact force from low-operating-power inputs, enabling both operational capability and low power consumption.
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
The apparatus reduces operator stress and complexity by enabling easier operation with lower force requirements and lower power consumption, enhancing reliability and usability for both human and robotic operators.
Implementation Method 1
impacting an impact body against the sample and measuring a parameter of the rebound of the impact body
Implementation Method 2
measuring a parameter of the rebound of the impact body
Implementation Method 3
The majority of the impact devices use a spring to supply the impact energy
Implementation Method 4
the spring is charged to maximum spring pressure
Implementation Method 5
incorporating a reed switch for low-power operation and mode switching
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus comprises an actuator (23) that can be pushed from an extended position to a depressed position. When doing so, the actuator (23) first releases an impact body (32) to impinge against the sample (2), and then a catcher (40, 42) to be moved to the released impact body (32) for bringing it back. The passage of the impact body (32) is detected by a reed switch (28), which wakes up the processing circuitry and switches the same between two modes of operation. In the first mode, the circuitry displays a device status, and in the second mode a measuring result.